The unknown Hessian in 1779.
The Hessian (died December 1779) was an unknown mercenary sent to America by German princess Juliane of Hesse-Philippsthal during the Revolutionary War. He is also known as the Headless Horseman.
Biography[]
According to the legend The Hessian was a mercenary sent by German princes to help keep America under British rule; unlike the other soldiers he came not for money, but for the love of battle. He rode a black steed named Daredevil. He was known to ride straight into battle cutting off the heads of enemy soldiers. Despite his fearsome reputation and being described as a butcher, the Hessian is shown to care greatly for his horse Daredevil. After Daredevil is shot and wounded he comforts the hurt animal. The Hessian was killed after being ambushed by revolutionary soldiers. They cut his head off with his own sword throwing his body into a shallow grave. Twenty years later, many neighbours of Sleepy Hallow were killed and beheaded by him, who allegedly was controlled through the use of his skull and black magic, making him a weapon for Lady Mary Van Tassel. the story of this monstrous being inspired Washington Irving to write The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 1820.