19. Asterix and the Soothsayer

A Tale of Gullibility and Misfortune

“Asterix and the Soothsayer,” the seventeenth volume in the beloved Asterix comic book series, created by the legendary duo of René Goscinny (stories) and Albert Uderzo (illustrations), delves into the themes of superstition, gullibility, and the power of suggestion.

The story together with Asterix and the Big Fight this story was used to create the 1989 film Operation Getafix.

The Plot

The story begins with the arrival of Prolix, a mysterious soothsayer, who predicts that the impending storm will soon pass. Despite Asterix’s skepticism, the villagers, impressed by Prolix’s apparent foresight, quickly fall under his spell. However, Asterix, ever the skeptic, remains unconvinced.

Prolix’s predictions, while initially seemingly accurate, soon spiral out of control. He manipulates the villagers, sowing seeds of discord and fear. The Romans, capitalizing on the chaos, attempt to conquer the village. But Asterix, with the help of Getafix’s ingenious use of foul-smelling gases, manages to repel the Roman attack, proving Prolix’s predictions to be false.

The story takes several humorous twists and turns, including Obelix’s unexpected infatuation with Mrs. Geriatrix, the Roman centurion’s ambition to become dictator, and a hilarious courtroom scene where Asterix and Obelix are accused of attempting to assassinate Caesar.

A Satire on Human Nature

“Asterix and the Soothsayer” is more than just a collection of humorous adventures. It serves as a witty satire on human gullibility and the power of suggestion. The villagers’ blind faith in Prolix’s predictions highlights the human tendency to seek easy answers and to believe in the supernatural.

Cultural and Historical References:

• Artistic Influences:
  • The album is filled with artistic references, including a recreation of Rembrandt’s “The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp” and a humorous depiction of La Défense, the modern district of skyscrapers outside Paris.
  • Uderzo even includes a subtle self-reference, depicting his own country house in one of the panels.
• Historical References:
  • The story subtly references Caesar’s assassination by Brutus with the line “As long as Brutus is near you…you will have nothing to fear,” spoken by a Roman guard.
  • The album also makes a subtle reference to the French Foreign Legion, with the diverse nationalities represented among the Roman soldiers.

“Errare humanum est”

This Latin phrase, meaning “To err is human,” appears in the album and is also found in “Asterix and the Goths.”

• Origin: This phrase is attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca.
• Meaning: It acknowledges the inherent fallibility of human beings and the inevitability of making mistakes.

“Asterix and the Soothsayer” is a delightful and thought-provoking adventure that continues to entertain readers with its witty humor, clever satire, and enduring commentary on human nature.

Funny translations fact

In the Dutch translations Prolix is called Xinix. This sounds almost like ‘Zie niks’, which in Dutch means ‘See nothing’.

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Next: 20. Asterix in Corsica