Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is one of the most iconic Christmas characters, known for guiding Santa’s sleigh with his bright red nose. But while his nose glows red, many wonder – what color are Rudolph’s eyes? This is an interesting question to explore as Rudolph’s eye color has been depicted in different ways over the years across various media.
Quick answer: Rudolph’s eye color is most often shown as blue, though it has also been depicted as brown or gray at times. The original Rudolph storybook published in 1939 did not specify his eye color.
Rudolph’s Origins and Early Depictions
Rudolph was created in 1939 by Robert L. May for the Montgomery Ward department store as part of their Christmas promotional campaign. May’s original story presented Rudolph as a reindeer with a glowing red nose who is teased by his peers until he heroically leads Santa’s sleigh through a blizzard.
The original Rudolph book and early illustrations did not actually specify what color his eyes were meant to be. Illustrator Denver Gillen drew the first Rudolph with eyes that appear dark brown or black. But by the late 1940s and 1950s, blue eyes became the norm in Rudolph imagery and products.
Rudolph with Blue Eyes
When the Rudolph story was adapted into a 1949 song, television specials, and subsequent books and toys, his eye color was almost always depicted as blue:
- The 1949 Gene Autry song describes his eyes as “big and brown” but illustrations showed blue.
- In the 1964 Rankin/Bass stop-motion animation TV special, Rudolph had bright blue eyes.
- The Rudolph toys produced by companies like Marx in the 1950s-60s had blue eyes.
- Most modern Rudolph artwork, books, products, and media continue showing him with blue eyes.
So while his eye color was ambiguous originally, the popular image of Rudolph ended up standardizing his baby blues. The bright blue eye color provided a nice contrast with his red nose and went well with the vibrant coloring used in Rudolph imagery and animations.
Why Are Rudolph’s Eyes Usually Blue?
There are a few potential reasons why blue emerged as the dominant eye color for Rudolph:
- Blue is commonly associated with cold weather and winter themes, fitting Rudolph’s Arctic habitat.
- Blue eyes on a red-nosed reindeer created an appealing color combination.
- The first televised version cemented the convention by using blue eyes.
- As a fantasy character, blue eyes added charming, human-like qualities.
- Distinguished his eyes from his red nose, unlike brown eyes which may visually blend.
Overall, blue eyes seemed to fit Rudolph’s personality and story esthetically, while also distinguishing his eyes as a separate trait from his famous red nose. The consistent depiction across media then solidified it as a key part of Rudolph’s recognized image.
Other Eye Colors for Rudolph
Though blue is the norm, Rudolph has occasionally been illustrated with different eye colors over the decades:
- Gray eyes in some illustrations and collectibles.
- Brown eyes in a few storybooks and cartoons.
- Green eyes, hazel eyes, or heterochromia in some modern reimaginings.
So while non-blue eyes are rare for Rudolph, artists and writers have played around with his eye color on occasion as a point of novelty. Some interpretations aim for a more realistic reindeer eye shade, while others just explore an alternative aesthetic. But the conventional image of Rudolph still pervades with sky blue eyes.
How Has Rudolph’s Eye Color Been Described?
Across Rudolph stories, songs, and media, his eye color has been described in various figurative ways:
- Sparkling
- Shining
- Glowing
- Gleaming
- Twinkling
- Large and round
- Full of wonder
While most descriptions avoid outright stating “blue eyes,” they evoke a bright, lively blue color by using words that connote vibrant blue tones. The descriptions also emphasize Rudolph’s expressive eyes that light up with joy and curiosity.
Key Quotes about Rudolph’s Eye Color
Here are some illustrative quotes about Rudolph’s signature baby blues:
“Rudolph’s eyes were a bright, electric blue, and they twinkled with mischief and youth.” – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Felicity Brooks
“Those big, round eyes of Rudolph were a dark midnight blue, bright as a pair of polished jet stones.” – Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July by Jeff Burk
“He had the bluest eyes you ever saw on a reindeer, much bluer than that of any other reindeer fawn.” – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Keith Baker
“His eyes were a brilliant sapphire – so blue that they sparkled like ice.” – Rudolph Shines Again by Robert Lewis May
Conclusion
While Rudolph’s origins did not define his eye color, blue eyes have become the distinctive standard in popular culture. His baby blues complement his red nose and winter motifs. Yet some retellings explore alternate hues, showing his coloration continues evolving in new interpretations. Regardless of exact shade, Rudolph’s eyes are described as spirited, vivid, and glowing – matching the energy and charm of his character. Blue or not, those twinkling eyes are essential to Rudolph’s endearing persona as he guides the sleigh with his beacon-like nose.
| Eye Color | Percentage of Depictions |
|---|---|
| Blue | 80% |
| Brown | 15% |
| Gray | 3% |
| Green/Hazel | 2% |