Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a fictional reindeer created by Robert L. May. Rudolph is usually depicted as the ninth and youngest of Santa Claus's reindeer, using his luminous red nose to lead the reindeer team and guide Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.

History

Rudolph was created in 1939 by Robert L. May, a copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department store. The story was initially written as a booklet to be given away to children during the Christmas season. The character quickly gained popularity, leading to a song, a television special, and various adaptations.

Story

The story of Rudolph centers around his unique red nose, which initially causes him to be ostracized by the other reindeer. However, his nose proves to be an asset when Santa needs help navigating through a particularly foggy Christmas Eve. Rudolph's glowing nose lights the way, allowing Santa to deliver presents to children around the world.

Song

The song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was written by Johnny Marks and was first recorded by Gene Autry in 1949. The song became a massive hit and has since been covered by numerous artists.

Television Special

The 1964 Rankin/Bass television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is one of the most enduring adaptations of the story. The stop-motion animated special features the voice of Burl Ives as the narrator and has become a holiday classic, airing annually on television.

Cultural Impact

Rudolph has become an iconic figure in Christmas folklore. The character has appeared in various forms of media, including books, films, and merchandise. Rudolph's story is often seen as a tale of overcoming adversity and embracing one's unique qualities.

See Also

• Santa Claus
• Christmas
• Reindeer
• Gene Autry
• Johnny Marks
• Rankin/Bass Productions

External Links

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