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During her trip, The Grandma has been reading a new adventure of the most popular gaulois, Astérix the Gaul, an amazing adventure with the Gladiator.
Astérix the Gladiator, in French Astérix Gladiateur, is a French comic story, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It is the fourth story in the Astérix comic book series, and was originally published by Dargaud as a serial for Pilote magazine in 1962, before later being released as a comic album in 1964. The story focuses on Astérix and Obelix heading to Rome to rescue their village's bard, Cacofonix, which culminates in them having to infiltrate the gladiatorial games in order to save his life.
Astérix and the Gladiator received positive reviews following its publication, with its plot being later combined with the story from Astérix the Legionary for the 1985 animated film, Astérix Versus Caesar.
Prefect Odius Asparagus, while travelling around Gaul, makes a stop at the camp of Compendium in Armorica. There, he informs Centurion Gracchus Armisurplus, the camp's commander, that he intends to gift Julius Caesar with one of the Gauls from the village that resists Roman rule. Relunctantly, Armisurplus orders his men to kidnap Cacofonix the bard, who is deemed the easiest to abduct despite his bad singing. When the village is alerted to this by one of its children, the Gauls assault Compendium. When Astérix confronts and interrogates Armisurplus, he learns that Asparagus took Cacofonix before the attack, and is on his way to Rome on his personal galley. Asterix and Obelix decide to go after them, and secure passage onboard a ship owned by Ekonomikrisis, a Phoenician merchant.
Although the merchant plans to sell them as slaves at their destination, Ekonomikrisis has a change of heart when the Gauls help defend them against a band of pirates. Upon arriving in Rome, the pair visit a restaurant owned by a Gaulish chef named Instantmix, who offers to help them find Cacofonix, but request they discuss the matter privately at his home in the evening. To pass the time, Astérix and Obélix visit the public baths of the city, where they unknowingly catch the interest of Caius Fatuous, a prominent gladiator trainer, who considers them perfect candidates for the upcoming games at the Circus Maximus. When evening arrives, the pair meet with Instantmix, who reveals to them that Cacofonix was imprisoned in the Circus and is set to be fed to the lions in the games -Caesar having decreed this after Asparagus presented the bard to him, who was then examined by Fatuous over his fighting skills.
The next day, the Gauls attempt to rescue Cacofonix from the Circus but discover he was moved to a secure cell, mainly due to his singing proving problematic for the Romans. Deciding they need to enter the games in order to save him, Astérix and Obélix attempt to seek out Fatuous. Unaware the trainer has sent his men to capture them, whom they thwart unknowingly, and later issue a bounty on their head, the Gauls present themselves to Fatous at his gladiator school. Upon being sent for training, the pair irritate Fatuous by having the other gladiators take part in a guessing-game rather than in combat. On the eve of the games, after having Fatuous give them a guided tour of Rome, Astérix and Obélix visit Cacofonix in his cell, informing him of their plan to free both him and the gladiators they met.
On the day of the games, Astérix and Obélix substitute themselves into a chariot race and win it with ease, while Cacofonix manages to frighten the lions when he decides to sing. Annoyed, Caesar orders the gladiators to begin their fight, but becomes infuriated when they instead choose to play the guessing game they were taught. At Astérix's insistence, a cohort of Caesar's own guard is sent into the Circus, only for Astérix and Obélix to defeat them, much to the delight of the audience. Surprised by their reaction, Caesar releases the Gauls and hands them Fatuous to be their prisoner. The Gauls soon have him row them back to their village on Ekonomikrisis' galley, whereupon they ask the merchant to return him back to Rome. Once home, the villagers throw a banquet in honour of Astérix and Obélix's latest adventure, though with Cacofonix bound and gagged as usual to prevent him singing.
Key Lessons From Astérix The Gladiator
-The importance of unity and teamwork. Throughout the book, the Gauls face various challenges, but they always manage to overcome them by working together and utilizing each other's strengths. This highlights the significance of unity and teamwork in achieving success.
-The power of intelligence and strategy. Astérix and his friends demonstrate their intelligence and wit when facing the Romans in the gladiator games. They use their strategic thinking and resourcefulness to outsmart their opponents, emphasizing the idea that brains are just as important as brawn.
-The value of perseverance. Despite being captured and forced into becoming gladiators, Asterix and Obelix never lose hope and continue to fight for their freedom. Their determination and refusal to give up teach readers the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
-The rejection of violence. Despite being in a gladiator arena where violence is expected, Asterix and his friends always search for non-violent solutions. They rely on their intelligence and quick thinking rather than resorting to unnecessary aggression, promoting the idea that peaceful methods can be just as effective.
-The celebration of diversity. The book includes characters from various backgrounds and nationalities, highlighting the richness and beauty of diversity. The Gauls and other inhabitants of the village showcase the importance of embracing and accepting different cultures, promoting tolerance and understanding.
Download Astérix The Gladiator by R. Goscinny & A. Uderzo
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