Headless Horseman, From Ireland to Sleepy Hollow

Everyone knows the legend of Sleepy Hollow, the headless knight, written by Washington Irving. But not many know its origins, which is not the version happening in Tarrytown during the 17th century. I am talking about an old Irish legend, coming from the iron-age. The Dullahan was the precursor of the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow, with a myth just as sinister. To many, the Dullahan was the harbinger of death. This was due to that he only called for the name of his victims, and nobody could stop him. The only way to protect yourself from him was to through precious metal on the ground. This is for this reason that people would leave gold in from of their homes.