Dullahan facts for kids

The Dullahan (pronounced DOO-la-han), also known as Durahan or Dullaghan, is a spooky creature from Irish folklore. It is a type of fairy or spirit. People also call it Gan Ceann, which means "without a head" in the Irish language.

What is the Dullahan?

The Dullahan is usually seen as a headless rider. It rides a black horse. This creature carries its own head under one arm. Most stories describe the Dullahan as male. However, some tales mention female versions too. Some people believe the Dullahan is linked to an old Celtic god called Crom Dubh. This myth comes from Ireland.

Appearance and Features

The Dullahan's head often has a wide, scary grin. This grin stretches from one side of the head to the other. Its eyes are always moving. They can see everything, even on the darkest nights. The skin on its head is sometimes described as looking like moldy cheese.

The Dullahan's Wagon

The Dullahan is said to use a human spine as a whip. Its wagon is decorated with things from funerals. For example, it has candles placed in skulls to light the way. The spokes of the wagon's wheels are made from thigh bones. The wagon's cover is made from a funeral cloth or dried human skin.

What Happens When it Stops?

Ancient Irish people believed that if the Dullahan stopped riding, someone was about to die. The Dullahan would call out the person's name. This would take away the victim's soul. The person would then immediately drop dead.

There are stories that say golden objects can make the Dullahan disappear.

See also

In Spanish: Dullahan para niños