Final answer:
Washington Irving describes the Headless Horseman as a formidable, headless ghost, often seen galloping through the night near a local church in Sleepy Hollow, inducing fear in the local folklore with his night-time rides seeking his lost head.
Step-by-step explanation:
Washington Irving’s portrayal of the Headless Horseman in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' is both eerie and legendary. He describes the spectral figure as a gigantic, ghostly horseman, cloaked and without a head, riding furiously through the night. Supposedly the ghost of a Hessian trooper whose head was taken by a cannon-ball, the Horseman is most frequently encountered near a church, galloping through the countryside or amongst the graves in the churchyard.
The legend has ingrained itself into the local folklore, instilling fear and wonder among the residents of Sleepy Hollow. Revered as the dominant spirit of this enchanted region, the Headless Horseman is often seen rushing as if on the wings of wind, particularly during the gloom of night. This formidable spectre carries his head not on his shoulders but on the pommel of his saddle, increasing the horror of those who witness this ghastly apparition.
Irving's vivid depiction of the Headless Horseman has cemented him as an iconic figure within the realm of American folklore and a central focus of supernatural tales in and around Sleepy Hollow. From tales recounted at firesides to chilling encounters, the Headless Horseman remains a powerful representation of the mystery and terror that can emanate from ghost stories and local legends.