The true story of Rudolph!

The true story of Rudolph!

By Sam Luxton

Once, long ago, when Christmas was new and Santa had only just set up in the North Pole. He was gifted 8 magic reindeer by the elves: Prancer, Dancer, Donor, Blitzen, Cupid, Vixen, Dasher and of course Comet. 

For many years Santa was fine and the reindeer flew around the world in one night. 

The population of the world was a lot smaller back then and it was easier to manage.  That is until a population boomed and something new was needed and so the elves granted Santa and the reindeer the magic tree.

The tree was able to produce berries that enhanced speed and could be put into a pool that enabled time to slow down. The elves ensured the tree was well looked after and that the berries were picked at the right time. 

In time, the tree grew and so did its powers and soon the tree elves were able to live inside the tree making it easier to maintain.

Everyday, the reindeer came and sat listening to the elves singing and grazing on the trees berries. This heightened their powers and helped to ensure they were able to keep up with all the new girls and boys.

One day, as they arrived at the tree, they heard a tearful whine coming from its roots. As the deer approached they saw a crowd of elves surrounding a baby stag and his injured mother. The doe called Hope had told been trying to calm her son Rudolph but his anguish persisted. 

The elves were treating the doe but the young stag would not let anyone near. So, the reindeer cantered up to the stag called Ruldoph, who calmed at their presence. Soon he was asleep and his mother came to rest next to him. 

The baby and mother slept for days, the reindeer stayed by them and Santa and the elves visited daily. They had hunted for the stags father but he had vanished.

One cold, frosty December’s day, Rudolph woke up hungry and went to graze on a few berries one was flashing red and seemed to hypnotise Rudolph and so  he ate the berry and went back to sleep. 

Later that day the elves, reindeer and Santa found the stag asleep but his nose was blinking on and off with his breathing. His mum woke with a start and so did Rudolph. 

“What has happened?” Santa said as he walked up to Rudolph. Rudolph was still and the panic that had flashes when he woke drained instantly. “Oh my dear stag, the berries at the bottom of the trees are not for eating. Come with me and we shall try to help you my friend.”

Rudolph couldn’t explain why but the gentle nature of this man soothed him and he began to control the blinking. They walked together to Santa’s workshop to discuss what had happened. 

For the first half of December Rudolph tried to play games like hide and seek, or capture the flag but the excitement made his nose glow and so the other reindeers refused to play with him. 

Each reindeer had another name that only the reindeers would use though of course Santa knew these too. They called Rudolph, blinker, not knowing how much this upset him.

On Christmas Eve morning, Rudolph and his mother prepared to leave the North Pole when the weather turned darker and a strange mist blew in. They dashed to see Santa who was besides himself.

“Christmas is cancelled, the reindeer can’t see. I won’t risk them harm.” Santa said mournfully. 

Rudolph’s nose began to glow at seeing this magnificent man being so fiercely protective and it sliced through the fog clearing the scene in seconds. 

As the light hit the rocks a brilliant display rose up into the sky change the light into many beautiful colours and clearing the mist. 

A vision of a strong and powerful stag hung in the sky and Rudolph and his mother while sad felt loved.

Santa began to smile as Rudolph came up to him and snuggled into him in comfort. “Thank you my friend, for saving Christmas. Please stay here at the North Pole. We need you and love you.” 

As he spoke the whole of Santa’s workforce began to sing and clap. “I know they upset you and you were ready to flee but I asked for help and the mist came.  You can control the light now and I ask you will you guide the sleigh tonight.”

The sound was deafening and stretched across the sky. As the reindeer launched into the air. Ready to help deliver presents to children around the world. 

By Sam Luxton