The moral of ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ revolves around the consequences of superstition and the power of imagination. The story, written by Washington Irving, follows Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher who is overly superstitious and easily influenced by tales of the supernatural. His belief in the legend of the Headless Horseman leads to his downfall when he encounters what he believes to be the ghostly figure.
The story suggests that allowing superstition and fear to dominate one’s thoughts can lead to irrational behavior and poor decision-making. Ichabod’s imagination gets the better of him, causing him to flee in terror and disappear from the town of Sleepy Hollow. The tale serves as a cautionary reminder to approach life with a rational mind and not to let unfounded fears dictate one’s actions.
Additionally, the story highlights the theme of rivalry and competition, particularly between Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones. Brom’s cunning and practical approach to life contrast sharply with Ichabod’s gullibility and reliance on superstition, ultimately leading to Brom’s triumph. This aspect of the story underscores the importance of practicality and resourcefulness over blind belief in the supernatural.