What do the names dasher dancer prancer vixen comet cupid donner blitzen and Rudolph mean?

Answer 1

Those are supposed to be the names of Santa's reindeer. You can hear about them in a famous poem called "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." As to where the names come from, there are a number of theories. All eight reindeer names refer to either their speed or dexterity, both important aspects of flying, especially when you have no wings but instead Christmas magic.So, the names referring to speed are Dasher, Comet (like one hurtling towards earth), Donner and Blitzen. Donner (Donder) and Blitzen refer to the German phrase for thunder and lightning, so maybe instead of speed those names refer to power?

And for dexterity there is Dancer and Prancer (like a carefully trained show horse). But that still leaves Cupid (son of Aphrodite aka Eros son of Venus) and Vixen (see Aphrodite). These obviously refer to just how admirable Santa's work is and how much joy and Love is spread in the Holiday season. But as for Rudolph? Sadly, not as much thought went into his name, since he was added in 1939 for Montgomery Ward Department Stores by Robert L. May. Other possible names were Rollo and Reginald, but they didn't really seem to fit.

Answer 2

These names refer to the reindeer in Santa Claus's sleigh. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen are the traditional eight reindeer. Rudolph is the ninth reindeer, known for his bright red nose that lights the way in foggy weather.