Asterix and the Goths

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Asterix and the Goths
French Title: Astérix chez les Goths
Story: René Goscinny
Illustrations: Albert Uderzo
French Edition: 1963
English Translation: 1974
Preceded by: Asterix and the Golden Sickle
Followed by: Asterix the Gladiator

Asterix and the Goths is the third volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny (stories) and Albert Uderzo (illustrations). It was first published in 1963 in French and translated into English in 1974.

[edit] Plot summary

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Asterix and Obelix are escorting Getafix to the annual druids' conference in the Forest of the Carnutes not suspecting that the Goths (Tartaric, Esoteric, Atmospheric, Prehistoric and Choleric) are hiding nearby, intending to kidnap the Druid of the Year and use his magic to conquer Gaul and Rome.

The Goths kidnap Getafix after he wins the title of Druid of the Year with his magic potion which gives superhuman strength. Asterix and Obelix immediately set off to rescue their druid. Along the way the Goths mistake them for Romans and the Romans mistake them for Goths.

Reunited, the three Gauls plan a scheme to put the Goths off from invading Gaul and Rome. Getafix makes some magic potion and gives it to various weak-minded Goths who are inspired to take up arms and claim leadership of the Goths for themselves. This results in a series of never-ending conflicts known as the Asterixian Wars.

Satisfied that their "peace-keeping mission" has worked, the trio return home to Gaul and their village.

[edit] Notes

  • This story follows closely from Asterix and the Golden Sickle (in which the heroes acquire a sickle for Getafix in preparation for this trip) - one of very few Asterix stories that connects so closely with another.
  • Before the formation of the German Empire in 1871, Germany was indeed divided into a large number of smaller duchies and kingdoms, as detailed at the end of the story.
Spoilers end here.

[edit] In other languages

In other languages