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08. Asterix in Britain

Asterix in Britain - French cover - source: asterix.com

Asterix in Britain (French: Astérix chez les Bretons) is the eighth volume of the Asterix comic book series, created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Initially serialized in Pilote magazine in 1965 and later published as a standalone album in 1966, this installment takes our Gaulish heroes across the English Channel to aid a village of rebellious Britons.

Plot

Julius Caesar, determined to expand his empire, has conquered Britain. However, one village in Kent remains fiercely independent. To aid their struggle, a brave Briton named Anticlimax (Fr. Jolitorax) travels to Gaul to seek help from Getafix, the druid renowned for his magic potion. Asterix and Obelix are tasked with accompanying Anticlimax and transporting a barrel of the potion to Britain.

Their journey is fraught with misadventures. After a thrilling sea battle with a Roman galley, Obelix inadvertently reveals their mission, alerting the Roman authorities in Britain. In Londinium, the potion is confiscated by the Romans, leading to a chaotic series of events. The Roman soldiers, tasked with identifying the barrel containing the potion, mistakenly consume large quantities of British “warm beer” (bitter) and wine, becoming hopelessly intoxicated.

Asterix and Obelix, after a series of mishaps, including a pub brawl and a brief imprisonment in the Tower of Londinium, finally locate the potion being used to enhance the performance of a local rugby team. They successfully retrieve the potion but, faced with the imminent destruction of the barrel by the Romans, release it into the River Thames.

Despite the loss of the potion, Asterix, with his characteristic ingenuity, convinces the Britons that a simple herbal tea provided by Getafix will grant them the same invincibility. This psychological boost proves to be enough, and the Britons successfully repel the Roman attack.

Tidbits

  • A Note from the Authors:
    The English version of the album originally included a disclaimer from the authors stating that the humor was not intended to insult the English people but to playfully satirize common stereotypes. This precedent was later followed in the French edition of Asterix in Corsica.
  • Linguistic Satire:
    The French version depicts the Britons speaking French with a distinctly English accent, using literal translations of English expressions and placing adjectives before nouns. This linguistic quirk is cleverly translated into English by having the Britons speak in stereotypical “upper class” English, adding another layer of humor.
  • A Touch of Foreshadowing:
    Anticlimax mentions that the Britons were working on a tunnel under the English Channel. This humorous detail adds an unexpected touch of foreshadowing, as the Channel Tunnel was not completed until 1994, 28 years after the book’s publication.
  • A Touch of Churchill:
    The chief of Anticlimax’s tribe, Mykingdomforanos (Zebigbos in French), is a clear caricature of Winston Churchill. The Beatles also make a cameo appearance in the story, adding a touch of contemporary pop culture.
  • Historical Inaccuracy:
    The story takes place during the Roman occupation of Britain, yet the city of Londinium was not founded until around 47 AD, about a century after the events depicted in the album.

Latin Quotes

  • O fortunatos nimium, sua si bona norint agricolas: This quote, from Virgil’s Georgics, translates to “O farmers, most fortunate if you but knew your blessings.” It is a reflection on the simple pleasures and contentment of rural life, often used to contrast the idyllic countryside with the complexities of urban living.
  • Fluctua nec mergitur: This Latin phrase translates to “It fluctuates but does not sink.” It is a motto associated with the City of London, symbolizing its resilience and ability to withstand challenges.

Conclusion

Asterix in Britain is a beloved installment of the series, known for its witty humor, its exploration of British culture, and its memorable portrayal of the adventures of Asterix and Obelix in a foreign land. The album was so popular that it was released as a film in 1986.

My Collection

Asterix e Obelix alla Conquista Del Mondo contains seven stories.