There are numerous iconic bikers that have graced the anime world throughout the years, such as Kaneda and his crimson cyberpunk bike or Kino and his old-school motorcycle. However, there is another name that has shot up to the top of the list in recent years, and take over the title as the most iconic anime biker of all time. She is from an anime called Durarara, and her name is Celty Sturluson.
There are lots of things that make Celty such a memorable biker. Such as her iconic look consisting of black bike, black biker suit, and bright yellow helmet with cat ears. And then there’s also her giant death scythe that she can freely swing around while riding her bike at the same time. What makes Celty so unforgettable, however, is the fact that she doesn’t have a head. Yes, Celty is a true headless rider, and this is everything that you need to know about her.
Dullahan, The Headless Horseman
Celty Sturluson is actually a Dullahan, a headless Celtic mythical being who rides a dark horse and clad in an all-black attire. Its job is to safely guard and guide the soul on their way to the afterlife. Although it's unclear whether the anime version of the Dullahan has the same task as its mythical counterpart, they both do live in Ireland.
In some of the flashback scenes, we can see Celty as the Dullahan. She wears an all-black full-body armor while riding her headless black stallion. Her right hand on the rein, while her left hand holds her emotionless head as she strolls around Ireland’s countryside for centuries.
At some point in the modern time, Celty awakens to find that somebody has stolen her head. She has a spiritual connection to her head, so she always knows its approximate location, which is on an island across the sea, which turns out to be Japan. So she secretly boards a ship, and sails into the open sea.
While on board, she meets Shinra Kishitani and her dad. Shinra’s father promises to keep her existence a secret, and even help her find her head. In exchange, she would let him perform an autopsy on her. And that is how Celty finally comes to live with the Kishitanis in Ikebukuro.
Celty Sturluson, The Headless Rider
In order to blend in with the modern world, Celty transforms her attire to a full-body biker suit, complete with black gloves and black boots. She also turns her armored helmet into a regular yellow biker helmet with cat ears. As for her familiar, which is the headless horse, she transforms it into a regular bike that resembles a Yamaha Power Cruiser.
For her day-to-day activity, Celty works as an underground transporter. She will transport anybody or deliver anything to anywhere in Ikebukuro at any time, for a rather hefty price. Celty is quite a reputable transporter and has several regular customers. After all, once she takes on a job, she will complete it without fail.
As a Dullahan, Celty has a super strong physique, endless stamina, and pretty much an immortal body. However, her most notable power is her ability to produce and control her shadows. She can emit smoke-like substances, which she simply calls shadows, from all over her body. This shadow is what allowed her to perceive the world around her.
Not only that she can also change the shadows into whatever shapes that she wants. From her outfit to her massive scythe, all of them are made out of her shadows. That is why no matter what kind of obstacles that stand in her way during a job, she can always take care of it with her shadows, and insane driving ability.
Celty’s Life With Shinra
Shinra first met Celty when she was just a boy. Since then, Celty acts as his caretaker until he becomes a proper doctor/scientist as seen in the series. They still live together till this day. Shinra always has a crush on Celty, but that feeling has now developed into a deep romantic love. He will proudly and openly display his affection to her, no matter where or when.
At first, Celty is a bit reluctant about having a relationship with Shinra. After all, they are two different beings. However, thanks to his constant care, affection, and also the fact that he always knows her moods and feelings despite the fact that she doesn’t have a head, Celty finally gives in and accepts Shinra’s feelings. At some point in the anime, Celty and Shinra are officially engaged.
To communicate, be it to Shinra or to other people, Celty uses a PDA. She also seems to enjoy online chat groups quite a bit. At this point, other than the fact that she is a Dullahan, everything about Celty is indistinguishable to a normal human. Not only that, she is also, ironically, one of the most caring and sympathetic characters in Durarara. She is willing to help those who she considers as her friends, and she also enjoys spending time together with her lover, Shinra. This clash between normal and abnormal characteristics is what makes Celty Sturluson, the Headless Rider from Durarara, the most iconic rider in anime.