Mythology/Folklore

Irish, Scottish, Welsh, German, English, American

Associated Holidays

Halloween

Location

Sleepy Hollow, New York, United States

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Headless Horsemen appear throughout European and American Folklore

- The popular Halloween one is based on the Horseman in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Brief Bio

The Headless Horseman is an archetype of mythical figure that has appeared in folklore around Europe since the Middle Ages. The figures are traditionally depicted as riders on horseback who are missing their heads. These myths have since inspired a number of stories and characters in culture around the world, including "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".

Description

Depending on the legend, the Horseman is either carrying his head, or is missing his head altogether, and may be searching for it. Famous examples include the dullahan from Ireland, who is a demonic fairy usually depicted riding a horse and carrying his head under his arm, and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," a short story written in 1820 by American writer Washington Irving, which has been adapted into several other works of literature and film including the 1999 Tim Burton film Sleepy Hollow.