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Visiting Montpelhièr is always a deeply moving experience for The Grandma; much like Lyon, this city welcomed her years ago when she was studying and working there. Beyond holding indelible memories, it is also home to some very dear friends. For this reason, she approaches this evening's match with a divided heart, though the presence of the Northern Star ultimately tips the scales in one direction.
Joseph de Ca'th Lon has been waiting for them while reading another Astérix adventure, this time Astérix and the Great Crossing.
The trouble with The Great Crossing is that the representation of Native Americans could be perceived in either of two ways. In the first instance, Goscinny and Uderzo's undercurrent of you would really be nothing without the French, you uncultured barbarians smacks of colonialist views of white Europeans civilising the wild savages.
In the 1970’s post-colonial world this attitude was still present and so this story may just be a product of its times. On the other hand, Goscinny was known for hiding social satire in his work, so this could be a commentary on the US Government’s altering of their policy on Indian Territories from one of termination to self-determination which brought positive reforms to a previously disenfranchised group. Whatever you decide to go with, the story remains funny, even if you feel guilty enjoying it.
When the Viking's village is in sight, Herendethelessen tells his crewmembers to get ready to be covered with honors only for them to be greeted by an angry booming voice. Steptøånssen remarks that it is their fearsome chief Odiuscomparissen, to which Herendethelessen tells him that it certainly is not a mermaid -a reference to the statue The Little Mermaid in the port of Danish capital Copenhagen.
When the Vikings set foot on American ground Herendethelessen paraphrases Neil Armstrong's famous quote: It's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind.
Astérix' idea for getting the attention of the nearby Viking ship by holding up a torch references the Statue Of Liberty (which was a gift from France). In response Obélix states I value my liberty.
Key Lessons From Astérix and the Great Crossing
-Mistaken Identity. Upon landing, Astérix and Obélix assume they have simply reached a peculiar, distant part of Gaul or a strange Roman outpost. They mistake Native Americans for unconventional Romans wearing war paint and feathers.
-The Native Encounter. Language barriers lead to a silent pantomime. Impressed by Astérix and Obélix's signature brawl-and-hunt prowess, the local tribe records their feats on an animal skin.
-The Betrothal Complication. Tribal dynamics take a humorous turn when the chief decides to betrothal his daughter to Obélix. Terrified of the arrangement, Obélix convinces Astérix it is time to leave.
-The Viking Intervention. As the two Gauls try to escape in a canoe (which promptly sinks), a Viking longship led by Captain Herendethelessen arrives on their own bumbling voyage of discovery. The Vikings eventually transport Astérix and Obélix back toward Europe.
-Art and Pacing. Uderzo showcases inventive paneling, including atmospheric, minimalist sequences depicting thick ocean fog and dark, eerie nights at sea, alongside dynamic slapstick action.
-Satire and Stereotypes. Like many entries in the series, Goscinny uses playful anachronisms (such as Vikings quoting or parodying Shakespearean tropes like Hamlet) and gentle satire.
-Cultural Depiction. The portrayal of Indigenous peoples relies heavily on mid-20th-century comic-strip clichés and stereotypes typical of the era's European adventure stories, though the overall tone remains lighthearted, high-seas escapade rather than mean-spirited.
Download Astérix and the Great Crossing by R. Goscinny & A. Uderzo
La mer? Quel rapport entre la mer et mes poissons?
The sea? What has the sea got to do with my fish?
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