The answer to this question depends on which version of the Rudolph story you're referring to.
Rudolph in the Original Story
In the original 1939 story, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Rudolph's father is never mentioned. The story focuses on Rudolph's struggle to fit in and his eventual acceptance as a valuable member of Santa's team.
Rudolph in Later Adaptations
In later adaptations, such as the 1964 animated television special, Rudolph's father is implied to be a reindeer named Donner. This is based on a line from the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" where Rudolph is described as "having a very shiny nose" and his father saying, "If your nose is shiny, you'll be a good reindeer." However, this is never explicitly stated in the original story.
Rudolph in Modern Interpretations
Modern interpretations of the Rudolph story often include Rudolph's father as a supporting character. This allows for the exploration of themes like family, acceptance, and self-confidence.
In conclusion, while the original story doesn't mention Rudolph's father, later adaptations and modern interpretations often include a father figure in Rudolph's life.