Crom Dubh
Crom Dubh, meaning "dark crooked [one]" (also Crum Dubh, Dark Crom) is a mythological and folkloric deity of Ireland, based on the god Crom Cruach. It is also said that Crom Dubh lords over the Dullahan.
Overview[]
Crom Dubh is an ancient deity that lords over the legion of fae known as the Dullahan. The headless fairies themselves act as either heralds of Crom Dubh or perform errands for the god. Given the purpose of the Dullahan, it is believed that Crom Dubh is a deity associated with death and the underworld, seeking out humans who were near death and then transport them to the underworld.
Also like the Dullahan, Crom Dubh wields a whip that was carved from a human spine. And sometimes, instead of riding his infernal horse he will escort the deceased souls to the underworld in a large stagecoach. Crom Dubh was not a malevolent entity but one that simply follows the laws of the Natural Order whereby he is often compared to the Grim Reaper.
Some believe that Crom Dubh even has a connection to the legendary Headless Horseman. According to legend, the Tuatha Dé Danann were displeased with the mistreat of the holiday known as Samhain, thus in response to this, they requested Crom Dubh make an exception by raising a soul in his care as a vengeful headless wraith and exact its fury upon those who do not follow the customs and rules of Hallows Eve treading upon the grounds of Sleepy Hollow. The control of the Headless Horseman would then be relinquished to Samhain, the spirit of Halloween.
Myths and Legends[]
According to one other legend, Cainnech of Aghaboe saw a number of demons flying past and when he inquired of their errand, one of them told him that Crom Dubh had died and they were after collecting his soul. Cainnech bid him on their return to tell him how they had fared. Some time later the demon returned limping badly. He told Cainnech that they were just about to seize Crom Dubh's soul when St Patrick appeared with a host of angels and saints and drove them off, Crom Dubh's good works having outweighed his sins.