diff_setup_done(&rev.diffopt);
 
        head = resolve_ref_unsafe("HEAD", 0, NULL, NULL);
+       if (!head)
+               die_errno(_("unable to resolve HEAD after creating commit"));
        if (!strcmp(head, "HEAD"))
                head = _("detached HEAD");
        else
                                allow_fast_forward = 0;
                }
                if (allow_fast_forward)
-                       parents = reduce_heads(parents);
+                       reduce_heads_replace(&parents);
        } else {
                if (!reflog_msg)
                        reflog_msg = (whence == FROM_CHERRY_PICK)