DONDER GETS HIS NAME BACK
Some time back, I wrote a Christmas piece in which I referred to the reindeer Donder and Blitzen. When the story was published, an unknown editor had changed Donder to Donner without my permission—and without Donder’s.
What! you say, It is spelled Donner.
Wrong, Reindeer Breath!
Clement Moore, reputed author of A Visit from Saint Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas), clearly named all eight reindeer, and he wrote more than once that Donder’s name is, well, Donder—not Donner!
This means that Gene Autry (first recording artist to electronically transcribe the song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) got it wrong. He simply mis-read the lyrics.
So, for once in our lifetime, let’s get it right. Pay respect to Donder by calling him by his rightful name.
Anybody who calls this trusted Santa helper by his incorrect name will hereafter be known in reindeer circles as a Donderhead.
Merry Happy Christmas, Donder and Blitzen and all you other reindeer and reindeer fans
Jim Reed © 2009 A.D.