Death Coach

The death coach is part of the folklore of north western Europe. It is particularly strong in Ireland but is also found in British and American culture. In Irish folklore, it is known as the Cóiste Bodhar [ˈkoːʃtʲə ˈbˠəuɾˠ], meaning deaf or silent coach, and it is said that the sight or sound of the coach is the of death. It warns of imminent death to either oneself or to a close relative. In Ireland in particular the Death Coach is seen as a signifier of the inevitability of death, as the belief goes once it has come to Earth it can never return empty. Thus, once the death of an individual has been decided by a greater power, mortals may do nothing to prevent it.

The driver of the Cóiste Bodhar is said to be a headless horseman, called the Dullahan.

The Cóiste Bodhar is mentioned by W. B. Yeats in his collection Folk tales of Ireland.

In British folklore, a death coach is said to be seen at times on the Royal Mile of Edinburgh, where it collects the souls of the dead. Also in Scotland a "hell wain" can supposedly be seen in the night sky.

The Cóiste Bodhar has been portrayed in the film Darby O'Gill and the Little People.

The Coiste Bodhar also appeared in Strange along with the Banshee who is able to summon the Coach.

At the end of Stephen King's novel Needful Things, the story's antagonist, shop owner Leland (in some printings "Leeland") Gaunt, reveals himself to be a diabolical figure and departs the town of Castle Rock in an automobile that transforms into a death coach emblazoned with the motto Caveat emptor ("May the buyer beware").

5. -Spooky Irish October- Emerald Reflections Oct. 2007 - by Brian Witt

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