Hermey the Elf occupies a special yuletide place

Hermey the Elf made his debut in 1964 as a key Christmas character in the animated “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” television special. 

Hermey and Rudolph became pals because they were both perceived as “misfits.”

Rudolph’s famed red nose, of course, set him apart from “all of the other reindeer.” Hermey, who lacked pointed elf ears, wanted to be a dentist instead of a toy maker, much to the chagrin of the Head Elf.

 

During the story, Rudolph and Hermey hook up with Yukon Cornelius, who is an Arctic explorer and prospector in search of a treasured “peppermint mine.” 

Together, their adventure takes them to the Island of Misfit Toys. They face danger when confronted by the villain – Bumble, the Abominable Snow Monster.

In the end, Yukon conks Bumble on the noggin, and while the monster’s out cold, Hermey extracts Bumble’s fang-like front teeth, incapacitating him and rendering him harmless. Hooray.

 

Rudolph is called upon to guide Santa’s sleigh through a blizzard one Christmas Eve, and Hermey is allowed to practice dentistry at the North Pole, with the Head Elf becoming his first paying patient.

 

Adding to the fun is the soundtrack of familiar Christmas songs, all written by the legendary Johnny Marks – ranging from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year” to “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” The featured vocalist is Burl Ives.

 

The TV special, which was produced by Videocraft International, Ltd., first aired Dec. 6, 1964, on the NBC network, received high acclaim from critics.

The New York Times called the special “a charming and tuneful hour of fantasy,” stating that the animation “radiated a gentle spirit of make-believe.” The Rotten Tomatoes website offered: “‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is a yuletide gem that bursts with eye-popping iconography, a spirited soundtrack and a heart-warming celebration of difference.”

 

The script also contained a few “yuletide revelations.” For one, “Donner, the lead reindeer for Santa Claus, and his wife are surprised to find out their new fawn, Rudolph, has a glowing red nose. Donner attempts to first cover Rudolph’s nose with mud, and later uses a fake nose, so Rudolph will fit in with the other reindeer.”

Rudolph’s mother is referred to only as Mrs. Donner. We don’t learn her first name.

Young Rudolph is attracted romantically to a doe named Clarice, who tells him he is “cute,” giving Rudolph the inspiration to fly. In subsequent programming, Rudolph and Clarice become mates.

 

There are several “morals to the story” associated with Hermey the Elf. One is to value diversity and celebrate one’s uniqueness and passions, even when they go against societal norms.

An important lesson from Hermey’s journey is his individuality and drive to pursue his interests and not be trapped into conforming to others’ expectations. Hermey remains focused on his dream of becoming a dentist. His determination shows the importance of pursuing what makes a person happy and fulfilled.

 

Difference can be an asset. Ultimately, Hermey’s specialized dental skills are what allow him and his friends to humanely tame the Abominable Snow Monster by removing his teeth, a feat no “ordinary” elf could accomplish.

The Machine Learning Team at the Wikipedia Foundation says: “The story ultimately demonstrates that everyone has valuable gifts to offer, even if those gifts don’t fit the expected mold. Hermey finds his true place and purpose in the world by using his specific skills to help others.”

There are at least six other “famous” elves to talk about. Oh boy. 

They include Alabaster Snowball, Bushy Evergreen, Pepper Minstix, Shinny Upatree, Sugarplum Mary and Wunorse Openslae.

Here is one version of the image of Shinny Upatree, who functions as the general manager of North Pole operations.