The Real Reason Yukon Cornelius Licks His Axe In ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is a holiday staple for many, but if you grew up watching it on TV, you’re missing out on some pretty key moments—particularly the reason Yukon Cornelius licks his pickax every time he taps it on the ground.
That’s right, there is a reason for his odd behavior. But there’s a chance you didn’t see it because the TV version of this film is missing a key scene that explains everything.

ou could say Cornelius—a failed prospector that Rudolph and Hermey the Elf meet on their way to the island of Misfit Toys—is a bit eccentric anyway. But licking an axe? It’s pretty much baffled fans since the missing scene was removed in 1965, just one year after the original, full version aired on

After Santa’s sleigh flies off to the Island of Misfit Toys, guided by Rudolph of course, Cornelius runs out of the castle and yells, “See! That’s how it’s done!” as he looks up at the flying sleigh. He then throws his pickaxe up in the air, picks it up and licks it, as he’s done throughout the entire special all the way up to that scene. His next line then explains the entire thing: “Peppermint!” he says. “What I’ve been searching for all my life! I’ve struck it rich! I’ve got me a peppermint mine!”
This whole time, we (and Hermey!) thought Cornelius was searching for silver and gold when, lo and behold, he just wanted peppermint! Hermey is so stunned, in fact, that he falls down in the snow in disbelief.
Watch the deleted scene below:

 

Source : simplemost