Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word dullahan. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word dullahan, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say dullahan in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word dullahan you have here. The definition of the word dullahan will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofdullahan, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
From Irishdulachán, from dubh(“black”) + another word (compare lucharachán(“elf, dwarf”)),[1] possibly originally a term for a dark or sullen person (compare the surname Dullahan) and only subsequently applied to the spirit.[2]
(fantasy,Irishmythology) A black-clad (usually male) horserider in Irishfolklore which carries its severed head like a lantern and may be repelled by gold; when it stops riding (or calls out someone's name), someone will die. (Also called the Gan Ceann, Irish for " without a head".)
1990, Elona Malterre, The Last Wolf of Ireland, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, →ISBN, page 3:
The dullahans always came in a mist. But Devin wasn't afraid of dullahans. If he saw one, he would club it over the head. But then Devin remembered that dullahans didn't have heads. He grasped his stick a little tighter in his hand, […]
2008, Jessica Borchardt, A Fairy Yarn, →ISBN, page 53:
“A dullahan,” both Phelan and Coriel whispered. Coriel looked her square in the eye, “You did remember the gold, right?” ML blushed, “No, I didn't. I was so scared I just started running.” “Then how did you escape?” “My pocket tore on a bush. […] “You're lucky you're not dead anyway. The dullahan could have stopped or spoken your name, or both.”
2014, Tony Locke, Mayo Folk Tales, The History Press, →ISBN:
There is no way to bar the road against a dullahan. All locks and gates open on their own when it approaches. Dullahans do not appreciate being watched while on their errands, throwing a basin of blood on those who dare to do so […]
2015, Ryohgo Narita, Durarara, volume 1, Yen Press LLC, →ISBN:
But the values of a fairy manifested into physical form in this city—a dullahan.” Celty Sturluson was not a human being. Celty was a type of fairy known as a dullahan that appeared to those close to death, signaling their impending demise.