Sleepy Hallow's Headless Horseman
There are some legends that live on forever and none are more embedded into American culture at this time of year than the Legend of Sleepy Hallow. This folktale grew in popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe. The mysterious horseman who either has no head or holds his head in his arm inspired a contemporary telling that involves a school teacher's quest to win the heart of local beauty has found a home here, becoming one of the most popular stories of all time.
This version of the story takes place in the town of Sleepy Hallow, New York. After Ichabod Crane relocated to this region, he quickly learned about the ghost of a headless horsemen, a Hessian soldier who searches for the head he lost during battle in the Revolutionary war.
Ichabod, infatuated with Sleepy Hollow’s Katrina Van Tassel, made it his mission to win her hand in marriage. However, wooing her was not as easy as it seems, because she had captured the attention of many men, including Brom, the village muscle man who scared off many of her suitors with his strength and boisterous pranks.
According to the legend that became a short story written by Washington Carver in 1820, one night Ichabod, despondent, rode away from Katrina’s home. When he passed a haunted tree he spotted a figure behind him on horseback. He did not see the rider’s head, so he grew afraid. It was rumored that the rider hurled his detached head at the school teacher. The next day Ichabod’s horse returned to the farm owner where Ichabod had been staying, but Ichabod was nowhere in sight. In fact, Ichabod was never seen or heard from again after that fateful night.
Some say the Headless Horseman chased Ichabod away. Others say it was the strong man who wanted Katrina all to himself. What do you think?
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