How Obelix Fell into the Magic Potion When He Was a Little Boy

How Obelix Fell into the Magic Potion When He Was a Little Boy (French: Comment Obélix est tombé dans la marmite du druide quand il était petit) is a delightful Asterix story originally written by René Goscinny and first published in Pilote magazine in 1965. Initially featuring only a few drawings, it later appeared in Asterix a Romainville. In 1989, the story was fully illustrated by Albert Uderzo and published as a complete comic book. A reissue followed in 2009 with a fresh cover design.
The storytelling style in this album bears similarities to René Goscinny’s work on Le Petit Nicolas, another beloved series.
Synopsis
Narrated by Asterix himself, the story recounts a pivotal moment in Obelix’s childhood. As a young boy, Obelix was frequently bullied by other village children due to his shy and pacifistic nature. Asterix, his loyal friend, decided to help Obelix gain courage by introducing him to the magic potion brewed by their village druid, Getafix. This powerful concoction grants its drinkers invincibility.
Their plan goes awry when Obelix accidentally falls into the entire cauldron of potion, consuming all of it. From that moment on, Obelix is permanently under the potion’s influence, gaining incredible strength and a newfound love for fighting. The story concludes with the village children celebrating a miniature banquet—complete with the first instance of Cacofonix being tied to a tree and gagged, setting a tradition for future tales.
Fun Facts
- Dogmatix’s Early Cameo: Young Obelix is seen pulling a small white wooden toy dog that strongly resembles Dogmatix, his future loyal companion.
- Meet Obelix’s Father: Obliscoidix (original French: Obélodalix), Obelix’s father, is introduced in this album. He shares his son’s passion for collecting helmets from Roman legionaries.
- A Slimmer Chief Vitalstatistix: The village chief, Vitalstatistix, is already in charge during the story. However, he appears slimmer and more youthful compared to his later depiction.
- First Use of a Classic Joke: At the story’s end, when Obelix is teased about his size, he angrily retorts, “WHO ARE YOU CALLING FAT?!”—a line that becomes a staple of the series.
- Character Development: Before falling into the cauldron, Obelix is timid and avoids confrontation. Afterward, he becomes confident and ready for a fight, which defines his adult personality.
This charming album is a fan favourite. It offers fans a delightful glimpse into the formative years of one of the most beloved Asterix characters. It’s a must-read for fans eager to learn how Obelix became the mighty, invincible hero they know and love.
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