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29. Asterix and the Secret Weapon

A Bold Step in the Series

Asterix and the Secret Weapon - french cover - source: asterix.com

Asterix and the Secret Weapon (French: La Rose et le Glaive), the 29th album in the Asterix series published in 1991, represents a pivotal moment in the saga’s history. Created by Albert Uderzo in response to feminist critiques of the series’ perceived misogyny, the album introduces Bravura, a female bard from Lutetia, whose arrival shakes up the patriarchal dynamics of Asterix’s village. This narrative innovation, combined with sharp satire and Uderzo’s characteristic humor, delivers a compelling story that resonates across generations.

The Plot

The story begins with dissatisfaction brewing among the women of the village. Disillusioned with the local bard and teacher, Cacofonix, they hire Bravura, a strong-willed female bard, to improve their children’s education. Her arrival sparks immediate chaos: the women admire her resolve, while the men laugh at her singing, much to her irritation. Encouraged by Bravura, the women challenge traditional roles, eventually electing Impedimenta, the chief’s wife, as the new village leader. Vitalstatistix and other disgruntled men retreat to the forest in protest.

Meanwhile, Julius Caesar seizes this moment of discord to send his secret weapon: female legionaries. His plan is to exploit the Gauls’ chivalry, assuming they will refuse to fight women. However, Bravura and Asterix devise a clever counter-strategy. From turning the village into a shopping mall to employing Cacofonix’s infamous singing, the villagers outwit Caesar’s forces. The result is another Roman humiliation and the restoration of peace in the village. Bravura, reconciled with Asterix, leaves for Lutetia, her work done.

Original Title and International Reach

The album’s French title, La Rose et le Glaive (The Rose and the Sword), encapsulates its themes of femininity and power. The word glaive refers to both a Roman gladius and a spear, though the cover design suggests a sword. This duality reflects Bravura’s character: a harmonious blend of elegance and strength. The title may also nod to the 1953 film The Sword and the Rose or Paul Verhoeven’s Flesh & Blood (1985), known in French as La Rose et l’Épée.

Interestingly, the Dutch title, De Roos en het Zwaard, remains a close translation of the original French. However the nae for the album Asterix and the Falling Sky in Dutch is Asterix en het Geheime Wapen, which translated means Asterix and the Secret Weapon.

A Feminist Touch

Responding to feminist critiques of the series’ male-dominated world, Uderzo crafted a story where women take center stage. Bravura’s arrival in the village shakes the traditional order, leading to humorous conflicts and unexpected alliances. Asterix’s uncharacteristic emotional outbursts and Obelix’s unusual discretion highlight the gendered dynamics at play. These narrative choices underscore Uderzo’s attempt to address social critiques while maintaining the series’ lighthearted tone.

A Groundbreaking Release

Asterix and the Secret Weapon was the first Asterix album to debut simultaneously across Europe. Under the guidance of Albert Uderzo’s daughter, Sylvie, who had joined Les Editions Albert René during the release of Asterix and the Magic Carpet, the album’s launch was orchestrated with a Hollywood-level publicity campaign. This strategy marked a turning point for the series, establishing a template for future releases and cementing Asterix’s status as a global phenomenon.

Cultural and Literary References

Uderzo enriches the album with callbacks to earlier adventures and clever wordplay. For instance, the Roman agent Manlius Claphamomnibus is a pun on the English legal phrase “the man on the Clapham omnibus,” representing an average, reasonable person. This reference adds a layer of wit for English-speaking readers.

Additionally, the album draws on previous stories: Cacofonix’s singing causing rain, a recurring gag, plays a crucial role, while the election of a new chief echoes Asterix and Caesar’s Gift. Such intertextual elements create a sense of continuity while offering new laughs.

Latin Quotes

Several Latin phrases appear throughout the album, enriching its humor:

  • Vis comica (The force of comedy): A nod to the transformative power of humor.
  • Qualis artifex pereo (What an artist dies in me!): Attributed to Emperor Nero, it humorously reflects Cacofonix’s delusions of grandeur.
  • Gloria victis (Glory to the vanquished): Highlights themes of triumph and defeat.
  • Desinit in piscem mulier formosa superne (A woman beautiful above but ending in a fish): From Horace, it critiques incongruity, possibly reflecting Bravura’s polarizing role in the village.

These classical allusions provide a sophisticated layer for readers familiar with Latin while entertaining those curious about its enduring influence.

Conclusion

Asterix and the Secret Weapon is a landmark in the Asterix series, blending humor, social commentary, and adventure. Its feminist undertones and innovative narrative structure reflect Uderzo’s adaptability as a storyteller. By addressing contemporary critiques and launching the album across Europe simultaneously, Asterix and the Secret Weapon set a new standard for the series, ensuring its continued appeal to fans worldwide.

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