Fully Booked
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
Fully Booked
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
Fully Booked
No Result
View All Result

Home > Editorials > The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Explained

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Explained

Emily S. by Emily S.
June 4, 2021
in Editorials
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
Headless Horseman Bridge
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Every Halloween you start hearing whispers about Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horsemen. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is considered one of America’s first horror ghost stories and it scared the bejeebies out early settlers. Why be worried about witches when the Headless Horsemen was coming after you? 

Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By Washington Irving

Is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Based on a true story?

The origin of this tale is covered in mystery and intrigue. While Washington Irving was not the creator of the headless dooms bringer, it is believed he found inspiration from a German folktale called “The wild huntsmen”. Others believed it to be based off a Hessian Trouper (German hired to fight for the British during the revolutionary war) whose head was removed by a cannon ball.

The New York Historical Society cites that there was a soldier who had his head removed via canon fire in 1776 — documented in a memoir of an American general fighting the Revolutionary War in TarryTown. In the folklore itself they claim the headless horsemen is a soldier looking for his head who roams along a bridge searching for his lost head and any who dare get in his way will suffer the same fate in a flash of fire and brimstone. 

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement
Legend of sleepy hollow Headless Horseman depiction
A take on what could be the Headless Horseman

It’s said that this tale was highly believed and many people in the small villages around, everyone knew about the Headless Horseman. The tale of the Headless Horseman found itself being re-told in many ways but each one managed to incite fear and wondering in the villagers. How do we think these villagers would have handled the true story of Countess Bathory or any of our horror podcasts we secretly love to listen too?

In 1996 the real life town of TarryTown officially changed its name to Sleepy Hollow. Fully embracing the spooky life and becoming a part of the horror fiction tale that is the Headless Horseman. Here you can find the grave of Washington Irving and many country roads and bridges that are eerily similar to those written about in the tale Sleepy Hollow. 

Grave Yard
Sleepy Hollow’s Grave Yard

The tale of the Headless Horseman is riddled with history, the truth and the supernatural. Take a peek below if you’re curious — or grab a copy of the story and read Washington Irving’s tale from the source. 

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

Ichabod Crane and Sleepy Hollow

Ichabod Crane accepted the position of school master in the village of Sleepy Hollow. Sleepy Hollow was a Dutch settlement nestled in rolling hills of New York. At that time, the Dutch were perceived to have a strong belief of ghost stories and loved to tell these re-told tales around town. It was even said that Sleepy Hollow was encased in mystery and intrigue so strong that ghosts and the supernatural seemed to be more abundant here.

Is Ichabod Crane a real person?

Ichabod was such a guy to fall prey to all the ghost stories whispered into his ears. While teaching he would rotate from family to family who would host the school teacher for a week or so. And during a stay with a family is when he learned about the most harrowing tale — the Headless Horseman. It was said that the ghost of a Hessian  soldier who lost his head during the American Revolution was constantly in search of his head and frequented the old church where it was said he was lain to rest. 

Article Continues Below Advertisement
HTML tutorial

As fate would have it, Ichabod has a student who he falls head over heels for. Katrina Van Tassel the only child of Baltus Van Tassel, a farmer who is amassing great wealth. Ichabod imagines himself in love but whether his affection is for Katrina or her fortune , we are a bit unsure there. this sparks a rivalry from the athletic and complete opposite of Ichabod— Brom Van Brunt.

One day Ichabod is invited to a huge soiree at Katrina’s. But when the evening starts to wrap up he is somehow spurned by Katrina and leaves in a flurry of emotions.  Alone at midnight on the eerie country roads he lets his imagination start to run wild.

ReadNext

Classic hardcover books

What Are The Benefits Of Reading Classic Literature?

May 14, 2022
american-lit-feature-1

Contemporary Classics: American Literature Month at Fully Booked

May 2, 2022

He passes a historical landmark called the hanging tree— where many died during the war. There he sees him — the Headless Horseman. The Headless Horseman starts to follow Ichabod down the road. The teacher tries to loose him, but he sticks to him like glue. As he is galloping away from the Headless Horseman, he stumbles upon the church yard and beyond is a bridge which local legends claims the Headless Horseman does not cross. Ichabod manages to cross to safety, but he makes the classic mistake of looking back once across. As a final warning the Headless Horse man throws his head at Ichabod.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

The following morning all that is found of Ichabod is his hat and a smashed pumpkin. Whether the teacher ran off or was captured by the Headless Horseman no one ever figured it out. 

Join The Conversation…

Have thoughts on this article or in general? Come share your ideas in the comments below or on our Facebook Group, Instagram or Facebook Page!

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement
Tags: Horror
ShareTweetShare
Emily S.

Emily S.

Has a bird who tries to steal all of her snacks- even if she is currently eating them. Also still thinks being able to read chapter books in kindergarten makes her cool.

Related

women-in-horror-feature
Editorials

Women in Horror: The Female Impact on the Genre

November 3, 2021
Wolf silhouette against a full moon
Editorials

Werewolves: Misunderstood Monsters Explained

November 1, 2021
Paranormal darkness
Reviews

The Dead and the Dark: A YA Paranormal Delight for This Halloween

Next Post
gothic-horror-cover

10 Gothic Horror Stories to Haunt Your Dreams

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Connect withD
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
guest
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Connect With Us

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
5 least favorite classic books - literary podcast

Why These 5 Classic Books Are Our Least Favorite

May 6, 2022
classics-month-feature

Our Favorite Classic Books

April 10, 2022
Black Authors

7 Black Authors Whose Work You Should Be Reading

March 28, 2022
stephen king carrie feature-min

How Stephen King Almost Threw Away His Most Successful Book

October 27, 2021
modern fairy tale

House of Hollow Review: A Marvelously Mysterious Modern Fairy Tale

4
Featured Image Design New

Female Science Fiction Authors You Need To Read Right Now

3
best-stephen-king-books-min

What is considered Stephen King’s best book?

2
Book VS Novel

What Is The Difference Between A Novel And A Book?

2
the great gatsby the book was better fully-book literary podcast

The Book Was Better: Chatting The Great Gatsby (2013)

May 21, 2022
Classic hardcover books

What Are The Benefits Of Reading Classic Literature?

May 14, 2022
american literature themes podcast feature

Defining Themes of American Literature: A Discussion

May 13, 2022
banned books

Banned Books: 7 Classics Banned in Different Countries

May 13, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT

Instagram

Follow Us!

  • We’re halfway through the week, and what a crazy season this has been so far! 🌷
What do you do to de-stress when you have a lot going on?
•
•
#bookworm #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookishcanadians #bookpodcast #booksofinstagram #bookblog #bookcast #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #podcasting #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #reading #springreading #destress #fullybookedca
  • Feelin Jazzy 🎷 on this Monday morning; we always love finding a  reinterpretation of a classic
•
•
•
#bookstagram #bookichcanadians #bookblogger #bookpodcast #bookblog #bookworm #bibliophile #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #readmorebooks #reading #podcasting #literature #literarypodcast #casualbookworm #classicliterature #classicreading #thegreatgatsby #fullybookedca
  • New Episode! 🎙This weeks episode of Fully Booked is all about Romeo + Juliet- specifically the 90’s adaptation starring a pre-Titanic Leo 📜We’re talking bright colours, a post apocalyptic looking California beach and floppy hair, amongst other things
Link in bio!
•
•
#podcast #bookworm #bookpodcast #bookish #bookblogger #bookstagram #bookishcanadians #booksofinstagram #podcasting #literature #shakespeare #romeo+juliet #reading #bibliophile #fullybookedca
  • Fully Booked has officially come to your podcast platforms 🎙📚You can check out our weekly episodes on the site, or wherever you get your podcasts! We’re so excited to dive into this new medium and can’t wait to keep talking about our favourite things-books 📖Link in bio to find out more!
•
•
#bookstagram #bookpodcast #podcasting #bookishacanadians #bookworm #bookblogger #bibliophile #bookblog #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #reading #fullybookedca
  • A little spring fantasy for your Monday Mood 🦄
•
•
•
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookishcanadians #bookblog #bookworm #bookblogger #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #springbooks #springreads #fantasybooks #fantasyreading #fullybookedca
  • Spring has sprung 🌷mostly anywayWhat are your favourite springtime reads? We love a good fantasy story 🧙🏻‍♀️ something witchy but more nature focused
•
•
#bookstagram #bookworm #bookishcanadians #bookblog #booksofinstagram #bookblogger #bookreccomebdations #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #tbr #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #reading #springreads #springbooks #springreading #fantasybooks #witchbooks #fullybookedca
  • Happy Friday! What are you into reading right now? 📚Thrillers and mysteries are creeping into the tbr pile this spring 🌸 and I’m more than ok with it
•
•
#bookstagram #bookish #bookblogger #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #bookworm #bookblog #bookpile #bookishcanadians #tbr #bibliophile #readmorebooks #reading #readersofinstagram #springreading #springreads #mysterybooks #thrillerreads #fullybookedca
  • What was the last book that disappointed you? 📚I wanted to like this one, I really did. It got a slight bump for the twist, but otherwise was full of unlikeable characters and was too drawn out for me 😬
I know so many people love it but it just wasn’t for me
•
•
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookblog #bookworm #booksofinstagram #bookblogger #bookreview #tbr #bookpile #bibliophile #bookishacanadians #readmorebooks #reading #readersofinstagram #folkswhoread #springreading #fullybookedca
  • Monday Magic 🪄Are you drawn to any folklore or traditions connected to your heritage?
I’ve always loved Celtic folklore and old stories, and want to explore them in more detail in the future 📖
•
•
#bookstagram #bookworm #bookblogger #bookishcanadians #bookstagrammer #bookblog #booksofinstagram #tbr #bibliophile #newbooks #readmorebooks #reading #readersofinstagram #celticbooks #folklore #springreading #fullybookedca
Fully Booked

Copyright © 2020-2021 www.fully-booked.ca

Important Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Friend’s Links
  • Privacy Statement
  • Impressum
  • Disclaimer

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast

Copyright © 2020-2021 www.fully-booked.ca

wpDiscuz
Manage your privacy

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Statistics

Marketing

Features
Always active

Always active
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
Manage your privacy
We use cookies to offer you a better experience, analyze traffic, and at times, serve the best possible and relevant advertisement to you. By continuing to use this site, you agree with the use of cookies in accordance with our linked policies below.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
-
00:00
00:00

Queue

Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00