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Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: A Psychological Interpretation

Most people think fondly of the story about Rudolph, Santa’s lead reindeer. Told through a sweet holiday song, Rudolph has become a beloved Christmas icon. But a closer look at this tale reveals a dark side of the North Pole.

The truth is, Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer is a pathetic story of animal abuse and betrayal. That’s right, we learn a great deal about Santa, his managerial style and the resilience of an abused creature. Let’s consider:

Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer, had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows

This forest creature has an obvious physical disability, a bulbous sniffer that is so pronounced that it seem to be illuminated and spotted from afar.

All of the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.

Clearly the North Pole is home to an abusive work environment. Rudolph’s co-workers subject him to ridicule and rejection. He is ostracized and evidently finds no relief from Santa or others in a leadership position.

The one foggy Christmas Even Santa came to say, Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight

Oh, I see. Rudolph’s plight is ignored until Santa finds himself in a difficult weather situation and panicky about his responsibilities. he calls on Rudolph to take advantage of his physical infirmity to rescue him. First of all, this tells us that Santa knew who Rudolph was which makes it likely that he was also aware his circumstances. Did he imply ignore the fact that Rudolph was being demeaned by his cruel peers? But things changed in an instant with the weather. All of a sudden Rudolph becomes useful to Santa, he can save Christmas by guiding the sleigh safely around the world.

Then how the reindeer loved him, as they shouted out with glee. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, you’ll go down in history

Now that Rudolph has saved Santa and Christmas, he is suddenly beloved by his former torturers. Oh really? This alleged burst of affection by the other reindeer is suspicious indeed. After subjecting him to mockery they are now his adoring fans? I doubt it. I believe there is a cynical irony to the last line. At some point these resentful reindeer, compelled to participate in the charade of Rudolph glory wold seek an opportunity to rid the team of this vain poser. Some Christmas eve in the future, they would chew trough Rudolph’s harness and watch with sadistic delight as he fell to the frozen tundra below.

Next time you hear this seemingly innocuous Christmas tune, remember the heartbreak of Rudolph and the callousness of the whole North Pole team.

Are You Being Used By Your Boss & Co-workers?

- Your daily office responsibilities include cleaning the aquarium and coffee pot

- At the office holiday party you are given the responsibility to distribute the hors d’oeuvres

- As soon as you enter Starbucks, the staff automatically prepares your office’s order

- Whenever quarterly profits are down, you are chosen to break the news to the Board

- You have been persuaded to contribute your own money to the company for capital improvements

- On several occasions you have been compelled to iron your boss’s clothing

- When the staff is sent for professional training, you are assigned to attend barber school

- After someone reports seeing a rat in the office basement you are told to investigate

- Your supervisor has ordered you to work on his car’s carburetor

- You have been asked to arbitrate a spat between you boss and his spouse