The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is an 1820 short story by American author Washington Irving contained in his collection of 34 essays and short stories titled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. Irving wrote the story while living in Birmingham, England.

Along with Irving's companion piece Rip Van Winkle, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is among the earliest examples of American fiction with enduring appeal, especially during Halloween. Irving's early literary success with The Sketch Book established his career, providing the financial means to support both himself and his family as a professional writer. The Legend has remained continuously in print since its initial publication and is arguably Irving's most popular work.

It has been adapted for the screen several times, including a 1922 silent film and a 1949 Walt Disney animation as one of two segments in the package film The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.

Plot

The story takes place around 1790 in a quiet rural area near Tarrytown, in a secluded valley known as Sleepy Hollow. The place is peaceful and picturesque, yet famous for strange tales and lingering superstitions among its residents.

Ichabod Crane, a tall, thin, and highly superstitious schoolteacher from Connecticut, comes to live there. Though he appears timid and awkward, he is ambitious and dreams of improving his social status. He sets his sights on Katrina Van Tassel, the only daughter of a wealthy farmer. More than being in love, Ichabod is attracted to the comfort and prosperity that marrying her would provide.