Daelon DuLac
How do you backstab a Dragon?
p1 - YES it was evilWhile I agree, isn't that a bit megolamaniacal to insist on fealty just because you're Dragonborn? No, wait, that is just plain evil. I'm beginning to see why he is so hated.Talos didn't execute the Nords because they swore fealty to him as Dragonborn, not because of their race. The Bretons refused to bend knee and were punished accordingly.
Whoa there. Was it "evil" for the various Popes throughout history to send armies into battle and demand fealty from the people there because he was a holy man? Or how about every king that invoked divine right and conquered a land, insisting the people become part of their empire or face the tip of the sword? This often involved religious conversion. Only person I can think of off the top of my head was Genghis Khan who didn't care about your religion. He welcomed all religions so long as you swore fealty to his strength. If you defied him in anyway, you were killed without question.
Even the most pious and most generous of leaders insist that the conquered peoples become loyal to him or they will be killed. This isn't evil, it's called war. It's called imperialism. It's called common sense. You don't wage a war, whether a thousand years ago or today, without insisting the losers join your side. Look at what's going on in the Ukraine. All you hear about are "pro-Russian forces" and "anti-Russian forces". Leaders may not be invoking the "right of God" as their reason for waging war anymore, but they're definitely killing those who don't swear loyalty.
I think it's pretty interesting that because Talos was a strong leader that people want to knock him. This is, essentially, what historians do. They discuss the merits of a leader and try to get a good understanding on how he should be recorded in history. Do they get painted a murderous zealot or do they get heralded as a demigod? Interestingly enough, every great leader can be broken down and have their faults put forward as to why they suck. The question is do they have redeeming qualities that out weigh their indiscretions?
p2 - loyalty is one thing genocide of you people who do not swear fealty is another. Yes, Russia is being evil in this case but so is Ukraine for failing to recognize the ethnic Russian's concerns.
p3 - not knocking him. Affective leader, yes. Evil in some of his actions, yes. No, good deeds and positive outcomes do not outweigh evil actions and harm to others.