ASTÉRIX LÉGIONNAIRE IN DÉCINES-CHARPIEU, LYON

While Claire Fontaine rushes through the last few days of work and The Grandma prepares for her Christmas holidays, Joseph de Ca'th Lon has just arrived in Décines-Charpieu, Lyon to see the Northern Star who plays a very important match tonight. Joseph will be in this beautiful city until Sunday, enjoying its history and its endless cultural offer.

During the flight from Basel, he has been reading a new Astérix adventure, this time Astérix the Legionary.

Astérix the Legionary is the tenth Astérix book in the Astérix comic book series by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. 

It was first published as a serial in Pilote magazine, issues 368-389, in 1966.

This is the first time Astérix does not join the usual album-ending banquet (he is still visible in the final panel, albeit not at the banquet tables), an absence not repeated until Astérix and the Magic Carpet two decades later.

When the pirates are first sunk, the ship's wreckage is a parody of the 19th century painting The Raft of the Medusa. In the English version, the pirate captain even bemoans, We've been framed, by Jericho, a pun on the artist Géricault. In the French original, he says, Je suis médusé (I am dumbfounded, or, most literally, I am Medused).

The legionaries in Astérix's unit are comic stereotypes of various nationalities, which parodies the French Foreign Legion's recruitment of foreigners.

The hair of the Belgian legionary resembles that of the Belgian comic character Tintin.

In the later part of the story, the Egyptian makes comments in hieroglyphics about hairy body parts -this is based on a child's game in France that involves repeating back a rhyme of whatever was last said in the form of old hairy (body part).

The plot is partly inspired by a 1939 Laurel and Hardy film, The Flying Deuces (Les Conscrits), in which the pair join the French Foreign Legion after Hardy falls in love with a woman who turns out to have a husband in the legion. Laurel and Hardy later appeared as legionaries in Obélix & Co..

The line timeo Danaos et dona ferentes (I fear the Greeks, even those bearing gifts) is used as a standard mnemonic reference to Tragicomix's name.

Key Lessons From Astérix The Legionary

-Friendship and camaraderie. Astérix and Obélix's unwavering friendship is one of the key themes of the book. They stick together through thick and thin, supporting each other and facing challenges head-on.

-Perseverance and adaptability. The Gauls are known for their resilience and ability to overcome obstacles. In Astérix the Legionary, they join the Roman army as a means of rescuing their captured village mates. They have to adapt to the strict military lifestyle and face grueling training, but their determination allows them to succeed.

-Satire and humor. Just like in other Astérix books, Astérix the Legionary engages in satire and humor. It pokes fun at the Roman military and their bureaucratic system, making it an entertaining read for both children and adults.

-Loyalty and sacrifice. The book emphasizes the importance of loyalty, as Astérix and Obélix are willing to risk their lives to save their friends. They show selflessness and bravery, highlighting the power of sacrifice for the ones you love.

-Overcoming stereotypes. Astérix the Legionary challenges stereotypes and preconceived notions. Despite being Gauls, the protagonists prove their worth in the Roman army, debunking the notion that only Romans can be strong and skilled warriors. This theme promotes equality and challenges societal biases. 

Download Astérix Légionnaire by R. Goscinny & A. Uderzo

 I'll leave this world without a backward glance. 
And afterwards, what will I be? 
An old star in the sky, a tiny ball of light! 
A tiny ball of light!

Astérix Légionnaire