28. Asterix and the Magic Carpet

Asterix and the Magic Carpet is the twenty-eighth volume in the iconic Asterix series, first published in 1987 and translated into English the following year. Written and illustrated by Albert Uderzo, it is one of the four Asterix albums to be published after René Goscinny’s passing in 1977, marking another chapter in Uderzo’s solo journey with the series. The original French title, Astérix chez Rahàzade ou Le compte des mille et une heures, references the legendary storyteller Scheherazade of One Thousand and One Nights, and sets the stage for a fantastical adventure in distant lands.
This story takes the Gauls on a thrilling journey to India, introducing a host of new characters and settings. The plot follows Watziznehm, a fakir in desperate need of rain for his homeland, and his quest to bring Cacofonix’s infamous rain-inducing songs to India within a perilous 1001-hour window. As Watziznehm, Asterix, Obelix, and Cacofonix set off on a magical flying carpet, they must contend with various challenges—ranging from food stops to perilous encounters—all while racing against time to save Princess Orinjade from a cruel fate.
The album’s tone balances adventure, humor, and a touch of drama, as it explores themes of sacrifice, friendship, and courage. The story is filled with witty references to various cultural elements and a series of comical yet heroic moments. Asterix and the Magic Carpet is one of the most colorful and exotic entries in the Asterix canon, introducing the first significant reference to India in the series.





Synopsis
The story begins with Chief Vitalstatistix attempting to give a speech following the rebuilding of the Gaulish village after Brutus’ attack in Asterix and Son. However, the proceedings are interrupted by Cacofonix, whose ill-timed singing brings rain, setting off a series of events that lead to the introduction of Watziznehm, a fakir who crashes into the village on his flying carpet. He urgently needs to find the village to help him bring rain to his homeland in the Ganges Valley, or Princess Orinjade will be sacrificed to the gods. With the clock ticking, the Gauls agree to accompany him.
The group embarks on their journey, but delays arise due to Obelix’s incessant hunger, Cacofonix’s disastrous attempts to sing, and even a lightning strike that forces a replacement for the flying carpet. After overcoming these hurdles, they arrive in India with mere hours to spare. However, Cacofonix’s voice is lost, and the group must track down a remedy in time to prevent the princess’s execution. Along the way, they face a series of challenges orchestrated by the villainous Grand Vizier Hoodunnit, who has sinister plans to seize the throne.
In the end, the heroes manage to rescue Princess Orinjade and thwart Hoodunnit’s evil plot. Cacofonix recovers his voice and, with a dose of magic potion, sings to bring the longed-for rain. Amid the celebration, Obelix humorously wonders about the banquet taking place back home in Gaul, where the villagers are no doubt missing their bard’s presence.
Audiobooks
The story was released as audiobook in several languages. You can listen to the Dutch audibook here:
- Asterix in Indus-land – side A (51 MB)
- Asterix in Indus-land – side B (52,2 MB)
Interesting Facts and Details
- An audiobook adaptation of Asterix and the Magic Carpet was released in 1988, narrated by Willie Rushton and adapted by Anthea Bell for EMI Records.
- The story marks the first reference to India in the Asterix series, featuring elements of ancient Indian culture, such as Rigvedic deities and fakirs, though the architecture and clothing style also include Islamic influences.
- The plot brings a rare dramatic tone, as seen in Asterix in Switzerland and Asterix and Son, with the urgency of rescuing an innocent from death.
- Princess Orinjade’s name is a playful nod to the drink “Orangeade,” and in the original French version, she is named Rahàzade, a pun on Scheherazade from One Thousand and One Nights.
- The gag of Cacofonix’s singing causing rain was first introduced here and later reused in Asterix and the Secret Weapon.
- Several cultural references and humorous nods are found throughout the album, such as Cacofonix singing “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” and Hoodunnit’s catchphrase “I will be Rajah,” a reference to Iznogoud, another Goscinny character.
Latin Quotes
Let’s break down these specific Latin quotes from Asterix and the Magic Carpet and their meanings within the context of the story:
- “Sic transit gloria mundi”
- Translation: “Thus passes the glory of the world.”
- Meaning: This phrase reflects the transient nature of fame and power. In the context of Asterix and the Magic Carpet, it could be used to reflect the fleeting nature of the villainous schemes of Hoodunnit, who momentarily seeks to gain power but ultimately fails. The quote highlights the inevitable decline of those who are driven by selfish desires and ambition.
- “Contraria contrariis curantur”
- Translation: “Contraries are cured by contraries.”
- Meaning: This philosophical saying suggests that an effect can be reversed by introducing its opposite. In the story, it may allude to the comedic and often paradoxical methods employed by the characters to resolve problems. For instance, in the quest to restore Cacofonix’s voice, the solution (a bizarre bath involving elephant milk, dung, and hair) is as strange and opposite as the problem itself (his loss of voice due to the journey).
- “Quot capita, tot sensus”
- Translation: “As many heads, as many opinions.”
- Meaning: This phrase reflects the idea that everyone has their own point of view. It’s a fitting expression in Asterix and the Magic Carpet, especially when the characters find themselves at odds or having different approaches to a situation. Whether it’s how to approach the journey, how to deal with Cacofonix’s singing, or how to escape danger, the differing perspectives of Asterix, Obelix, and the others often provide both humor and wisdom.
- “Ita est”
- Translation: “Thus it is.”
- Meaning: This is a simple affirmation, often used to confirm the truth of a statement or situation. In the Asterix album, it’s used to underscore moments of resolution or acceptance. It might appear after a character states an obvious or agreed-upon fact, adding a finality to the decision or outcome in the narrative.
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