Story Summary
Experience The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving's classic tale of schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the terrifying Headless Horseman.
In the secluded Dutch settlement of Sleepy Hollow, a lanky and superstitious schoolmaster named Ichabod Crane vied for the hand of the wealthy Katrina Van Tassel. His primary rival was the boisterous Brom Bones, a local hero known for his strength and mischief. One autumn night, after a party at the Van Tassel estate where ghost stories were traded, Ichabod made his way home through the dark woods. As he approached a bridge rumored to be haunted, he encountered a towering, cloaked rider on a black horse—a figure missing its head. The Headless Horseman, said to be the ghost of a Hessian trooper, pursued the terrified Ichabod through the forest. As Ichabod reached the bridge, believing he would be safe once across, the specter hurled its severed head at him. The next morning, Ichabod's horse was found wandering, his hat was discovered near a shattered pumpkin, but the schoolmaster was never seen in Sleepy Hollow again.
The Moral
Overactive imagination and superstition can lead to one's downfall when faced with practical trickery.
“If I can but reach that bridge, I am safe.”
Fun Fact
Washington Irving wrote this story while living in Birmingham, England, and based the character of Ichabod Crane on a real-life schoolmaster named Jesse Merwin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?
The story suggests that being overly superstitious and letting your imagination run wild can make you vulnerable. It also highlights how logic and bravery often triumph over fear and folklore.
Who really was the Headless Horseman?
While the legend claims he is a Hessian soldier, the story strongly implies that Brom Bones dressed up as the ghost. Brom used Ichabod’s superstitions against him to scare him away from town forever.
What happened to Ichabod Crane at the end?
Ichabod disappeared from Sleepy Hollow, leaving behind only his hat and a smashed pumpkin. While locals whispered of supernatural abduction, it is suggested he simply fled in terror to another town.
Why did Brom Bones want to scare Ichabod?
Brom Bones and Ichabod Crane were rivals for the affection and fortune of Katrina Van Tassel. Scaring Ichabod away was a practical, albeit cruel, way for Brom to eliminate his competition.
Where does The Legend of Sleepy Hollow take place?
The story is set in a small, quiet Dutch settlement in the Tarrytown area of New York. The atmosphere of the glen is described as dreamy, secluded, and prone to hauntings.
Who wrote The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?
The story was written by Washington Irving and first published in 1819. It remains one of the most famous examples of early American literature and Gothic fiction.