Summary
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimis a game filled with mysterious easter eggs that make it more intriguing and fun to play. Most of these hidden gems reference TV shows, movies, previousTEStitles, and even other video games. An easily recognizable one is The Headless Horseman, which the Dragonborn will see and interact with within the vicinity of Hamvir’s Rest. The source material of this easter egg is just as interesting as the encounter that players will have with it inSkyrim.
The Elder Scrollsgames, likeSkyrim, are greatly influenced by high fantasy books, religion, and real-life historical events. Some influences are quite obvious, like:
What’s great aboutTESis that its writers, like Michael Kirkbride and Todd Howard, didn’t take these references for granted. They built on them to create a truly unique world that fans continue to discuss more than a decade afterSkyrim’s release.
What Happens When Players Encounter the Headless Horseman in Skyrim
The Headless Horseman will randomly appear in theprovince of Skyrimfrom 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM. If the Dragonborn sees him, he will usually stop so the player can have a good look at him before riding away again. The Steel plate armor-clad Horseman cannot be damaged by attacks, nor do they retaliate. Their objective is mainly to get the player to follow them.
When the Dragonborn follows the Headless Horseman, they will eventually reach Hamvir’s Rest, an ancient Nord ruin located between Hjaalmarch and Whiterun’s mountains. Players will eventually notice that this area is some kind of above-ground graveyard, which is quite different from the underground tombs that the players may have encountered inSkyrimbefore. Upon reaching the graveyard, the Headless Horseman will say “You are not welcome here.” Then, the Dragonborn will find themselves jumped by aDraugurand three Skeletons.
The Literary Reference Behind Skyrim’s Headless Horseman
The Headless Horseman references a mythical figure of the same name, who became popular during the Middle Ages around Europe. His backstory and appearance depend entirely on the country. The English verse ofSir Gawain and the Green Knight, which was adapted into amovie calledThe Green Knight, depicts the Horseman as a mysterious figure who challenges Arthur’s Round Table to strike him with his ax. The catch is that he will return the blow to the challenger in a year and a day. Gawain took on his offer and beheaded him, thinking that this action would kill the knight and make his challenge null and void. Despite this, the Horseman continues to ride on with head in hand, waiting for his opportunity to do the same to Gawain.
The Headless Horseman inSkyrimlikely references a work of fiction in another country called “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” written by Washington Irving in 1820. The short story is set in 1790 and describes the Horseman as the ghost of a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a cannonball during the Revolutionary War. He was buried in a churchyard inSleepy Hollow, but legends say that his body rises from the dead every night to look for his head, but rushes back to his grave before daybreak. KeenTESlore scholars say that Hamvir’s Rest is likely based on the graveyard in this legend, asSkyrim’s Headless Horseman also does his best to get back to his resting place at 4:00 AM, just before the sun rises.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
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Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim celebrates 10 years of adventuring in stunning detail. The Anniversary Edition includes a decade worth of content: the critically acclaimed core game and add-ons of Skyrim Special Edition, plus Creation Club content released on or prior to June 07, 2025.EPIC FANTASY REBORNSkyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLDPlay any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAYChoose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.BATTLE DRAGONSBattle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
