Sekiro: 7 Weirdest Enemies (And What They Represent)

Large, fleshy, and appropriately missing their head, killing one of the two mini-bosses named 'Headless' results in learning they're the 'ruined form of corrupted heroes who once fought for their country.' This could allude to the samurai, since these were the warriors of premodern Japan.

And samurai, when faced with torture after being captured by enemies or after bringing shame to themselves, would commit seppuku - a ritual suicide that would grant them honour in death. Part of this ritual is the ceremonial cutting of the abdomen to release their spirit, whilst a trusted second party would decapitate the samurai at the moment of the most agony.

You can see a mark on the right side of the Headless's stomach, and coupled with the rather obvious part of them missing their heads, these warriors could be linked to this practise.

But, I hear you cry, what about when they kill you and seemingly shove your insides up their behind? In folklore, bodies contain a shirikodama, a little ball that lives in your butthole and contains your soul. The Headless are literally taking your soul out from between your cheeks and reinserting it inside itself, perhaps in an attempt to be truly alive once more.

Aren't you glad I answered that question?