When it comes to iconic characters in Skyrim, none come quite as popular and well-known as companion Lydia, who also references Monty Python and the Holy Grail in the game's Dragonborn DLC. Upon the release of Skyrim back in 2011, fans were quick to praise Lydia as an entertaining, reliable and seemingly indestructible (unless attacked by the player) teammate in the Dragonborn's journey. With the Nord being one of the first companions that can be met during the story, many were quick to take a liking to Lydia and aimed to have her alongside throughout Skyrim's 33-hour main questline. This came with a bonus when playing the Dragonborn DLC, as Lydia references Monty Python while the player does battle with a Riekling.
Companions helped the Dragonborn's exploration of Skyrim less lonely than it otherwise might've been on their own. Dozens feature in the game, and the player is able to customize the outfits and weapons of most they encounter. While exploring or in combat, companions will frequently offer quick lines of dialogue, sometimes related to their own specific backstory. Some of these exchanges can be quite humorous, especially when the Dragonborn is attempting to take advantage of Elder Scrolls' powerful sneaking mechanics. Lydia, due to her being one of the first companions encountered in Skyrim, is arguably one of the game's most famous.
Upon the release of Dragonborn in 2012, the final story-based DLC that Bethesda offered for Skyrim, eagle-eared fans were quick to notice a line from Lydia that suggested alongside her combat prowess and usefulness in battle situations, she is also apparently a fan of classic comedy movies. While fighting a Riekling (creatures that are remote to caves, ruins and mountain peaks), Lydia can occasionally be heard speaking the line - "What next, carnivorous rabbits?". Considering the location of the Riekling, alongside their rabbit/hare-like appearance, it would be safe to assume this is a direct reference to the classic movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Near the climax of the movie, the heroes attempt to enter the cave wherein the titular Holy Grail is said to be, however, the entrance is guarded by the Rabbit of Caerbannog. The rabbit swiftly kills three members of the posse, and the protagonist Arthur is forced to use the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch to take it down. There is no direct line in Monty Python and the Holy Grail that identically resembles what Lydia says in Dragonborn (the most iconic of which being "That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on"), but the similarities are too clear for the line to be a coincidence.
Both the Rabbit and the Holy Hand Grenade have been heavily referenced throughout video games in years gone by. Examples include the killer bunny in Minecraft, a tame rabbit amongst a pile of bones and blood in The Witcher 3, and the Holy Frag Grenade from the Fallout series - another Bethesda franchise. Whether through the environment, NPCs or bosses, Skyrim also includes many Easter eggs to the movie and television industry, with nods to Game of Thrones, Assassins Creed, Lord of the Rings and Alice in Wonderland. With the fantasy nature of The Elder Scrolls series, many of these Easter eggs fit into the lore of Bethesda's world perfectly.
With The Elder Scrolls VI confirmed and on the not-so-near horizon, it would be safe to assume that Easter eggs akin to the nature of those seen in Skyrim are a guarantee - with more recent media to reference. Lydia returning to reference films again, however, is yet to be confirmed. The companions of the next Elder Scrolls will need to start practicing their material if they're to be as fondly remembered as Whiterun's famous housecarl.
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