Per 
SCP-XXXX in its inactive state.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is to be kept in a containment cell with sufficient space for movement. Personnel of all clearances are permitted to enter the containment area during periods of inactivity but are to be observed and are not allowed to make physical contact with SCP-XXXX. During periods of object activity, only authorised researchers of Level 2 clearance or higher are permitted to enter the containment area. A replica of SCP-XXXX is to be installed and monitored by Foundation personnel in the Royal Armoury, Stockholm in the object’s original location.
Description: SCP-XXXX is the mounted hide of a chestnut Baroque horse, named “Streiff”, that was originally on display in the Royal Armoury in Stockholm, Sweden prior to containment. SCP-XXXX had previously belonged to King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden, who rode it during the Battle of Lützen in 1632, where he was killed in action.
On specific dates, SCP-XXXX becomes animated and sapient, and takes on the apparent personality of Gustav II Adolf, identifying itself as such. SCP-XXXX’s descriptions of its life exactly match, and surpass, historical records of Gustav II Adolf’s life. During these periods of activity, SCP-XXXX is capable of movement and speech, and enjoys frequent conversations with Foundation personnel, displaying a command of Swedish, Latin, German, Italian, French, Greek, and, to a lesser degree, English and Spanish. SCP-XXXX, while active, has also shown knowledge that it is a mounted horse hide. When questioned about this, SCP-XXXX only said that it had “accepted that a long time ago” [tr. from German by Dr. Voigt].
SCP-XXXX has proved useful in advising the commanders of combat-oriented Mobile Task Forces, and has in turn shown a vested interest in matters of military tactics and history since the 1630s. As such, during active periods, Foundation personnel of proper clearance and authorisation have previously been permitted to read to SCP-XXXX, and, on occasion, display films for it in its containment area.
SCP-XXXX’s periods of activity occur at the earliest time on dates that hold some significance in the life of Gustav II Adolf, and consist of the following:
| Date(s) | Significance |
| April 24 | Date of birth of Gustav Gustavsson of Vasaborg, son of Gustav II Adolf. |
| May 2 | Date of unknown significance; when asked, SCP-XXXX’s only response was laughter without further elaboration. |
| June 25 | Date of the Battle of Trzciana, where Gustav II Adolf was nearly killed. |
| July 6 | The Swedish army first landed in Germany on this date. |
| August 17-18 | Dates of the Battle of Dirschau, where Gustav II Adolf was seriously wounded. |
| September 17 | Date of the First Battle of Breitenfeld. |
| October 12 | Date of Gustav II Adolf’s coronation |
| October 26 | Date of unknown significance; when asked, SCP-XXXX claimed not to know. |
| November 16 | Date of the Battle of Lützen and Gustav II Adolf’s death. |
| November 25 | Date of Gustav II Adolf’s marriage to Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg. |
| December 18 | Date of birth of Christina, Queen of Sweden and daughter of Gustav II Adolf. |
SCP-XXXX was first recovered by the Foundation on January 21, 19██, following Incident XXXX-1. Investigation into SCP-XXXX’s origin confirmed that it was the original hide from 1633. A brief inspection of Gustav II Adolf’s burial place at Riddarholm Church, Stockholm, revealed that the king’s remains were undisturbed, except for his heart, which was separated after his death and interred in the same church. Current location of the heart remains unknown. Dr. Robertson and Dr. Li have requested several times that a surgical examination be carried out on SCP-XXXX, but these requests have been denied.
Interview Log XXXX-1:
Interviewer: Dr. Nygård
[Translated from Swedish]
<Begin Log>
[October 12, 19██, 13:00 GMT, Research Area-14, Site-59, ██████, Finland]
Dr. Nygård: Alright, then. Let’s begin. For the record, you are Gustav II Adolf, King of Sweden, correct?
SCP-XXXX: Gustav, by the Grace of God, King of the Swedes, the Goths and the Wends, Grand Prince of Finland, Duke of Scania, Estonia, Livonia, Karelia, and Pomerania, and Lord of Ingria.
Dr. Nygård: Er, yes, of course. You are aware of your death in 1632, at Lützen?
SCP-XXXX: I have been informed.
Dr. Nygård: And what do you remember afterwards?
SCP-XXXX: Not much, truly. I remember awaking in my Royal Armoury one morning, shocked to discover that I was now a taxidermy, but no one in sight, at the time, for I to call for aid. I did not wish to disturb the items of the museum, so I stayed put, fell asleep, and woke up again. It was not until much later that I [DATE EXPUNGED]. I do deeply regret the death of that poor old woman.
Dr. Nygård: Not to worry, our contacts in the government have made sure that her funeral comes at no cost to her family. Now, how would you describe your physical condition? Are you in any pain?
SCP-XXXX: I am not. I would say I feel a little stiff, but really, if my hooves did not clop and I were able to stand on my hind legs then I might still believe myself to inhabit a man’s body.
Dr. Nygård: What about mentally? Have you felt any significant shifts in your emotional or mental state?
SCP-XXXX: Well, the discovery of my current physical condition was quite shocking, but I have had quite a while to accept that. However… I do… I do miss my wife, and my dear Christina. Tell me, what became of them?
Dr. Nygård: I… do not believe I currently have access to that information.
SCP-XXXX: Oh, well… I am sure that… that they lived quite happily, even in my absence.
Dr. Nygård: Do you, er, have any requests before we end the interview?
SCP-XXXX: At this moment, I would like to request access to a book of history so that I may adjust myself to the state of this current world. And… I would also like a personal Bible to consult during my stay at your… fortress.
Dr. Nygård: I see no reason why we could not. It’s been a pleasure to speak with you, my liege.
<End Log>
Interviewer's Note: SCP-XXXX is a joy to speak with. I encourage providing the subject with further reading material, and that its request for a Bible be carried out as soon as possible. Furthermore, I would also like to request that SCP-XXXX receive a psychiatric evaluation.
- Dr Nygård
