Idéfix
Dogmatix (French: Idéfix) is a small but mighty character in the Asterix series. Fans instantly recognize him as the faithful companion of the indomitable Gaul, Obélix. Known for his unwavering loyalty and determination, Dogmatix has evolved alongside the Asterix universe, becoming a beloved figure in his own right.
For more information about the new Dogmatix and the Indomitables TV series and comic albums, check the menu above.
Appearance and Character
Dogmatix first appeared in Asterix and the Banquet (Le Tour de Gaule d’Astérix) with very short legs. Animators later requested longer legs to simplify the animation process. This adjustment gave him a sleeker body and enhanced agility. Dogmatix is small, white, and has black-tipped ears and a tail. His large nose and whiskers mirror the appearance of the Gaulish people. A West Highland White Terrier portrays Dogmatix in the live-action Asterix films.
The character subtly debuted in Asterix and the Banquet, waiting outside a charcuterie shop in Lutèce. Initially unnamed, Dogmatix followed Asterix and Obelix through the adventure, barking only to catch Obelix’s attention at the end. Obelix affectionately gave him a bone. Albert Uderzo, the artist, originally planned for Asterix to pet the dog but changed his mind at the last moment.
Dogmatix’s role in the stories soon became more and more important. Already in the next album, Asterix and Cleopatra, he saves Asterix, Obelix and Getafix after they got lost in a pyramid and he manages to get them out.
Name Origins
Dogmatix received his French name after a contest held by Pilote magazine, where the prize was a signed album. The winning name was officially announced on December 12, 1963, in issue 216 of the publication.
Goscinny and Uderzo explained their decision as follows:
“It wasn’t really easy to make a choice. There were lots of suggestions, and some very funny ones; let’s mention: Patracourcix, Papeurderix, Trépetix, Paindépix, Toutousanprix, and other Minimix. Most of the letters were accompanied by drawings representing Asterix, Obelix, and the little dog, still anonymous. We chose Idéfix because it’s a short name, catchy, and sharp to the ear. It fits the character of the little dog well; indeed, he is a young animal with fixed ideas: he always wants to follow his two Gaulish friends and is always thinking about eating big bones.”
The name comes from the phrase avoir une idée fixe, which describes being obsessed with a particular thought, implying stubbornness or persistence. The -ix suffix aligns with the series’ Gaulish naming conventions.
As is typical for characters in the series, the name was adapted in translations. Some versions retained the original meaning or phonetic feel, such as Idéiafix in Portuguese, Ideafix in Spanish, İdefiks in Turkish, and Idefiks in Polish.
Others took a more creative approach, including Gafarelix in Occitan and Waldix in Alsatian. The English version, Dogmatix, cleverly combines the notion of dogmatic thinking with a nod to the fact that he’s a dog. I am not sure he is a very dogmatic thinker though.
Idéfix around the world
| Language | Name Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| French | Idéfix | Original name; pun on idée fixe (“obsession”) |
| English | Dogmatix | Pun on dogmatic and dog |
| Dutch | Idefix | Retains French form |
| German | Idefix | Retains French form |
| Danish | Idefix | Retains French form |
| Swedish | Idefix | Retains French form |
| Norwegian | Idefix | Retains French form |
| Finnish | Idefix | Retains French form |
| Spanish | Ideafix | Phonetic variation of French |
| Portuguese | Ideiafix | Translation of idée fixe |
| Italian | Idefix | Retains French form; once called Ercolino in a film |
| Polish | Idefix / Idefiks | Variants observed |
| Czech | Idefix | Retains French form |
| Turkish | İdefiks | Early versions: Hopdediks, Oburiks |
| Icelandic | Krílríkur | Means “strong little one” |
| Hungarian | Mirnixdirnix / Töpszlix / Idefix | Wordplay or size references |
| Croatian | Snupix / Fidofiks | Different variants used |
| Esperanto | Idefix | Retains French form |
| Hindi | Kutta Bhaunkix | Means “barking dog” |
| Bengali | Gnoyartumix | Derived from word for “dogmatic” |
| Hebrew | Mavrix | Name means “bright” |
| Greek | Katrulix / Idefix | Early: Katrulix (joke name); later: Idefix |
Idéfix as the Main Character
Dogmatix stars in several Asterix spin-off series, captivating mostly a younger audience with his own adventures. Not all books have been translated into English or other languages.
The Idéfix Series (1973-1974, 16 albums)
- Idéfix se fait un ami (Dogmatix Makes a Friend)
- La chasse au sanglier (The Wild Boar Hunt)
- L’orage (The Storm)
- Un goûter bien mérité (A Well-Deserved Snack)
- Idéfix et le bébé (Dogmatix and the Baby)
- Idéfix et le poisson clown (Dogmatix and the Clownfish)
- Idéfix à la neige (Dogmatix in the Snow)
- L’anniversaire d’Idéfix (Dogmatix’s Birthday)
- Idéfix fait du sport (Dogmatix Plays Sports)
- Idéfix et la petite fille (Dogmatix and the Little Girl)
- Une folle poursuite (A Wild Chase)
- Idéfix au cirque (Dogmatix at the Circus)
- Idéfix magicien (Dogmatix the Magician)
- Idéfix et le perroquet (Dogmatix and the Parrot)
- Idéfix s’en va-t’en guerre (Dogmatix Goes to War)
- Idéfix et le petit lapin (Dogmatix and the Little Rabbit)
The 1983 Revival by Uderzo (2 albums)
- Idéfix et le vilain petit aiglon (Dogmatix and the Wicked Little Eagle)
- Idéfix et la grande fringale (Dogmatix and the Great Hunger)
The covers
Dogmatix in Parc Asterix
In 2014 La Forêt d’Idéfix opened in Parc Asterix. The name translates to The Forest of Idéfix. It’s a themed area in Parc Astérix designed for children, featuring attractions that are gentle and family-friendly.
His doghouse can be found in front of Obelix’s house in the park as well.