13. Asterix and the Cauldron

Asterix and the Cauldron is the thirteenth volume in the beloved Asterix comic book series, created by the legendary duo of René Goscinny (stories) and Albert Uderzo (illustrations). First serialized in the magazine Pilote in 1968, it continues to entertain readers with its blend of humor, adventure, and historical satire.
The Plot
The story centers around a neighboring Gaulish village led by Chief Whosemoralsarelastix, a miserly individual who frequently conducts business with the Romans. When the Romans impose new taxes, Whosemoralsarelastix entrusts the village’s wealth – a cauldron full of sestertii – to the villagers of Asterix’s village for safekeeping. Despite Asterix’s vigilant watch, the cauldron is stolen during the night.
According to Gaulish law, Asterix must be banished until he atones for his negligence. Loyal Obelix immediately “banishes” himself to accompany his friend, determined to find the money to repay Whosemoralsarelastix.
Their quest for funds leads them on a series of hilarious misadventures:
- Confronting the Romans: They interrogate the Romans at Compendium, only to trigger a riot when the Romans claim no knowledge of the theft.
- Battling the Pirates: They attack the pirates, mistakenly believing them to be the culprits, only to discover that the pirates have transformed their ship into a floating restaurant.
- Various Ventures: They try their hand at selling boars, prize fighting, acting, gambling, and even robbing a bank (which turns out to be empty due to the recent tax increases).
With their luck seemingly running out, Asterix and Obelix return the empty cauldron to Whosemoralsarelastix’s village. Asterix, hoping to salvage his honor, confesses sole responsibility for the loss.
However, a stroke of genius reveals the truth: Asterix recalls a distinct onion-like scent emanating from the coins, a remnant of the cauldron’s previous use for cooking onion soup. This crucial clue leads him to suspect Whosemoralsarelastix himself, who had stolen the money and hoped to profit from Asterix’s misfortune.
A thrilling sword duel ensues between Asterix and Whosemoralsarelastix, while Obelix fends off the villagers. Just as Whosemoralsarelastix prepares to deliver the final blow, a section of the cliff gives way, sending the cauldron plummeting into the sea. Asterix rescues the fallen chief and, reunited with Obelix, returns home to a hero’s welcome.
Interesting Details
- A Meta-Joke: When Obelix suggests they earn money by recounting their adventures, Asterix dismisses the idea. This is a playful nod to the fact that the Asterix comics themselves had already brought immense fame and fortune to Goscinny and Uderzo.
- A Touch of Self-Reference: In one scene, Roman dignitaries attend a theatrical performance. Uderzo himself appears in the crowd, in Roman costume, while Goscinny, to the right, entertains his neighbors with jokes.
- A Political Satire: The tax collector in the book bears a striking resemblance to Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, then the French Minister of Finance.
- A Happy Ending for the Pirates: This is the first and only volume where the pirates enjoy a happy ending, having successfully transformed their ship into a profitable restaurant.
- A Rare Swordfight: The climactic duel is one of the few instances where Asterix is seen actively using his sword, despite always carrying it.
- “Pecunia non olet”: Asterix’s deduction that the coins belonged to Whosemoralsarelastix is a direct reference to the Roman proverb “Pecunia non olet” (“Money does not stink”).
- A Subtle Change: In earlier editions, the color of the Roman legionaries’ breeches was changed from white to red.
Latin quote
The Latin phrase “Ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant” translates to:
“Where they make a wasteland, they call it peace.”
Origin and Context:
This quote is attributed to Tacitus, a Roman historian who lived in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. He used this phrase in his work “The Histories”, which describes the Roman conquest of Britannia (modern-day Britain).
Meaning and Interpretation:
Tacitus, through this poignant statement, criticizes the Roman military’s brutal tactics in conquering and subjugating the British.
- “Ubi solitudinem faciunt”: This part translates to “Where they make a wasteland.” It refers to the Roman army’s practice of devastating the land of the Britons. They would often burn villages, destroy crops, and slaughter livestock to subdue the resistance. This scorched-earth policy aimed to deprive the Britons of resources and make it impossible for them to sustain a rebellion.
- “Pacem appellant”: This translates to “They call it peace.” This is the cynical and ironic part of the quote. Tacitus highlights the Roman hypocrisy. After laying waste to the land and decimating the population, the Romans would declare that they had brought “peace” to the region.
Significance:
This quote has enduring relevance as a powerful critique of any power that uses violence and destruction to impose its will. It serves as a warning against the dangers of using force to create a false sense of order and stability.
Conclusion
“Asterix and the Cauldron” continues to delight readers with its witty humor, memorable characters, and clever social commentary. It remains a beloved classic in the Asterix series, offering a timeless blend of adventure and satire.
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