Faces of Death: Ankou

Somewhat morbid picture notwithstanding, the Ankou is a truly unusual entity in Brittanic folklore that takes the place of the normal death-incarnate of choice for the West, the Grim Reaper. While there are many different legends surrounding their creation (one of which I'll get into in a bit), there are a couple of standard features which are recognized by all who know of him; first, that while he is referred to as a singular entity, supposedly every parrish has their very own Ankou (supposedly the last dead person for each year must become the Ankou until the next year with it's unfortunate last-deceased). Another unique feature is that he rides in a rickety carriage with four gaunt horses and two ghostly attendants at his side. He is never seen without a scythe and dressed in all black, but unlike the Reaper, has a wide-brimmed hat and coat rather than a hooded robe. Also, contrary to the picture, no one has ever seen his face. The reason for this is that he wears his coat with the collar turned up and the hat set low, making it impossible to see within unless he wants you to. If, by some unlucky chance you should happen to see his face, then truly you're S.O.L., because that means you are dead and he's there to load you into his cart to take you away to the land of the dead.

As to his genesis, it is said that one evening a long time ago, a very cruel prince who loved to hunt for sport spotted an amazing specimen of a stag as well as a lone traveller nearby. Wanting sport, he issued a challenge to the traveller, stating that the first one to the stag would not only be recognized as the greater hunter, but also would be allowed to decide the loser's fate. Upon the gaunt stranger's acceptance, they both gave chase to the stag, who was truly the most difficult prey the prince had ever encountered, running for miles and miles. And try as he might, the prince found himself getting further and further behind, until he finally caught up with the stag...as it laid dead at the feet of the gaunt stranger who stood in front of it. Recognizing his defeat, the prince asked what the stranger would have of him, to which the stranger replied: "oh, you may have the stag...and all the world's dead as well", revealing himself as Death, from which none could escape, and thereby cursing the prince to the fate of becoming his chief hunter.

Anyways, it should go without saying, but if you're ever in Europe and see a rickety old wagon with four sickly horses drawing it and it's being driven by some guy dressed head to toe in old black clothing so that you can't see his face, best to play it safe and get the hell out of there :P