In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," how does Daredevil, Brom Bones' horse, mirror his traits?

The narrator makes explicit the similarity in temperament of Brom Bones and his horse by describing Daredevil as "a creature, like himself, full of mettle and mischief." Irving stops short of vilifying Brom Bones, as the narrator asserts "he was always ready for either a fight or a frolic; but had more mischief than ill-will in his composition." The truth behind the prank of the Headless Horseman should have been obvious to a man as intelligent and educated as Ichabod Crane, but his fearful and superstitious nature makes him the perfect victim for Brom Bones' practical joke.

Brom Bones is both a joker and a risk-taker, and Daredevil is the perfect companion/accomplice for him. Brom Bones tells a story of racing the headless Hessian, in which "Daredevil beat the goblin horse all hollow."

When Brom Bones and Daredevil first harass Ichabod Crane, Daredevil stays intimidatingly close to Crane's horse, Gunpowder, and bullies him in the same manner that Brom Bones is bullying Ichabod. The narrator describes Ichabod Crane's panic at Daredevil's pursuit just before Brom Bones removes his pumpkin head and hurls it at the schoolmaster: "the black steed panting and blowing close behind him." Brom Bones and Daredevil are both physically imposing and aggressive, perfect foils for the effete Ichabod Crane and his skittish horse.

How does Daredevil's appearance and actions mirror Brom's in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?

The key to the similarity between Brom Bones and his horse, Daredevil, is the word "mischief" that the author uses to describe them both. The horse's name also gives a clue to his personality. Physically they are alike as well, both being big and strong.

Ichabod Crane, however, is skinny bookworm. His horse's name is not really apt, as Gunpowder is old, half blin, and vicious.Sadly his owner does not take good care of him, as his mane and tail are tangled and not combed. His personality is like a devil. Because he and Ichabod look similar, and Ichabod is not a good rider, they make a comical pair. In saying Crane looks like a knight on a quest, Irving is alluding both to real medieval knights and especially to Don Quixote and his horse Rocinante, the quintessential adventuring knight on a bony nag.

How does Daredevil's appearance and actions mirror Brom's in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?

Daredevil is similar to Brom in that they are both,

"full of mettle and mischief and which no one but himself can manage,"

which is why they make a good team. The story describes Daredevil as a creature much like Brom. Daredevil can also be described as vicious since the story notes that Brom had an affinity for vicious animals. This is also similar to Brom's temperament because he can be vicious toward others at times.

Ichabod's steed is "funny" in a way because he looks awkward riding it. He has short stirrups which make his knees rise up to the level of the saddle and cause his elbows to stick out so that he has the appearance of a grasshopper. He doesn't quite look like a knight in quest of his adventures.