Washington Irving

Retold by The Legendary Connection

TLC#00210

Near the eastern banks of the Hudson River, in a tranquil valley, there is a small village that is so quaint it is as if time has slowed down. That village has long been known as Sleepy Hollow, named for its dreamy atmosphere and the peculiar character of its residents, many of whom are descendants of the original Dutch settlers. There’s something about the air here that makes people feel as if they’re in a daze, lost in thoughts or daydreams. Some say the place was bewitched by an old German doctor; others believe it was cursed by an ancient Indian chief. Whatever the reason, the residents of Sleepy Hollow are prone to seeing strange sights and hearing mysterious sounds. Local legends and ghost stories are plentiful, and even the stars seem to behave differently in this peculiar valley.

But the most famous legend of Sleepy Hollow is the tale of the Headless Horseman. The story goes that a Hessian soldier, who lost his head to a cannonball during the Revolutionary War, rides through the Hollow at night, searching for his missing head. He is often seen galloping through the darkness, his ghostly figure creating fear in the hearts of those who cross his path.

Though Sleepy Hollow seems like an ordinary place during the day, the eerie atmosphere settles in as the sun sets. Even those who come to the valley from elsewhere soon find themselves wrapped in its mysterious spell, becoming just as superstitious and imaginative as the locals.

Years ago, a schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane came to Sleepy Hollow to teach the children. Ichabod was a lanky, awkward man, with a long nose and huge ears. His appearance often drew attention, and he was a curious blend of intelligence and gullibility. He was particularly fond of ghost stories and spent many evenings listening to the tales told by the locals.

Ichabod was in love with a young woman named Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of a wealthy farmer. Katrina was beautiful, with rosy cheeks and a lively personality. Many suitors vied for her attention, but the most formidable was Brom Van Brunt, known as Brom Bones. Strong, mischievous, and admired by all, Brom was the town’s hero, and it was well known that he too had set his sights on Katrina.

Ichabod, despite his obvious disadvantages, was persistent. He visited Katrina often, under the guise of giving her singing lessons, and made every effort to win her over. Brom, however, was not one to be easily discouraged. Rather than confronting Ichabod directly, he used his strength and wit to play tricks on the schoolteacher, often humiliating him in front of Katrina.

One evening, Ichabod was invited to a big party at Katrina’s house. He dressed in his best clothes and borrowed a horse named Gunpowder to ride to the party. When he arrived, he saw Brom Bones there too, but Ichabod didn’t let that bother him. He danced and ate and had a wonderful time.

Later that night, as the party wound down, the people gathered around to tell ghost stories. Ichabod listened closely, especially when they talked about the Headless Horseman. After the stories, Ichabod decided it was time to head home.

The road back to town was dark and quiet, and Ichabod felt a bit uneasy. The journey took him through the darkest parts of the valley, including a particularly eerie spot near a wooden bridge that crossed a stream. As he passed by the haunted bridge where the Headless Horseman was said to appear, Ichabod heard something behind him. He looked back and saw a giant figure riding a black horse. The rider was carrying something on his saddle—his own head! It was here that Ichabod’s greatest fear materialized: the Headless Horseman.

Terrified, Ichabod urged his horse to flee, but the ghostly rider pursued him. They raced through the night, the horse’s hooves pounding against the earth. They raced toward the bridge. Ichabod hoped to cross it before the Horseman in order to escape, but the ghost was too fast. Just as they approached the bridge, Ichabod glanced back and saw the Horseman hurling his head at him. The next morning, Ichabod’s horse was found grazing near the town, but the schoolteacher had vanished, leaving only his hat and a shattered pumpkin behind by the bridge.

Some people say that Ichabod ran away, scared by the ghost and embarrassed that Katrina didn’t choose him. Others believe that the Headless Horseman took him away forever. Some suspected that Brom Bones knew more than he let on, especially since he married Katrina not long after Ichabod’s disappearance. As for Brom Bones, he married Katrina and lived happily ever after, he always laughed when someone mentioned the story of the Headless Horseman. And so, the legend of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow continued, with people still telling the tale around their fires on cold, dark nights; and the bridge near Sleepy Hollow remains a place of mystery and superstition to this day.

Original Source: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Gutenberg.org, 2022, www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/41/pg41-images.html.