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38. Asterix and the Chieftain’s Daughter

“Finding one’s way despite one’s parents”

Asterix and the Chieftain's Daughter - French cover - source: asterix.com

Asterix and the Chieftain’s Daughter (French: La Fille de Vercingétorix) is the 38th book in the beloved Asterix series. Written by Jean-Yves Ferri and illustrated by Didier Conrad, this adventure marks the fourth collaboration between the duo. Released on 24 October 2019 in over 20 languages with an initial print run of over 5 million copies, it was also the final Asterix album published during the lifetime of Albert Uderzo, co-creator of the series. Uderzo passed away in March 2020, making this book a poignant milestone in Asterix history.

The French Title

The French title, Astérix et La Fille de Vercingétorix, translates directly to Asterix and the Daughter of Vercingetorix. Vercingetorix was a legendary Gallic leader who resisted Julius Caesar’s Roman conquest, making his daughter Adrenalin a symbolic character in this tale of resistance and heritage.

Synopsis of the Plot

The story begins with two Arverni chieftains, Monolithix and Sidekix, arriving at the Gaulish village. They bring with them Adrenalin, the spirited daughter of Vercingetorix, wearing her father’s torc—a powerful emblem of Gaulish defiance. Julius Caesar has discovered Adrenalin’s existence and plans to capture her to break the spirit of the Gauls.

To protect her, Vitalstatistix assigns Asterix and Obelix as her guardians. However, Adrenalin, a rebellious teenager, resents her role as a symbol of resistance and quickly befriends the village’s youth. She absconds with their help, setting off a chaotic series of events involving a Gaulish traitor, Roman forces, and even the infamous pirates.

In the end, Adrenalin defies her heritage and decides to chart her own course, departing for Thule to seek a life of peace. The story concludes with a fresh start for the Arverni resistance, a nod to the enduring legacy of the Gaulish spirit.

Critical Reception

Critics had mixed reactions to this installment. One reviewer lamented the absence of traditional motifs like potion-fueled Roman bashing and clever puns, calling the story a disappointment. In contrast, another praised Conrad’s illustrations for maintaining the classic charm of the series and highlighted the nuanced portrayal of teenage rebellion through Adrenalin’s character.

Interesting Facts

  1. Rebellious Adolescence: Adrenalin’s struggle to forge her own identity resonates with the theme of adolescence, described by writer Ferri as “finding one’s way despite one’s parents.”
  2. Historical and Cultural References:
    • The Gauls’ reluctance to name Vercingetorix reflects their shame over the defeat at Alesia.
    • The pirate Charles Aznavour is a caricature of the late singer, honoring his legacy.
    • Peacenix quotes John Lennon’s Imagine.
  3. Cameo of Ekonomikrisis: After a 38-year absence, the Phoenician trader makes a brief but memorable return.
  4. Gentler Cacofonix: In a playful twist, the bard is tied up by children at the final banquet but left ungagged—a rare act of kindness!

Latin Quotes

The story features two Latin phrases:

  1. Ex malo bonum: Quoted by an elder pirate, it means “Out of evil comes good.” This line, originally from St. Augustine of Hippo, highlights how adversity can bring opportunities.
  2. Omne ignotum pro magnifico: As Adrenalin dreams of Thule, a pirate tempers her optimism with Tacitus’s words: “Everything unknown seems magnificent.”

These references, while sparse compared to earlier albums, offer subtle nods to classical literature, aligning with Asterix’s tradition of blending humor and history.

A New Era for the English Translation

This album continues the work of Adriana Hunter, who took over as English translator in the previous volume. While some character names feel forced, others—like Backtobasix and Sidekix—capture the playful spirit of the series. Hunter’s growing command of wordplay is evident, with standout puns adding a fresh touch to the English adaptation.

Final Thoughts

Asterix and the Chieftain’s Daughter is a modern exploration of identity, heritage, and rebellion, offering a mix of action, humor, and reflection. While it divides fans and critics, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of Asterix’s world and its ability to evolve with new generations.

My Collection

Next: 39. Asterix and the Griffin