When the Dullahan (pronounced “DUL-a-han”) rides forth on his black horse, death follows. This terrifying figure from Irish folklore carries his own severed head under his arm, its rotting face twisted into a hideous grin. Where he stops and speaks a name, that person dies. No gate can bar his passage, and looking upon him may cost you your sight.
Appearance
The Dullahan presents a horrifying sight:
- Headless body dressed in black
- Carries his head under one arm
- Head has decaying, cheese-like skin
- Small, black eyes that dart about
- Mouth stretched in a terrible grin
- Rides a black horse with flaming eyes
- Sometimes drives a coach (the Cóiste Bodhar)
- Carries a whip made from a human spine
Powers and Behavior
The Dullahan possesses supernatural abilities:
- All locks and gates open before him
- Speaking a person's name causes their death
- Can see vast distances by holding up his head
- Those who see him may be blinded or splashed with blood
- Active primarily around Irish festivals, especially Halloween
Protection
The only known protection against the Dullahan is gold. Even a small gold pin or coin can drive him away. This may connect to pre-Christian solar symbolism, as gold represents the sun and life.
Origins
The Dullahan may derive from Crom Dubh, an ancient fertility god who required human sacrifice. When Christianity supplanted these practices, the god's servants became fearsome death omens instead.
Related Creatures
Compare to the Banshee (another Irish death omen) and the Germanic Wild Hunt. The Dullahan inspired Washington Irving's Headless Horseman.
