Robert L. May created Rudolph in 1939, when his company, the Montgomery Ward department stores, asked him to write a Christmas story that they could give away to customers. Drawing on the tale of The Ugly Duckling, Mr. May penned the story of a sweet reindeer shunned because of his glowing red nose. Little did he know his creation was destined to become a Christmas classic. Years later, cartoons, movies, and the song we all know and love have secured Rudolph's place in Christmas history.