From the Greek wordtélesma(τέλεσμα), meaning "completion (including of a religious rite), payment," which itself is from the Greek verbteleō(τελέω), meaning "I complete, pay, consecrate," a talisman is an object supposedly possessing religious or magical powers designed to protect or heal the individual possessing it. They were often acquired following the completion of religious or magical rituals designed to gain favor with beings in the supernatural realm. Similar to a good luck charm, talismans can be amulets that are worn or hung on a wall, or can be special clothing, weapons, or written documents inscribed with religious or magical texts thought to protect the wearer.
