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Dullahan
A headless horseman carrying his own head. When he stops riding and speaks a name, that person dies instantly. Gold is the only protection—the Dullahan fears it. The Irish grim reaper.
Ancient - Present
Ireland
500+ witnesses
The Dullahan is a headless rider from Irish folklore, a harbinger of death who carries his own head.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Dullahan:
- Is a headless horseman
- Carries his own rotting head
- Rides a black horse
- When he stops and speaks your name
- You die instantly
Description
The Dullahan appears as:
- A headless rider
- Holding his head under arm
- Head has supernatural vision
- Carries a whip of human spine
- Rides a headless horse or coach
The Head
The Dullahan’s head:
- Glows with phosphorescence
- Has a huge grin
- Small, beady eyes
- Can see across great distances
- Is held high to see
Behavior
The Dullahan:
- Rides at night
- Cannot be stopped by locks
- All gates open for him
- Speaks only once per journey
- That word is a name—the name of one who dies
The Coach-a-bower
Sometimes rides:
- A black coach (Coiste Bodhar)
- Drawn by six headless horses
- Decorated with skulls
- Carrying souls to the afterlife
Protection
Only gold stops the Dullahan:
- He fears gold objects
- Throw gold at him
- Even a gold pin works
- He will flee
- The only defense