With Christmas come gifts, and there is no one better to bring this Christmas tradition to life than Santa Claus, a chubby man with a white beard, and a beautiful red suit, who travels the world in a sleigh pulled by 9 reindeer, They help him distribute the toys to all those children who behaved well throughout the year. Santa Claus‘s reindeer cross the sky throughout the night of December 24 without rest, pulling the sleigh where all the gifts that will be delivered are transported.
What Is the Origin of Santa Claus’s Reindeer?
It is recorded that the “appearance” of Santa Claus’s reindeer arises from a legend in Norse mythology about the God Odin, who rode an 8-legged horse. Hence the appearance of Santa’s 8 reindeer, which was reflected for the first time in 1823, in the poem “A Visit from St Nicholas”, but the ninth reindeer would be added until 1939 when Robert L. May published “Christmas Story”, in which the popular Rudolph the reindeer is introduced for the first time.
Rudolph the reindeer – according to the story – was discriminated against by his herd for having a red nose, which was like a kind of spotlight that emitted a radiant light. But when a big snowstorm made it impossible for the sleigh to make its trip to deliver the gifts, Santa Claus noticed that the light emitted by Rudolph’s nose was perfect to guide them along the way. And so he managed to position himself as the great leader in Santa Claus’s sleigh.
What Are the Names of Santa’s Reindeer?
The names of Santa Claus’s reindeer are very important when making his trip to deliver gifts, since this way Santa is able to communicate with them and give them precise instructions. Also, if you see them, it is best if you can identify them and call them by name.
Rudolph
The leader of the reindeer who carry Santa Claus’s sleigh. His place is right in front of the entire pack because, with the red light that his nose emits, he guides everyone along the right path.
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Dasher
Dasher was one of the main reindeer before Rudolph’s arrival. His place is now right behind Rudolph on the right side.
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Dancer
Like Dasher, he was the second leader of the pack. His spot is now on the left side of the sleigh, just behind Rudolph and next to Dasher.
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Vixen
His place is right behind Dasher. It is also considered the most beautiful reindeer in the herd, and the one with the greatest resistance.
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Prancer
Prancer can be found behind Dancer. And like Vixen, both were placed in that place because of their great physical strength to pull the sled.
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Cupid
His place is right behind Vixen, and his main job – as his name indicates – is to give love and share his joy with the other reindeer.
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Comet
Like Cupid, Comet’s job is to fill the command with happiness, so they can take a trip full of energy. You can find him behind Prancer.
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Blitzen
Blitzen’s speed is his main quality since Santa only has a few hours to deliver all the gifts. You find Blitzen behind Cupid.
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Donner
The spirit of thunder is reflected in Donner’s personality. Last but not least reindeer is located right next to Blitzen.
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This story was originally published in Spanish in Cultura Colectiva
