Exploring The Mystery of the "Headless Horseman" - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim's "Headless Horseman" is a fascinating beast; a spectral man who rides around Tamriel at night, always arriving at the same destination. What is the story behind this ghost archetype's appearance in Skyrim, though I cannot promise clear cut answers, we're certainly about to look at it under a microscope.
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#Skyrim #TheElderScrolls #bethesda

[@Fizhy]

You wanted more, and I wanted to make more. Enjoy!

[@Manic_player]

Not complaining or anything but what inspired this sudden Skyrim kick? Whatever the reason still great content

[@Fizhy]

@@Manic_player got bored one night, installed Skyrim and started modding then decided I'd like to try my hand at producing meaningful content for a game I've lost so many hours to.

[@rodan9773]

Nice we have a Headless Horsemen Myth in my Town very Cool Myth. Have you done a Video on The History of Pickmen from Fallout 4 ? could you even do a one is there anything to go on i would love to see that. Respect and keep up the epic work.

[@The_Sleepiest_Socialist]

Now I want you to come up with stuff that just doesn’t exist in other games. Like: just make shit up for a week.

[@notacatgirl93]

Thank you kindly. Appreciate you mate

[@Longshanks1690]

You should really do a deep dive into the Rorikstead mystery as a whole, because there is a LOT of absolutely sus stuff going on in that village that merits investigating with details that just don’t add up and possibly one of the most sinister backstories for a place in all of Tamriel, if you believe the theories are true.

[@Fizhy]

I am aware of it and I’ll work my way up to it in good time

[@Longshanks1690]

@@Fizhy : D

[@RealBradMiller]

Oh come on, I _just_ inherited a farm nearby from a family of ghosts after my house near Pinewatch was overrun by giants and reiklings.

[@bencross3759]

they have a deal with the Daedra It's a well known one! i don't think he will unearth anything new but the dwemer going missing or the mage in morthal Falion?

[@austincorreia53]

Yes! Definitely an awesome video idea!

[@quietstories795]

I like to think that the headless horseman was a nord from Whiterun or nearby, but died far from home. And maybe his head was all that could be brought to his ancestral burial ground, which is why the ghost is non hostile as its a barely sentient spirit trying to reconnect with a disembodied part of himself.

[@charsage1036]

Honestly the headless horse man is one of if not my favorite random encounters there's just something so special about it.

[@TheHiddenOne690]

I remember watching your video many years ago about The Headless Horseman in AC

[@Fizhy]

I remember making it

[@ghostwarrior3878]

I remember that as well

[@moonlightwolf]

Hell yeah, just sat down with food and now I have the perfect thing to watch!

[@Fizhy]

Enjoy the video and the scran

[@ZachariahJ]

Saw him once - I felt privileged! That's in three playthroughs, totalling about 800 hours. So not that often. However, I rarely played when it was night time in the game world - I like to enjoy the scenery!

[@MagisterMalleus]

I live on the welsh border and I can say that pronunciation was almost spot-on. The "dd" is softer, more like a "th", but you pretty much nailed it.

[@user-cj8rx2yi1b]

Skyrim a smart choice for these style of videos of how much stuff there are in Bethesda games like the dragon grave yards and other things in Skyrim and fallout

[@terrynixon2758]

I may have seen the Staffordshire Moorlands headless horseman. I mean, I'm not stupid, I'm aware it's far far far more likely it was my mind playing tricks on me. However if ghosts do somehow turn out to be real, I might have seen one.

[@TheMoonShepard]

In the thousands of hours I've put into Skyrim, I've only encountered this guy, maybe 4 times

[@Pr0digyZRX]

That's wild... I've played through the main story twice and all the side content once and encountered him like 6 times but that was also on Xbox. I haven't downloaded it on pc yet

[@KillbotSw]

So is it any good? I never played it.

[@travislefebvre7341]

Same, I’ve played through the game many times and have only seen him 2 times

[@travislefebvre7341]

@@KillbotSware you asking if Skyrim is a good game?

[@micshaz]

i never knew he was a thing until i bought skyrim for my switch lite, at which point he was among the first 15ish npc's i encountered after the intro.

[@zerocalvin]

unlike our world, it really seems like people of skyrim are really used to seeing ghost... like there is a ghost hanging out in Old Hroldan Inn and everyone is chill about it...

[@IlMemetor72]

Hell yes! Glad you continued this series, fell in love with the first episode- perfect sleep aid

[@Fizhy]

Oh aye, rest well soldier

[@crusadergodx9795]

This Video really made my day, exactly what I was needing after work, love your content, and look forward to more!

[@soprano_hornet0011]

So glad you’re making skyrim videos it’s my favorite game, love the channel!

[@briskhockey]

Im absolutely loving these skyrim dives. Please keep at them

[@lillianbusch1710]

I’m really enjoying your Skyrim videos!

[@justplainjason]

Damn this is a good vid, can't wait to see some deeper elder scrolls mysteries on this channel, I already know they're gonna be great.

[@Fizhy]

I look forward to it myself - I’m easing myself in with the more superficial ones to begin with as that way I can come to understand the lore better before I tackle some deeper topics - my understanding isn’t horrid as is but it’s certainly lacking compared to others who do this calibre of content so I have to catch up

[@ChapterFourBand]

Absolutely love these types of videos, please keep them coming!

[@Alex-mn2nf]

Loving your new elder scrolls stuff and can't wait to see what you're on with next!

[@emilybroderick2421]

I excitedly await any further videos you want to make in this series

[@beatriceminetti2199]

These videos are absolutely amazing!!!

[@Luke_H98]

I've been getting into Skyrim a lot lately, so these videos are fantastic! Hope to see more!

[@Fizhy]

You shall!

[@SPSguy836]

Keen for you to get into the elder scrolls lore, hoping for more, cheers mate

[@Jupiter-sw8qq]

i feel it’s pretty noteworthy that Ragnar is a name commonly associated with Viking culture. a culture that the nords of Skyrim clearly take most inspiration from. that being said the headless horseman is specifically riding to a nordic burial site, rather than any other old burial site. something to chew on i suppose.

[@savagetilley2782]

Headless horseman is one of my favorite folklore legends.

[@jamesfitzpatrick6968]

Awesome video, keep it up.

[@rydercanfield3721]

I'm excited as hell to see you delving into the lore of the Elder Scrolls, either surface level or the deep stuff. Such a lore rich environment, and I can't wait to see more from you! Do you have plans on delving into either Morrowind or Oblivion, as well as Skyrim?

[@Fizhy]

I mean for now I'm clinging to Skyrim as my entry point - if the videos do well over time and ideas dry up for Skyrim itself I think then I'll work my way backwards to Oblivion and then perhaps Morrowind as the lore in the older titles is a lot more extensive and I'm still building up my understanding to competently handle the more deep concepts of The Elder Scrolls universe.

[@degariuslozak2169]

Imagine if Ragnar was the ancestor of Rorik

[@geraltofrivia7448]

These videos are absolute peak content!

[@goodenoughright5433]

I'm glad you're taking on this game lore now

[@noone_at_home]

keep branching out into the Elder Scrolls series on the Gods and creation myths and you have my full attention Fizhy. already catching it right now.

[@ARTHUR-MORGAN5]

Skyrim glitches Are the Funniest Glitches in Gaming History 😂

[@vladdietheladdie7345]

Wdym? It's an easter egg :/

[@ARTHUR-MORGAN5]

@@vladdietheladdie7345 Just Saying Skyrim has Funny Glitches

[@vladdietheladdie7345]

@@ARTHUR-MORGAN5 that it does 🗿

[@RandomMercenary1]

Didn't expect Elder Scrolls content. A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

[@Fizhy]

Yessir

[@austincorreia53]

More 🔥 content!🤘 keep it up man!

[@irmelinsundragon8860]

I enjoyed this a lot. More! Give me more.

[@Westsideaviation23]

Love that you doing Skyrim

[@theonewithnoname3375]

KEEP MAKING MORE

[@risinghonor7]

I found him once in 2012 and never saw him again, my family thought I lied about seeing him for years until 2019 when my dad encountered him

[@Uroboros97]

I think this is the first Easter egg I ever stumbled upon in a game, really cool.

[@maeday5199]

i would just die of excitement if you did a giant deep dive into the dwemer, later on after the smaller stuff :)

[@GraniteGhost778]

I first encountered it while helping a certain dog reunite with its master. Was certainly a fright.

[@DaedruTV]

Gah this is soooo good keep it up !

[@dingo.girl99]

We love you Fizhy

[@simplycinclair8979]

Beautiful! So glad to see more

[@Fizhy]

And there's so much more to come!

[@shaunrobinson4614]

Rorikstead appears in arena which is set roughly 240 years before skyrim so its either a retcon or the towns leader is just flat out lying. Some books in game mention it from 1000's of years a go so the latter is most likely true.

[@nicholassiter368]

I love these!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ajunctionaday...277]

I love this

[@lexinicole4317]

YESSSSSS!!! Thank you!!!!

[@Lady_Ginnie]

I didn't know this was a thing. I'm glad I learned about it here, because I'd hate to come across it in the game and freak myself out, lol.

[@icyice1902]

The first time I encountered the headless horsemen I was just south of Rorikstead. The horsemen got stuck on a rock and ended up getting launched into the sky.

[@Fizhy]

Average Skyrim moment

[@CyarSkirata]

I've not played as much as most, admittedly, but I'd never even so much as heard of him before.

[@liammurphy2022]

I'm here all day every day for more Skyrim Fizhy 🔥🔥🔥(edit, any elder scrolls for that matter even Bethesda whatever it is I'd love to see it)

[@Fizhy]

Absolute legend!

[@liammurphy2022]

@@Fizhy oh no Fizhy you sir are the legend keep doing you brother much love ❤️ (can't wait for the next one)

[@blade7373]

what timing because I was playing skyrim last night and saw the headless horseman for myself the first time !!

[@funstuffwithboss]

do dawn star next please!

[@edwhatshisname3562]

Talking about Sleepy Hollow is making me want to watch the old movie with Johnny Depp. It's probably been over a decade since I've seen that movie...

[@knightingale9833]

I like the Ragnar the Red theory. I don’t think the Hamvir’s Rest name debunks it, the cemetery doesn’t have to be named after the Headless Horseman, especially if it predates him. Besides, Hamvir is probably the Draugr that re-animates, and he has a head. It could also be who is buried in the other sarcophagus that’s behind bars, the one that doesn’t have the skull and axe.

[@mikavituhandle]

I have 5 to 6 thousand hours in skyrim across PC, xbox360 and ps3, yet ive seen the horseman event only once.

[@bencross3759]

If you follow him, he will lead you to Hamvir's Rest i think it's Ragnar the Red. Ideas for your next skyrim video, the made in morthal Falion or the bugs in the jars with runes on them?

[@corpseflow]

You should do the Forgotten Vale next 😎

[@nashanderson6755]

“ a good chance” my ass I’ve played Skyrim for thousands of hours and I’ve seen him twice

[@djinn9504]

Hamvir's Rest has a skull next to an axe and leveled helmet.. that's the horseman's head he's returning to get

[@joseybryant7577]

Think it's just a cut character/quest they left in as a mystery. That being said, I always feel good when I see him during a playthrough. It's a good omen.

[@Wighafoc]

Hey more Elder Scrolls!

[@JoshHope-j8z]

I can’t be the only person on this planet of whom knows this…the headless horseman gives you a quest to retrieve his skull…the skull isn’t even that far…it’s hiding under a rock cliff a 15 second ride from the horseman…there isn’t even guess work…it literally has an arrow above it on the map

[@tekkadawn6685]

LFG I can listen to you talk for a concerning amount of hours

[@Fizhy]

Understandable

[@Mark-uh3un]

I believe it could be Ragnar, but most likely it’s just an Easter egg without a clear answer

[@edwhatshisname3562]

I think it is Ragnar. I think that's the reason they put that bard song in the game. Who else is it gonna be referring to? Why he's presumably buried in Hamvir's Rest is anyone's guess, maybe that was the closest cemetery.

[@wesker877]

Over the years ive played thru 5 times.. on my 6th now. Lvl 64.... i had no clue about this... never seen him.

[@charsage1036]

With the mentions of rorikstead i think a video based on rorikstead would be nice as it's believed rorikstead is cursed.

[@alexandertiberius1098]

My ridiculously modded Skyrim is so dangerous at night that I haven't seen this guy in an age. Maybe ill camp along that road for a while and see if i can find him.

[@jaymac7203]

I'm enjoying these videos lol I've never even played the game. It looks surprisingly good too for a 2016 game 🤔

[@Fizhy]

2011 game technically, albeit with a 2016 remaster. Also I've modded the visuals a little bit too.

[@tyler-anthonygroh7297]

Theres is a pretty Cool easter egg regarding the headless horseman in Assassin's Creed Rogue where you can summon him and fight him

[@spencerllewellyn4360]

You did pretty good with Llandymawddwy, don't worry about it

[@Fizhy]

Glad to hear it! I always attempt to do pronunciation justice but I can't always promise I'll quite get it right

[@zombiewarrior225]

I remember I saw the Headless Horseman but forgot where it was. Never saw it at all on PS3 or PS5 but only once on PS4. I was very creeped out

[@alexteague9075]

As I am from Devon I can confirm that the headless horseman is a bit of a local celebrity, although he doesn't talk much...

[@corbindoesthings1795]

i definitely think this easter egg is just that, a easter egg with no real reason behind it, but i like to accept the more fun version that it is indeed ragnar the red

[@Fizhy]

I too logically view easter eggs as superficial references but love when a decent theory is proposed. The Ragnar the Red theory is, in my opinion, unlikely to have been intentional but it's not a bad theory.

[@bermudabarracuda1902]

Wow, apparently I'm one of the poor souls who didn't know there was a Headless Horseman in Skyrim until today! Never seen him, never heard of him :O Now I'll keep an eye out for any signs of a ghostly apparition on my nightly travels! Really enjoying all your lore/theory videos!

[@ViPER5RT10]

I totally thought it was a mod when I first encountered him.

[@AlexisB-gv1tk]

Is Ragnar perhaps the guy on the bannared mare sign? iirc there's also a guy in the loading screen wearing the same armor.

[@geenoix2357]

I could have sworn he took me to a different ruin in... Morthal hold

[@NCR_vet_ranger2347]

Woah

[@stormcloak1822]

Whiterun is a curious hold isn't it? I've always wondered if balgruufs wife's death is connected to the rorikstead conspiracy well assuming she's even dead

[@enderarmy2042]

thats weird. i just just started a new playthrough of skyrim and u release a skyrim video? i came to you channel because of rdr 2 lol

[@Fizhy]

I have released 2 Skyrim videos. Hope you enjoy them

[@crimsonking440]

Alright I'm gonna be real, I've played well over a thousand hours of Skyrim and I've never once seen this npc. It's crazy how many things in Skyrim I'll see in a video and go "huh, did they add that with the dlc or in an update?" Only for the answer to be "no it was in at launch". Say what you will about Bethesda today, it's crazy how much they used to pack until their games. From releasing Morrowind in 02 or 03 until Skyrim in 2011 they were hitting Homers left and right.

[@AnaleiGreathouse]

I had the super buggy rare encounter where he was chasing his horse it was weird and different

[@Pr0digyZRX]

I played Skyrim on Xbox back in the day... haven't played it in a long time though. After Saturday I'm off for 2 weeks from work so I may fuck around and download it and some mods on my pc and have a nice little walk down memory lane lol

[@Fizhy]

100% worth it, just remember that no matter how unrecognisable the game, it's still Skyrim.

[@Pr0digyZRX]

@@Fizhy ill definitely have to keep that in mind

[@Taschara-lp6xy]

I just like that its a mystery. While it is fun to solve them, some mysteries are better left unsolved. With that being said, I think that it is just an Easter egg.

[@silence7896]

OH YAY HES COVERING SKYRIM NOW

[@DragonslayerPS3]

Weird question but are you interested in Norse Mythology? I think it'd be really interesting for you to dive into different stories. Anyway, thanks for making such enjoyable content!

[@MikefromTexas1]

I used to think he might be Ragnar the Red, then I followed him to Hamvir's Rest and had no clue. You pronounce Chaurus perfectly, a lotta youtubers don't do that.

[@Fizhy]

I had to narrow it down to 2 possible ways to say it and kinda coin-tossed on which pronunciation to go for.

[@Victoria-vd2li]

If Ragnar really was from Rorikstead, then maybe the local dealings with the daedra have something to do with him lingering after his haircut by Matilda

[@groutguy]

How did we get so lucky to get two elder scrolls videos so close together thank you fizhy lol

[@SatantonioRaider]

in 11yrs I've seen him twice maybe

[@ollie5927]

Oh, there once was a hero named Ragnar the Red Who came riding to Whiterun from ole Rorikstead And the braggart did swagger and brandish his blade As he told of bold battles and gold he had made But then he went quiet, did Ragnar the Red When he met the shieldmaiden, Matilda, who said: "Oh you talk, and you lie, and you drink all our mead Now I think it's high time that you lie down and bleed" And so then came clashing and slashing of steel As the brave lass Matilda charged in full of zeal And the braggart named Ragnar was boastful no more When his ugly red head rolled around on the floor

[@masy9595]

No way that the soul from JJK is a straight up copy of Skyrim's souls 💀

[@betweenthevelvetlies]

I think it's only interesting not knowing. If it was called Ragnar's rest nobody would talk about it. Mystery is better, let the bloke ride.

[@Fizhy]

For sure

[@Klomster88]

I mean, it does make sense it's Ragnar the Red. Also why he's buried in a random burial ground? Is it really random though? One can clearly see new graves on the site, so it might just be a popular burial place, simply named after Hamvir, perhaps Hamvir wanted a graveyard for the area and people named it after him? And Ragnar the Red was entombed there because... well he was kinda disliked but greedy people do often accrue some money. So probably enough to earn him a burial. Entire place isn't exactly luxurious though, and seeing how his supposed skull and axe is just tossed on the ground, it might not even be that much of a burial at all. Just put there as a cautionary tale? Which was forgotten.

[@zambekiller]

I believe hes supposed to be Ragnar the Red from the bard song

[@DuskyPredator]

I would be suspicious of accuracy if the Ragnar the Red song. I believe there is even a quest in the bard college that points out facts being altered for better stories. I could see a Ragnar existing, and elements were changed to make him sound dishonourable and a funnier song. But a much older version might have explained why a headless spector travels from "Old" Rorickstead past Whiterun.

[@DynomitePunch]

My only problem with your theory, is the idea that they had a problem with his bragging because of "pride as a sin" at best the words are Norse, with simillar afterlife in sovengard, and as far as I know, while looked down upon, it is not considered sinful to brag about your deeds, I think the primary reasoning in the song is Matilda was tired of his LIES, you can find any number of words who love to brag about their deeds in the Gane world of you take the time to talk to them, other than that I like your theory good vid!

[@paularuge7864]

i thought that its a comrade from Hamvir wich is buried in the middle as the most important figure hence gettinge the name and the middle burrieal and the headless rider is one of the other tho heros burreid beside him. maby they couldnt recover his body for burieal because of an battle or something and now he tries to return.