The Dullahan

(Chris Rawlins)

The legend of the Dullahan is frequently heard around the world by a different name. In America we know the Dullahan most commonly as “The Headless Horseman". In Ireland the lore of the Dullahan is infamous. “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 country side.” (Haggerty) What’s most intimidating about the Dullahan is the potential that he will come searching for his next mortal. Once the horseman finds who he is looking for he does not ever rest. It is said that the only defense against the Dullahan is an item forged from gold. The most interesting aspect of the horseman is the allegory he clearly represents. The Dullahan is the physical incarnation of death. It cannot be reasoned with and it cannot be escaped. To even place your sight upon the Dullahan is reason enough to be made to pay. Commonly looking at the harbinger of death brings unsavory results, like having a bucket of blood splashed onto ones person. The terror of the Dullhan is because humans fear death almost above all else.