05. Asterix and the Banquet
Asterix and the Banquet (French: Le Tour de Gaule d’Astérix, “Asterix’s Tour of Gaul”) is the fifth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny (stories) and Albert Uderzo (illustrations). It was first serialized in Pilote magazine, issues 172–213, in 1963.
In this installment, the indomitable Gauls find themselves under siege. The nearby Roman camp Compendium is visited by inspector general Overanxius from Rome who wants to see how they fare against the village of the indomitable Gauls. In an attempt to quell their spirit, they construct a palisade around their village and impose a strict embargo. Undeterred, Asterix proposes a daring plan: he will tour Gaul and collect culinary specialties from each region, returning in triumph to host a grand banquet.
Accompanied by the ever-loyal Obelix, Asterix embarks on a gastronomic odyssey. Their journey is filled with humorous encounters, cultural exchanges, and, of course, plenty of food. From the fish markets of the south to the forests of the north, they sample the best of Gaulish cuisine. Along the way, they befriend a small, white dog who will become an iconic character in the series: Idéfix (Dogmatix).
Translation issues
The story was originally published in French in 1965, as the fifth album in the Asterix series. However, its English translation wasn’t released until 1974, nearly a decade later. The English publishers (notably Brockhampton Press and later Hodder & Stoughton) did not follow the original French publication order. Instead, they prioritized albums that were more universally appealing and easier to translate. This was especially true for Asterix and the Banquet, which contains numerous references to French geography, regional stereotypes, and culinary culture. As a result, English-speaking readers first encountered Dogmatix in Asterix and Cleopatra, and only later discovered his first appearance—and the story of how he was adopted—in Asterix and the Banquet.
Background Analysis:
- A Parody of the Tour de France: The album’s central plot, a culinary tour of Gaul, is a clear parody of the famous Tour de France cycling race. This connection allows the authors to weave elements of sporting competition, travelogue, and regional stereotypes into the narrative.
- Cultural Satire and Stereotypes: As with other Asterix albums, Asterix and the Banquet is filled with satirical depictions of different regions of Gaul. Each area is portrayed with exaggerated characteristics, drawing on regional stereotypes and historical references. This humorous approach adds depth and complexity to the story.
- The Birth of Dogmatix (Idéfix): The introduction of Dogmatix in this album is a significant milestone in the series. His arrival adds a new dimension to the dynamic between Asterix and Obelix, and he quickly becomes a beloved character in his own right. The name “Idéfix” was chosen following a reader’s contest in the magazine Pilote.
- The Importance of Food: Food plays a central role in the Asterix series, and Asterix and the Banquet is no exception. The focus on culinary specialties highlights the importance of food in Gaulish culture and serves as a unifying theme for the narrative.
- Obelix and the “Fat Man” Stigma: This album marks the first instance where Obelix vehemently protests the implication that he is fat. While he had previously acknowledged his size, he now expresses strong aversion to being referred to as “the fat man.”
- References to Past Adventures: Asterix and the Banquet features the first instances of the series referencing previous adventures. Obelix mentions Caius Fatuous, whom they humiliated in Asterix the Gladiator, and they encounter the ongoing traffic problems in Lutetia, first depicted in Asterix and the Golden Sickle.
The Tour
The first city they visit is Rotomagus, modern day Rouen, but they don’t bring anything from that city. The cities on their tour that they do bring food from are:
1. Lutetia (Modern: Paris)
- Treat: Ham (Jambon de Lutèce)
- Notes: They visit Rotomagus first but are discovered by a Roman patrol. They jump in the river and Obelix pushes a boat at high speed towards Lutetia. Starting in Lutetia a small dog starts to follow our friends.
2. Camaracum (Modern: Cambrai)
- Treat: Boiled sweets (Bêtises de Cambrai)
- Notes: These are traditional mint candies. The visit is brief and not heavily featured in the English translation, but mentioned in the original.
3. Durocortorum (Modern: Reims)
- Treat: Sparkling wine (ancestor of Champagne)
- Notes: Though not explicitly labeled “Champagne” in the album, this is clearly the region associated with it.
4. Divodurum (Modern: Metz)
- Treat: Quiche Lorraine
- Notes: They cause some confusion at a Roman checkpoint here.
5. Lugdunum (Modern: Lyon)
- Treat: Sausages (Saucisson)
- Notes: The city is shown as a maze of alleyways. They are helped by the Resistance, led by a character resembling the French Résistance fighters of WWII.
6. Nicae (Modern: Nice)
- Treat: Salad (Salade Niçoise)
- Notes: This stop is more relaxed, capturing the Mediterranean atmosphere.
7. Massilia (Modern: Marseille)
- Treat: Bouillabaisse (fish stew)
- Notes: They play a pétanque-style game and meet locals with exaggerated southern accents.
8. Tolosa (Modern: Toulouse)
- Treat: Sausages (Toulouse sausage)
- Notes: A brief but chaotic visit — they steal food from a banquet during a pursuit.
9. Aginum (Modern: Agen)
- Treat: Prunes (Prunes d’Agen)
- Notes: The characters fall asleep after eating too many — a nod to the fruit’s reputation for aiding digestion.
10. Burdigala (Modern: Bordeaux)
- Treat: Oysters and white wine
- Notes: Asterix and Obelix travel by boat along the coast from here.
11. Gesocribatum (Modern: Le Conquet, Brittany)
- Treat: Seafood (mainly lobsters and shellfish)
- Notes: This is their last stop before returning home.
Additional Notes:
- Unfulfilled Plans: René Goscinny had initially planned for Asterix and Obelix to visit more cities, including Caesarodunum (Tours) and Vesunna (Périgueux), each with its own culinary specialty. However, these plans were ultimately abandoned.
- The Influence of Marcel Pagnol: The album includes a parody of a famous card game scene from Marcel Pagnol’s film Marius, showcasing the authors’ ability to incorporate elements from other popular works into their narrative.
Latin quotes
Exegi monumentum aere perennius: This quote is from the Roman poet Horace’s Odes 3.30.1. It means “I have created a monument more lasting than bronze”. It is spoken by Asterix when he is boasting about his plan to tour Gaul and bring back culinary specialties from each region.
Victrix causa diis placuit, sed victa catoni: This quote is from the Roman poet Lucan’s Pharsalia 1.128. It means “The victorious cause pleased the gods, but the vanquished pleased Cato”.
Conclusion
Asterix and the Banquet is a beloved installment of the Asterix series, combining humor, adventure, and a deep appreciation for French culture and history. Its exploration of regional differences, the introduction of a beloved character, and its focus on food make it a standout in the series.
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