The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Set in a mysterious village, this gothic tale features the iconic Headless Horseman, a ghostly figure believed to be a decapitated Hessian soldier. The story follows Ichabod Crane, a superstitious schoolmaster, as he encounters the eerie legend that haunts Sleepy Hollow. First published in 1820 as part of a collection of essays and short stories, it remains a quintessential piece of American fiction, particularly celebrated during Halloween. Irving's work blends folklore with themes of fear and the supernatural, creating a lasting cultural impact.