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The Dullahan
Ireland's headless horseman carries his own rotting head under his arm. His eyes scan for the dying. When he stops and speaks a name, that person dies instantly. No gate or lock can keep him out.
Ancient - Present
Ireland
500+ witnesses
The Dullahan is one of Ireland’s most terrifying supernatural figures.
The Legend
According to Irish folklore:
The Dullahan is:
- A headless rider
- Carries head under arm
- Rides black horse
- Herald of death
- Unstoppable force
His Appearance
Described as:
- Headless body on horseback
- Head has rotting flesh
- Massive grin
- Eyes constantly moving
- Glows with supernatural light
His Mount
The horse:
- Coal black
- Eyes of flame
- Sparks from hooves
- Breathes fire
- Sometimes pulls coach
His Power
The Dullahan can:
- Pass through any barrier
- No lock stops him
- Speaks only one name
- That person dies instantly
- Hates being watched
Protection
Only weakness:
- Gold
- Even small amount
- He fears it
- Will flee from gold
- The only defense
The Coach-a-Bower
Sometimes appears as:
- Black coach
- Pulled by six black horses
- Coffin inside
- Called “Cóiste Bodhar”
- Even more terrifying
Modern Sightings
Reports continue:
- Rural Ireland
- On lonely roads
- Headless figure seen
- Hoofbeats heard
- Deaths that follow