The Dullahan

"The Dullahan,"

A Version of the Headless Horseman,

Ireland, 1621 BC,

Exact Origin Unknown

It is said that after sunset, on certain festivals and feast days, one of the most terrifying creatures in the spirit world-the Dullahan-can be seen riding a magnificent black stallion across the countryside. Wherever he stops, someone dies. He wears flowing black robes and has no head on his shoulders. He carries his head with him in his hand, and because he has supernatural sight, he will hold the head up high. This allows him to see great distances, even on the darkest night. But beware watching him pass by. You’ll be punished by either having a bucket of blood thrown in your face or you might become blind in one eye. The biggest fear of all is if he stops wherever you are and calls your name. They say that if he says your name, that you will be the next to depart this world. There is no defense against him-except possibly an object of gold. For some reason, the Dullahan has an irrational fear of gold and even a tiny amount may be enough to frighten him off.