Jaycee Woods

Notes this story idea so I don’t forget. The core idea is a Dullahan, a headless rider on a black horse who appears to those about to die in Irish lore. Just heard about it a minute ago and it sounds like an interesting device.

The story is a period piece in which a new Irish lieutenant travels away from home to join his company. On the road, he meets and travels alongside a Dullahan, who had not come for him but was journeying to another man’s end.

The piece would be an examination of mortality and making the most of the short journey that is life from the perspective of a young man venturing into the world.

A tells me that she wants me to write a scary story with a real ghost. I have been struggling with coming up with an idea that isn’t too scary or already done better. I haven’t watched “The Seventh Seal” (1957) so I can’t rip it off. 🙂 Also, my Hiro stories are too adult as they focus on repairing failed romantic relationships and dream Hiro can be really violently scary.

A few quick notes on the character based on Copilot research…

He is the third son of the Browne family near Killarney in County Kerry. The location will explain why he could ride through an Irish forest in the 18th century. His father will have bought him his commission. As a Browne, he is from an old Irish family instead of being an English transplant.

For local flavor, I should probably include Aghadoe Cathedral ruins in the story as a concrete example of mortality. [Note: St Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney will not have been built until almost 100 years after my story is set.] Provides an interesting story about the passing of even spiritual monuments after hundreds of years. In the 17th century it had been sacked by Cornwall’s forces and by the time of my story even its monastery would have ceased operation. Maybe set the story during mustering for the Seven Years War, thus before the famous Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

Does a Dullahan speak? According to Copilot…

In Irish folklore, the Dullahan is a type of fairy and a harbinger of death. Often depicted as a headless rider on a black horse, the Dullahan is known to carry its own head under its arm. According to legend, the Dullahan can indeed speak, but it does so in a voice that is barely above a whisper. It is said to call out the names of those whose death is imminent, sealing their fate.

The Dullahan’s speech is considered ominous and powerful, and hearing it is believed to be a terrible omen. This eerie ability to speak despite its headless form adds to the chilling aura that surrounds this figure in Irish mythology.

The character will be traveling to Tralee in County Kerry as that is where local troops will collect to embark for the Seven Years War. The distance is about 20 miles to the north so a slow days ride. It occurs in April during a rain. He wears an oil skin cloak over his wollen coat.