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11. Asterix and the Chieftain’s Shield

Asterix Chieftan's Shield - French cover - source: asterix.com

Asterix and the Chieftain’s Shield (French: Le bouclier arverne, “The Arvernian Shield”) is the eleventh volume in the Asterix comic book series, created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Initially serialized in Pilote magazine in 1967 and later published as a standalone album in 1968, this installment takes on the form of a detective story with a touch of historical intrigue.

Plot

The story begins with Vercingetorix, the legendary Gaulish warrior chief, surrendering to Julius Caesar after the Battle of Alesia. However, the focus quickly shifts to the aftermath, as the fate of Vercingetorix’s famous shield becomes the subject of a comical treasure hunt.

Chief Vitalstatistix, suffering from a severe liver ailment brought on by excessive feasting, is sent to a hydrotherapy center in Arverne for a much-needed cure. Asterix and Obelix, tasked with escorting him, embark on a series of misadventures.

Meanwhile, Caesar, eager to showcase his triumph over the Gauls, orders the recovery of Vercingetorix’s shield for a victory parade. This sets in motion a chain of events that sees Asterix and Obelix, along with a cast of eccentric characters, including a drunken Roman centurion and a forgetful legionary, searching for the missing shield.

Through a series of comical encounters and witty dialogue, the truth eventually emerges: Vitalstatistix himself has been carrying Vercingetorix’s shield all along, using it as his own! The story culminates in a hilarious reversal of fortune, as the Gauls stage a triumphant parade with Vitalstatistix carried aloft on the very shield Caesar coveted.

Interesting tidbits

Alambix
Winesanspirix

Alesia’s Location: A running gag in this book features Vitalstatistix and Winesanspirix falsely claiming “I don’t know where Alesia is! No one knows where Alesia is!”, as if ashamed at Vercingetorix’s defeat. Interestingly, the likely location of Alesia was rediscovered by archaeologists only after this book was published.

The Bougnats: The ubiquitous wine-and-coal shops in Gergovie allude to the Bougnats, Arvernian immigrants to Paris who traditionally operated shops selling wine, wood, and coal.

Vitalstatistix’s Shield: This book establishes the origin of Vitalstatistix’s shield, on which he is customarily carried, as that of Vercingetorix.

Cacofonix Unbound: This is one of the few Asterix books wherein the bard Cacofonix is not tied up and gagged at the feast – he actually participates in the celebrations.

Impedimenta’s Debut: This is the first album wherein Vitalstatistix’s wife, Impedimenta, is named.

The Wheel Factory: The wheel factory is a reference to Michelin, based in Clermont-Ferrand, or the Gaulish Nemessos. In real life, Clermont-Ferrand’s main square features a statue of Vercingetorix, a contrast to the statue of Caesar depicted in the book.

Hydrotherapy and Roman Luxury: While Vitalstatistix’s hydrotherapy takes place in Aquae Calidae (modern Vichy), the first picture on page 10 alludes to the Source Eugénie and the thermal building in Royat, where the Romans also utilized the thermal springs for therapeutic purposes.

Anachronistic Timeline: In the Asterix books, a map of Gaul bears the caption that ‘by 50 B.C. all Gaul was occupied by the Romans’; however, the historical battle of Alesia occurred around 52 B.C. This places the Asterix timeline in the mid-30s B.C., despite the continued presence of Julius Caesar (who was assassinated in 44 B.C.).

Biblical Reference: On Page 9, Vitalstatistix refers to 1 Timothy 5:23, advising a little wine for his stomach problems.

Arvernian Dialect: In most editions of the book (excluding the English translation), the Arvernians speak with a distinctive dialect, pronouncing each “s” sound as “sh.” This is a humorous homage to the dialect spoken in the Auvergne region of France.

Latin Quotes

  • Diem perdidi: “I have lost a day.” This Latin proverb, attributed to Seneca, expresses regret over time wasted or opportunities missed.
  • O tempora, o mores! – “Oh the times! Oh the morals!” This famous quote from Cicero expresses dismay at the decline of moral standards and the corruption of society.
  • Audentes fortuna juvat: “Fortune favors the bold.” This proverb emphasizes the importance of courage and initiative in achieving success.
  • Ab imo pectore bravo: “From the bottom of my brave heart.” This phrase expresses deep sincerity and heartfelt emotion.
  • Carpe diem: “Seize the day.” This well-known phrase from Horace’s Odes encourages one to make the most of the present moment.

Asterix and the Chieftain’s Shield is a classic installment of the series, celebrated for its witty humor, its intricate plot, and its memorable characters. The album continues to entertain readers with its timeless humor and clever social commentary.

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Next: 12. Asterix at the Olympic Games