The Original Headless Horseman

Dr. Emily Zarka explores the legend of the Irish Dullahan, a headless monster from Irish folklore, and its influence on Washington Irving's Headless Horseman in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.' The video delves into the historical and cultural context of the Dullahan, comparing it to the Americanized version of the headless horseman. The Dullahan serves as a forewarning of death, with its origins rooted in Irish history and folklore, reflecting the gruesome realities of medieval Ireland. The video highlights the blending of fact and fiction in these legends.

What is the main plot of Washington Irving's 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'?

• A ghost ship sails the seas.

• A detective solves a series of murders.

• A vampire terrorizes a village.

• A headless horseman haunts a small town.

Which cultural background is suggested to have influenced Irving's Headless Horseman?

• Native American

• Irish

• Japanese

• Egyptian

What is a unique feature of the Dullahan compared to other monsters?

• It can transform into different animals.

• It is invisible.

• It doesn't actually kill its victims.

• It can fly.

In Irish folklore, what does the appearance of a Dullahan signify?

• Good luck

• A coming storm

• Impending death or suffering

• A bountiful harvest

What material is the Dullahan's whip sometimes made from?

• A human spine

• A snake's skin

• A horse's tail

• A dragon's scale

What historical practice in Ireland might explain the tales of headless monsters?

• Drowning

• Burning at the stake

• Decapitation

• Witch trials

What was considered a great insult in Irish burial traditions?

• Burying a person with a broken sword

• Burying a person with a dead animal

• Burying a person without a coffin

• Burying a person facing the wrong direction