ASTÉRIX LE GAULOIS CHEZ LES BRETONS IN DIGION/DIJON

Joseph de Ca'th Lon has just arrived in Digion to watch the Northern Star, who has an important match today.

 

Digion or Dijon is just over two hours away by car from Basel and Joseph hasn't wanted to miss this new opportunity to enjoy a good football match. The Grandma and Claire Fontaine are in Barcelona taking care of their personal business and won't be there this time, but they will take a break to enjoy this match via Youtube. They are very happy that Joseph can watch it live and they just hope it won't be too cold, although for a Swiss person, that shouldn't be a problem, right?

While waiting for the match to start, The Grandma is reading a new Astérix and Obélix adventure, this time a bit premonitory because our heroes are in Britain.

Astérix in Britain (also known as Astérix in the land of the Britons, translated from French Astérix chez les Bretons) is a French comic story, written by Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo.

It is the eighth story in the Astérix comic book series, and was originally published by Dargaud as a serial for Pilote magazine in 1965, before being released as a comic album in 1966.

The story focuses on Astérix and Obélix travelling to Roman-occupied Britain to help deliver a barrel of magic potion to a rebel Briton village, only to encounter obstacles that hinder their journey. The story featured several references and parodies surrounding British culture and society.

Astérix in Britain received an audiobook adaptation, as well as two film adaptations: an animated film of the same name in 1986; and a live-action film, Astérix and Obélix: God Save Britannia, in 2012.

As with stories involving encounters with various foreign people, Astérix in Britain makes fun of common English stereotypes, though in the original publication both Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo included a foreword stating that this was done with no intention of insulting France's famous rivals.

The story features several notable references, the most notable being:

-In the story, Astérix and Obélix head for a rugby match, in which one of the teams comes from Camulodunum and wear blue and white uniforms. Camulodunum is the ancient name of Colchester, while the uniforms are based on those wore by the footballers of Colchester United FC. The opposing team they face come from Durovernum. The name references a Roman town and hilltop fort called Durovernum Cantiacorum that became the site for present-day Canterbury.

-The name Mykingdomforanos is a pun on the Shakespearean line my kingdom for a horse from the play Richard III. The name Encyclopaedicus Britannicus is a play on the real-life name of the general knowledge encyclopaedia, the Encyclopædia Britannica.

-In the French version of the comic, Goscinny and Uderzo used literal French translations of English expressions - for example Je dis!, which is the translation of I say! In some of their work with English expressions, they stuck with French grammar rather than English, meaning some adjectives were placed before nouns, rather than after them. For the English translation, translators Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge had several Briton characters speak with a stereotypical upper class English, such as for example This is a jolly rum thing, eh, what?

-The city of Londinium is based on the real-life Roman city that was founded in 47 AD. The comic's creators took some historical liberty in using it for some of the settings used in the comic.

Key Lessons From Asterix In Britain

-Cultural Differences. The book highlights the cultural differences between Ancient Britain and Ancient Gaul (where Astérix and his friends are from). The British have peculiar habits such as drinking hot water with a splash of milk, driving on the left side, and consuming a lot of tea. This teaches us to appreciate and respect different customs and traditions.

-Satire and Humor. Astérix in Britain is known for its witty and satirical humor. It pokes fun at various aspects of British society and stereotypes, such as the British obsession with queues, the class system, and even the British weather. This teaches us to not take ourselves too seriously and to find humor in everyday situations.

-Unity and Resistance. The book highlights the spirit of unity and resistance against foreign invaders. Despite Britain being occupied by the Romans, the British tribes refuse to fully submit and come together to fight against them. This teaches us the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and working together towards a common goal.

-Friendship and Loyalty. Throughout the book, Astérix and his best friend Obélix demonstrate their unwavering loyalty and friendship towards each other. They support and protect one another in times of trouble, showcasing the importance of having strong bonds with those we care about.

-Historical References. Astérix in Britain includes several historical references, such as the construction of Hadrian's Wall and the involvement of Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. These references provide readers with a glimpse into ancient history and can spark an interest in learning more about the time period. It teaches us the value of understanding and appreciating history in order to better comprehend the present. 

Download Astérix in Britain by R. Goscinny & A. Uderzo

The Britons are lovable, 
but they have a strange fascination 

with everything round 
-round tables, round stones, round shields.

Asterix in Britain