In 1939, Robert L May created the Rudolph character as an assignment from his employer Montgomery Ward. To save money, the retailer decided to create their own Christmas coloring books to give away as gifts instead of buying them. May chose a reindeer because his daughter loved them at a local zoo. The story was personal to May because he felt like Rudolph as a child. The coloring book was very successful. Due to its popularity and wide appeal, the story was recorded as a song and adapted to movies.
Rudolph's Hero's Journey (Spoilers)
Ordinary World
Rudolph's father, Donner, was the lead reindeer for Santa Claus. Even though his parents loved him, they feared Rudolph would be rejected by the community due to his red nose. So, they give him a fake nose so he would fit in.
Call to Adventure/Crossing the Threshold
Rudolph leaves home to join the reindeer games. The most fit reindeers are invited to join Santa Claus' reindeer sleigh on Christmas eve to deliver gifts. After Rudolph's fake nose is exposed, he is expelled from the games. He is also taunted and teased by his peers due to his red nose. Rudolph does not want to leave home, but his nose attracts danger to his family. So, he answers the call to adventure and leaves home.
On a side note, Simba also leaves home in the Lion King. Luke Skywalker also leaves home after his aunt and uncle are killed. Dorothy Gale also leaves home to avoid trouble. Notice a trend? Leaving home to face the world begins the hero's journey. This usually happens after the hero experiences a traumatic event.
Villains
Rudolph must hide from a snow monster who is attracted to his red nose.
Test/Allies/Enemies
Rudolph meets Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist instead of making toys. He also meets Yukun Cornelius, a prospector who devoted his life to looking for silver and gold. These characters are all misfits and live an isolated life. However, they find each other and determine that being together is better than being alone. Rudolph and his friends land on the island of misfit toys.
Rudolph Saves the Day
After learning courage, Rudolph returns home to his community. Due to a snowstorm, Santa Claus invites Rudolph to join him because he needs a bright light to guide the reindeer sleigh. Rudolph's red nose is perfect! Rudolph is thrilled because his original goal was to be a part of the family business anyway. The very red nose that was considered a flaw, is now a gift! Rudolph and Santa Claus rescue the island of misfit toys and gifts them to children.
The rest is history.
Lessons Learned
Your uniqueness is your gift. Develop your unique talents and research ways to share your gifts with the world. Another underlying theme of the story is living your purpose. We all have jobs to do. What is your purpose?
I hope you see the show.
References:
https://puppet.org/programs/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolph_the_Red-Nosed_Reindeer
https://kindlepreneur.com/heros-journey/