The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Washington Irving
Belletristik / Gemischte Anthologien
Beschreibung
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a short story written by American author Washington Irving, first published in 1820 as part of his collection "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent." The story is set in the fictional Dutch settlement of Tarry Town, New York, in the early 19th century, and it revolves around the tale of the headless horseman.
The protagonist of the story is Ichabod Crane, a superstitious and somewhat comical schoolteacher who competes with another man, Brom Bones, for the affections of Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of a wealthy local farmer. One autumn night, after attending a harvest party at the Van Tassel farm, Ichabod encounters the ghostly figure of the Headless Horseman, said to be the spirit of a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a cannonball during the Revolutionary War.
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is renowned for its atmospheric depiction of rural America, its blending of folklore and humor, and its spine-tingling suspense. The story explores themes of superstition, rivalry, and the power of imagination. Irving's vivid descriptions and skillful storytelling have made the tale a classic of American literature, and it has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage productions over the years.
The legend of the headless horseman continues to capture the imagination of readers and audiences, ensuring the enduring popularity of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" as a beloved Halloween-time tale.
