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10. Asterix the Legionary

Asterix the Legionary - french cover - source: asterix.com

Asterix the Legionary (French: Astérix Légionnaire) is the tenth volume of the Asterix comic book series, created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Initially serialized in Pilote magazine in 1966 and later published as a standalone album in 1967, this installment sees our Gaulish heroes join the Roman army.

Plot

The story begins with Obelix falling head over heels for Panacea (Fr. Falbala), a former resident of the village. However, their happiness is short-lived when Panacea reveals that her fiancé, Tragicomix, has been forcibly conscripted into the Roman army. Determined to rescue Tragicomix, Asterix and Obelix enlist in the Roman Legion and travel to Africa.

Their journey takes them through rigorous (and often hilarious) basic training, where they encounter a diverse group of recruits, including Hemispheric (Fr. Chiméric) the Goth, Selectivemploymentax (Fr. Faupayélatax) the Briton, Gastronomix (Fr. Mouléfix) the Belgian, and Ptenisnet (Fr. Courdeténis) the Egyptian tourist who mistakenly believes he is on vacation.

The legion is deployed to North Africa to fight against the forces of Scipio and King Juba I. During the Battle of Thapsus, the Gauls, with their unorthodox fighting style and the confusion caused by the similarity of the Roman and opposing armies’ uniforms, inadvertently contribute to Caesar’s victory.

Despite their unexpected contribution, the Gauls are initially held captive by Caesar. However, recognizing their unique abilities, Caesar releases them and sends them back to their village. The story concludes with a celebration in the Gaulish village, while Panacea and Tragicomix return to Condatum to be married.

Interesting tidbits

  • A Unique Ending:
    This is the first instance in the series where Asterix does not partake in the traditional celebratory banquet at the end of the album, a notable departure from the usual narrative structure. This unusual absence is not repeated until Asterix and the Magic Carpet two decades later.
  • Artistic References:
    The sinking of the pirate ship is a humorous homage to Géricault’s famous painting The Raft of the Medusa, with the English version even including a pun on the artist’s name.
  • Cultural Satire:
    The legionaries in Asterix’s unit are depicted as comic stereotypes of their respective nationalities, satirizing the French Foreign Legion’s historical recruitment of foreigners.
  • A Touch of Tintin:
    The Belgian legionary sports a distinctive hairstyle reminiscent of the iconic comic character Tintin, adding another layer of playful intertextuality to the story.
  • Childish Humor:
    The Egyptian legionary’s use of hieroglyphics to make suggestive comments about body hair is a clever reference to a popular children’s game in France, adding a touch of unexpected humor.
  • Inspired by Comedy Classics:
    The plot of Asterix the Legionary draws inspiration from the classic Laurel and Hardy comedy film The Flying Deuces, where the duo enlist in the Foreign Legion after Hardy falls in love. This connection adds another layer of humor and intertextuality to the story.

Latin Quotes

  • Quomodo vales? – “How are you?” This is a common Latin greeting, used as a polite inquiry about someone’s well-being.
  • Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes: – “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.” This famous Latin proverb, attributed to Virgil, warns against accepting gifts from enemies, as they may be treacherous.
  • Dignus est intrare: – “He is worthy to enter.” This phrase is often used to grant permission or admittance to someone.
  • Cogito ergo sum: – “I think, therefore I am.” This famous philosophical statement by René Descartes emphasizes the importance of reason and individual thought.

Conclusion

Asterix the Legionary is a beloved installment of the series, known for its humorous portrayal of Roman legion life, its diverse cast of characters, and its exploration of themes such as love, loyalty, and the unexpected consequences of one’s actions. This album together with the story from Asterix the Gladiator were used for the 1985 film Asterix versus Caesar.

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