Talisman is a noun that refers to a person regarded as representing and inspiring a particular group.

The Greek word ‘telos’ means ‘result’ or ‘end.’ This word drifted into English by the mid 17th century and soon came to refer to a man who helps complete a process. Today talisman is most likely to be used metaphorically to mean someone who inspires a group.

In the school marching band, Devon was the talisman of the trumpet section. He inspired us all to practice a lot harder because we aspired to play just like him.