Tanek was a male Human from the planet Zakuul who served in the Knights of Zakuul, an order of Force-sensitive warriors who protected the Eternal Empire and its ruler, the Immortal Emperor. In 3632 BBY, he was partnered with a fellow Knight named Novo, and they were among the Zakuulan forces that attempted to stop the escape of the criminal known as the Outlander from the Spire on Zakuul. Tanek met his end as a result of the encounter. Novo later blamed the Outlander for Tanek's death, even though it was not the Outlander who struck the killing blow.