The 'By Talos This Can't Be Happening' meme originates from the critically acclaimed RPG The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This line of dialogue is most famously associated with the citizens and guards of Skyrim when they witness a dragon attack or a crime, or specifically the fervent preacher Heimskr in Whiterun. In meme culture, the phrase is paired with images of NPCs looking distressed or bizarre in-game glitches to express disbelief, horror, or comedic despair. It gained traction within the gaming community as a versatile reaction image for 'cursed' content or situations where reality seems to be breaking down, much like the often-glitchy world of Tamriel.