The 'I Took an Arrow in the Knee' meme originates from the 2011 open-world RPG 'The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.' Within the game, nearly every city guard shares this specific line of dialogue, explaining their transition from a life of adventure to one of sentry duty. The phrase quickly became a viral sensation due to its repetitive nature and the absurdity of so many guards sharing the exact same injury. While fans originally speculated it was Norse slang for getting married, developers confirmed it was simply a flavor text line. Today, it is used to humorously explain why someone stopped a particular hobby or career, often citing a minor or relatable setback as the turning point.