If st. Nicholas didn't have reindeer back then (or did he?) then where did the flying reindeer come into play for the story of Santa Claus?
2007-12-25 05:50:16 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
While the Christian Santa Claus is mostly inspired by the 4th Century saint, St. Nicholas of Myra (who was famous for giving gifts to the poor), he is also linked to the pre-Christian Germanic Peoples' god Odin, who lead a hunting party in the sky on the Germanic festival of Yule, riding an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir that could leap great distances, giving rise to comparisons to Santa Claus's reindeer.
2007-12-25 06:04:10 · answer #1 · answered by Miss Understood 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ancient Norse mythology tells of the legend of Thor, the God of Thunder. Thor was known to fly through the stormy skies pulled in a chariot by magical goats named Gnasher and Cracker.
Over time, Scandinavian winter festivals that later become associated with Christmas celebrated the exploits of the Norse God. Using a costume made of goat skin and donning a manufactured goat head two men would pranced about as a goat, with some times having a third individual riding them. Such raucous holiday displays displeased Christian authorities struggling to control pagan winter rituals. Nevertheless, the celebration of the goat and his unpredictable behavior proved to be a popular and lasting element of the season.
2007-12-25 13:55:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They were regular reigndeer, I think Santa gave them cocaine or some other magic dust to make them be able to fly all around the world after all, It's pretty obvious that Santa is an old hippie
2007-12-25 13:57:43 · answer #3 · answered by ??? Waldo ??? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Canada
2007-12-25 13:53:35 · answer #4 · answered by Raptors 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Russia
2007-12-25 13:52:49 · answer #5 · answered by crystallamp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Moma Rudolph gave birth to Rudolph who gave birth to the rest of them. Why do ya think Rudolph is Santa's favorite
2007-12-25 13:57:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
try doing some research on thomas nast -- he made up the story on santa claus. that might help you find out!
2007-12-25 13:55:19 · answer #7 · answered by whyevencare 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to Cheech& Chong's "Santa and his ol' lady."
2007-12-25 13:54:52 · answer #8 · answered by rlstaehle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He sprinkles pixiedust on them to make them fly
2007-12-25 13:53:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Santa isnt real.
2007-12-25 13:52:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋