I remember the day I first heard about the Dullahan, a horse running in The Kentucky Derby: May 5, 2012. Excitement was everywhere that day; it was also my son’s wedding day. Lots of people placed bets on Dullahan that day, figuring it had to be a sign. Because of the coincidence with my husband’s last name of Dullaghan, I was very intrigued. It turns out there was a lot more to the story that connects me to my husband’s Irish roots!
The legend of the Dullahan came out of Ireland and Scotland. It was thought to be the embodiment of an ancient Celtic god, Crom Dubh, who was worshipped as a prehistoric king in Ireland about 1500 years ago. Traditionally, this creature is depicted as a starkly dark, headless horseman holding his decomposed head in one arm and a whip fashioned from a human spine. He was headless because the Ancient Celts believed the soul to be in the head.
A headless horseman! (Do you see where I’m going here?) I grew up in Sleepy Hollow and the Legend of the Headless Horseman. I find it amazing that I married into this family and later wrote a book about my love affair with this town.
It also occurred to me that Washington Irving’s family came from Scotland and the stories were probably passed down to him. Writers get their inspiration from everywhere.
By the way, Dullahan came in third in the Kentucky Derby. And, I no longer believe in coincidence. I’m convinced I was born to be a Dullaghan!
Until next time,
