ASTÉRIX LE GAULOIS & LES GOTHS IN DÉCINES-CHARPIEU

Today, Claire Fontaine and The Grandma are travelling to Lyon to see the Northern Star, who has an important match near this beautiful city. They have decided to travel by train to enjoy the views. It is an interesting trip that crosses Catalonia, Occitania and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. During the trip, they have been reading a new adventure of the most popular gaulois, Astérix the Gaul, an amazing adventure with the Goths.

Astérix and the Goths, in French Astérix et les Goths, is a French comic story, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. 

It is the third story in the Astérix comic book series, and was originally published by Dargaud as a serial for Pilote magazine in 1962, before being later released as a comic album in 1963.

The story focuses on Astérix and Obélix travelling into the lands of the Goths in Germania in order to rescue their druid from his kidnappers, who seek his power to conquer the Gauls and the Romans.

Following its publication, Uderzo regretted the Germanophobic tone of the story, which led to him and Goscinny changing how German characters appeared in the series in later stories. While several translations were made, including an English version in 1974, one translation for West Germany later drew criticism from the creators for including political propaganda and had to be reprinted as a result.

Astérix and Obélix travel with their druid Getafix, as he heads from the Gaulish village in Armorica to attend the annual druids' conference in the Forest of the Carnutes. During their journey, the pair meet with Getafix's British friend Valueaddedtax, a fellow druid, before encountering a Roman patrol who warn them that a band of Goths have recently crossed the border into Gaul. Whilst Astérix and Obélix are forced to wait outside the forest, as the conference does not allow non-druids to attend, Getafix wins first prize in a contest regarding druidic inventions by impressing the others with his magic potion that gives superhuman strength.

As he leaves the conference to reunite with his friends, Getafix is kidnapped by the Goths, led by Choleric, who had been spying on the druids with the intention of finding a powerful druid amongst them who could help the Goths conquer both Gaul and Rome. When Astérix and Obélix learn Getafix is missing, they join Valueaddedtax to search around where he was heading, and discover a Visigoth helmet. Realizing his predicament, the pair set off in pursuit, only to encounter a Roman patrol in the process who mistakenly believe they are Goths. To avoid capture, the Gauls knock out two Roman soldiers and steal their uniforms, which soon sows confusion amongst the Romans, all while failing to stop the real Goths from escaping.

Forced to cross the border between Gaul and Germania, the pair knock out a pair of Goths and steal their clothing to disguise themselves once again. Tracking down Getafix to a Gothic garrison, the pair accidentally get imprisoned after angering the garrison commander, but find themselves thrown into a cell with a Goth named Rhetoric -a translator who was helping the Goth's chief, Metric, convince Getafix to use his powers for him, but had to falsify his translations when Getafix refused in Gaulish (despite being able to speak in Gothic). After breaking out of the garrison, the pair discover Rhetoric speaks Gaulish and force him to lead them to their druid.

After allowing themselves to be captured, the pair are imprisoned with Getafix, who in turn exposes Rhetoric for lying to Metric, leading the translator to be thrown in with them. Discussing their situation, Getafix reveals what the Goths are planning to do, and decides they must prevent a major war breaking out by forcing the Goths to fight amongst themselves. After enduring attempts to torture them, the Gauls trick Rhetoric and Metric into fighting each other for leading as chief, giving them magic potion to do so, and then trick other Goths that they should be chief. 

The resulting chaos this causes prompts the Goths to abandon their plans of invasion and creates a civil war amongst them. Satisfied with this, Astérix and his friends return home to their village, where everyone delights in their safe return and host a banquet in celebration.

Key Lessons From Astérix and the Goths

-Cultural Differences. One of the key lessons in Astérix and the Goths is the exploration of cultural differences and the importance of embracing diversity. The book humorously portrays the contrasting lifestyles and customs of the Gauls and the Goths, highlighting the need for understanding and acceptance between different communities.

 

-Courage and Determination. Another key lesson from the book is the significance of courage and determination in overcoming challenges. Astérix, Obélix, and their fellow Gauls exhibit unwavering determination in their quest to rescue their bard, Cacofonix, showcasing the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

 

-Unity and Teamwork. Astérix and the Goths emphasizes the power of unity and teamwork. Through their collective efforts, the Gauls are able to thwart the Goths' invasion and save their village. The book teaches the reader that working together can lead to greater accomplishments than individual efforts.

 

-Friendship and Loyalty. Friendship and loyalty are recurring themes in Asterix and the Goths. Astérix, Obélix, and their friends demonstrate unwavering loyalty towards each other, constantly supporting and helping one another. This highlights the significance of strong bonds in overcoming challenges and achieving common goals.

 

-Importance of Education. The book also underscores the value of education and learning. The Goths, initially portrayed as ignorant and uneducated, are shown to appreciate the Gauls' advanced knowledge and educational system. This encourages readers to appreciate the benefits of education and its impact on personal growth and development.

Download Astérix and the Goths by R. Goscinny & A. Uderzo

 Nothing they'll all be in the same boat. 
Being more or less equal. 
They'll go on fighting each other for centuries... 
and they won't stop to think about invading their neighbours.

Panoramix