The Dullahan

The Dark Man appears at night as a rider on a wild black horse, carrying his severed head in one hand and a weapon in the other. Sometimes a heavy sword or machete, sometimes a harpoon or axe, other times a whip fashioned from a human spine. The head glows in the dark and seems alive, its empty eyes darting about and its mouth twisted into a terrible grin. Gan Ceann is a harbinger of death, it is said, and that wherever he stops a mortal dies. The disembodied head speaks only once per night, calling out the name of the soul he intends to take. Doors and gates spring open at the Dark Man's approach no matter how securely they are locked. None are truly safe from him. The Dullahan is also possessed of supernatural sight. By holding his severed head aloft, he can see for vast distances across the countryside, even on the darkest night. Using this power he can find his victim wherever he or she hides.

There are two ways to stop this undead creature. Inflict enough damage on its body and it will vanish, reappearing the following night and resuming the hunt. Second, the Headless Horseman has a strong aversion to gold and objects made of gold, and presenting such items may drive it away for a short time. It is unknown why the creature is repelled by this substance and none other. Perhaps it was a component of the black sorcery that bound him to this deathless form. The Dark Man and his hell steed are hesitant to cross water but will do so when in pursuit of a victim. The horse can gallop over the surface of water as if it were solid ground, more proof that the beast is not of this world. Perhaps it is a minor demon taking animal form; perhaps the horse is an illusion created by the rider itself. None can say.