Atticus used to be an Irish Gaelic mercenary named Daighre Ó Súilleabháin. A merchant's third son, he went down the wrong direction and was decapitated, and now as a punishment he must herald death for eternity as a dullahan.

Because of his past he has decided to move on from it, using the name Atticus and keeping himself away from the eyes of living in shame. He is unstoppable by any means other than gold, which he hates as it reminds him of the life he should have led if he hadn't become a wastrel. But now what he fears most is losing touch with his humanity; as a living human, he had no humanity. As a herald of death, he intends to maintain that connection and try to atone for what he's done. He's spent 500 years collecting souls and regaining his humanity; now that he has that back, he's intending to put it to good use, making adults and children alike smile and enjoy his performances in the fantastical Cirque des Reves.

Like all dullahan Atticus is good with horses, but you will not see his (unnamed) mare since he doesn't need her at the moment.