Where did Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer begin?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer originated in 1939 as a story written by Robert L. May for the Montgomery Ward department store. The tale was created as part of a holiday promotion and was later popularized through a song written by Johnny Marks in 1949. Rudolph's character has since become a beloved symbol of Christmas, featuring in various adaptations, including the famous 1964 television special.