ENJOY ASTÉRIX & THE MANSIONS OF THE GODS IN LYON

Joseph de Ca'th Lon, Claire Fontaine and TheGrandma have just arrived to Décines-Charpieu to enjoy an interesting football match and see the Northern Star.

After spending La Diada (the Catalan National Day) in Perpinyà, Catalunya Nord, the three friends have caught a train to Lyon. During the trip, they have been reading another interesting adventure of Astérix le Gaulois, this time, one titled The Mansions of the Gods.

The Mansions of the Gods, in French Le Domaine des dieux, is the seventeenth graphic novel of the Astérix comic book series, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. Originally released as a serial for the magazine Pilote in 1971, it was later made into a graphic novel, with an English translation released in 1973. The story focuses on Asterix and the Gauls attempting to thwart the latest Roman plan against them, when Caesar decrees that the forest surrounding them be converted into a new Roman colony for the wealthy.

Set in ancient Gaul during the Roman occupation, the story revolves around the indomitable Gaulish warrior Astérix and his faithful companion Obélix. Famed for their uncanny strength, Astérix and Obélix live in the village of the indomitable Gauls, who are the sole survivors resisting the Roman conquest.

In The Mansions of the Gods, the Roman Empire, represented by its executor, Julius Caesar, hatches a new plan to finally conquer the stubborn Gauls. Not content with repeated military failures, Caesar comes up with a different approach. He decides to build a luxurious Roman housing development, The Mansions of the Gods, right next to the Gaulish village. The aim behind this project is to Romanize the Gauls gradually, diluting their identity and assimilating them into Roman culture.

While some Gauls are initially enticed by the prospect of a luxurious lifestyle, Astérix and Obélix, with their ever-vigilant resistance to Roman domination, are determined to thwart Caesar's ultimate scheme. As construction on the mansions begins, Astérix and Obélix, employing their wit, skill, and magic potion, embark on a series of comedic adventures to disrupt the Romanization efforts and preserve their village's unique identity.

The Mansions of the Gods brilliantly showcases the satirical and humorous elements that define the Astérix series. Goscinny's sharp and witty writing, combined with Uderzo's vibrant and detailed illustrations, create a visually captivating narrative that appeals to readers of all ages.

The book highlights crucial themes such as resistance to imperialism, cultural preservation, and the consequences of assimilation. Through its engaging storyline and memorable characters, The Mansions of the Gods offers a thought-provoking commentary on the collision of different cultures and the importance of preserving one's identity while resisting attempts at forced homogenization.

The Mansions of the Gods has garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim since its release. Translated into numerous languages worldwide, the book has captivated millions of readers, becoming a beloved classic within the realm of comic literature. Its success has also led to an animated film adaptation, which further propelled the legacy of Astérix to new heights.

Ultimately, The Mansions of the Gods stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Astérix series, showcasing its unique blend of humor, adventure, and social commentary. Through its timeless narrative, the book continues to entertain and inspire readers, fostering a love for the Gaulish heroes Astérix and Obélix, and their unwavering spirit of resistance against imperial powers.

Following the French riots of May 1968, Goscinny made increasing references in Astérix to current political events in France. In Mansions of the Gods he caricatures modern technocracy (the young urban planner), the gigantic villes nouvelles (new cities) of high-rises, and especially advertising.

The interaction between Squaronthehypotenus and the slaves resembles that of modern-day employers, trade unionists, and workers on strike.

The quizmaster in the Circus Maximus who coerces the reluctant winner to accept his prize is a caricature of the French television entertainer Guy Lux.

The character named Flaturtha was a reference to the nascent modern flat Earth movement of the 1970s, and a reference to the Numidian king Jugurtha.

A Lusitanian who makes a brief appearance among the slave workforce returns as a main character in the later album Astérix in Lusitania.

Key Lessons From The Mansions Of The Gods

-Satire of urbanization and modernity. The Mansions of the Gods provides a satirical critique of urbanization and the impact of modernity on society. It depicts the Roman city of Rome-Not-So-Eternal as a symbol of the encroaching urban expansion and its detrimental effects on the traditional Roman way of life.

-Clash of cultures. The book explores the clash between the Roman culture and the invading Gauls. It highlights their differences in terms of values, traditions, and ways of life. This clash serves as a humorous commentary on cultural assimilation and the challenges that arise when two cultures collide.

-The power of resistance. The Gaulish village in The Mansions of the Gods serves as a symbol of resistance against the Roman Empire and its attempts to colonize Gaul. The villagers' unwavering resistance and determination to preserve their way of life demonstrate the power of resilience and standing up against oppression.

-The futility of materialism. The book mocks the Roman obsession with wealth, luxury, and material possessions. It portrays the Romans as shallow and materialistic, constantly seeking new ways to acquire and display their wealth. This critique serves as a reminder of the emptiness and futility of solely pursuing material wealth.

-The importance of community. Throughout the story, the Gaulish villagers rely on their strong sense of community and unity to resist Roman influence. The book emphasizes how collective action, support, and a strong sense of community can be a powerful force in protecting one's values and way of life. It underscores the importance of solidarity and collaboration in the face of challenges.

Download The Mansions of the Gods by R. Goscinny & A. Uderzo

Si nous parvenons à faire vivre des Romains 
dans le voisinage de ces Gaulois, 
nous aurons, non seulement veni et vidi, 
mais nous aurons vraiment vici, en plus!

If we manage to get Romans 
to live alongside these Gauls, 
we shall not only have veni and vidi, 
but we shall truly have vici as well!

Julius Caesar

ASTÉRIX ET CLÉOPÂTRE IN DÉCINES-CHARPIEU, LYON

Today, Armistice Day, Joseph de Ca'th Lon has just arrived in Lyon from Basel to watch the Northern Star, who has an important match tonight.

This time, Joseph is travelling alone again because Claire Fontaine is taking care of her work affairs and The Grandma is still recovering from her respiratory problems. Both of them are in Barcelona. During his trip, Joseph has been reading a new Astérix adventure, Astérix and Cleopatra.

Astérix and Cleopatra, in French Astérix et Cléopâtre, is a French comic book story, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It is the sixth story in the Astérix comic book series, and was originally published by Dargaud as a serial for Pilote magazine in 1963, before later being released as a comic album in 1965.

The story focuses on Astérix and Obélix accompanying their village's druid, Getafix, to Ancient Egypt, in order to help an architect friend of his complete a major construction project that will allow Cleopatra to win a bet against Julius Caesar.

The comic received two film adaptations -an animated film of the same name in 1968, and a live-action film, Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cleopatra, in 2002. An audiobook adaptation was also published by Hodder and Stoughton.

Astérix and Cleopatra has received two film adaptations after its publication:

-In 1968, an animated film of the same name was released by Dargaud. Work on the animation process was overseen by Goscinny and Uderzo, who sought to produce a better quality film following the company's first film adaptation of the Astérix series. The animated film's French cast included Roger Carel and Jacques Morel, while its English cast included Lee Payant and Hal Brav.

-In 2002, a live-action adaptation of the comic was produced, Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cleopatra. Produced by TF1 Films Production at great expense, it starred Christian Clavier and Gérard Depardieu, and proved to be a huge box success in France.

An audiobook adaptation of Astérix and Cleopatra was created by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge. The story was narrated by Willie Rushton, and was released on Hodder and Stoughton's Hodder Children's Audio.

A convention in the Astérix books is that Gaulish names end in -ix. In this book, many of the names of the Egyptians end in -is, including Edifis (a pun on edifice) and Artifis (a pun on artifice).

In the original French, Edifis says to Getafix: Je suis, mon cher ami, très heureux de te voir (My dear friend, I'm very glad to see you). Getafix responds C'est un alexandrin. The joke is that un alexandrin can mean both an Alexandrian (someone from Alexandria, like Edifis) or an alexandrine, a line of verse with 12 syllables, like the sentence Edifis had just spoken.

Edifis says that Artifis has many talents. When Astérix asks him if that means Artifis is a fine architect, Edifis responds, No, rich. He has a lot of gold talents. That's the money we use in Egypt. This is a pun on the ancient coin known as the talent.

Obélix is baffled by the Lighthouse of Alexandria which guides ships to the harbour. Getafix responds: It's a world wonder, Obélix, referring to the fact that the lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

When the Gauls visit Luxor, Obélix wants to take one of the obelisks with him; after an argument with Astérix, he says We shall never be in Concord over this. The joke relies not only upon the fact that Obélix' name is a pun on the word obelisk, but also to the fact that Napoleon's soldiers took a Luxor Obelisk with them to France, and that it can still can be viewed on the Place de la Concorde.

Key Lessons From Astérix and Cleopatra

-The Importance of Teamwork. Throughout the book, Astérix and his friends work together as a team to overcome various challenges. They use each other's strengths and rely on one another's support and cooperation to achieve their goals.

-The Power of Creativity and Quick Thinking. The book emphasizes the cleverness and resourcefulness of Astérix and his fellow Gauls. They often find innovative solutions to difficult situations, using their wit and intelligence to outsmart their opponents.

-Cultural Humor and Satire. Astérix and Cleopatra humorously highlights cultural differences and stereotypes. The book playfully exaggerates the characteristics of different cultures and pokes fun at societal norms, showcasing the power of satire to entertain and provoke thought.

-Perseverance and Determination. Astérix and his friends face numerous obstacles throughout the book, but they never give up. They persist in their mission to help and impress Cleopatra, despite the challenges they encounter. This demonstrates the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving one's goals.

-Friendship and Loyalty. The strong bond of friendship between Astérix, Obélix, and their companions is a recurring theme in the book. They support and stand up for each other, showcasing the importance of loyalty and camaraderie in overcoming obstacles. 

Download Astérix and Cleopatra by R. Goscinny & A. Uderzo

 

 By Isis and Osiris, these Gauls are fearless!

Julius Caesar

LE TOUR DE GAULE D'ASTÉRIX IN DÉCINES-CHARPIEU, LYON

Today, Joseph de Ca'th Lon and Claire Fontaine are in Décines-Charpieu, Lyon. They have gone to see the Northern Star, who has an important match today.

The Grandma has had to cancel her trip due to health problems. She is still in the hospital recovering, but she will also follow the Northern Star from a distance. She is very happy that her friends can enjoy the match live. She promises to recover well and return to Lyon as  soon as possible to enjoy another match. The days are getting long in the hospital and she has decided to read a new Astérix adventure, this time Astérix's Tour of Gaul.

Astérix and the Banquet (also known as Astérix's Tour of Gaul -translated from French Le Tour de Gaule d'Astérix) is a French comic book story, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It is the fifth story in the Astérix comic book series, and was originally published by Dargaud as a serial for Pilote magazine in 1963, before later being released as a comic album in 1965.

The story focuses on Astérix and Obélix travelling around Gaul to find and secure various delicacies in order to win a bet against a Roman Prefect that seeks to keep their village isolated from the rest of the world. Much of the plot features notable parodies and cultural references surrounding France, including its history and society, and was the first to introduce the character of Dogmatix, after Goscinny and Uderzo found him to be popular with readers.

Astérix and the Banquet received positive reviews following its publication, with the original cover of the comic later being sold for a record sum in an auction in Paris in 2017.

Key Lessons From Astérix and the Banquet

Astérix and the Banquet featured many cultural references to France and the various regions, along with its culture. The plot of the comic was deeply inspired by the Tour de France bicycle race. Alongside this, other major references to France included:

-In the original publication, the sack carried by Obélix was coloured yellow, in reference to race leader's jersey colour in the Tour de France.

-The dishes are Lutentian ham, bêtises de Camaracum, wines from Durocortum, sausages and meatballs of Lugdunum, Nicae salad, Massilian fish stew, Tolosa sausages, Aginum prunes, and oysters and white wine from Burdigala.

-A scene involving the backalleys of Lugdunum, references the traboules of Lyon that were used by the French Resistance during World War II. The creators paid homage to the Resistance with a parody outfit called The Gaulish Resistance.

-Several scenes in Massilia reference the works of filmmaker Marcel Pagnol-Marius (1931), Fanny (1932) and César (1936). Pagnol greatly approved of the parodies the Astérix creators made, remarking that work will be immortal...because it's appeared in Astérix!

-A number of parodies reflecting the regional stereotypes of inhabitants of Normandy and Marseille, as well as Parisian traffic and the holiday season in Nice.

-A phrase in the comic -Je vous promets qu'on n'a pas fini d'en parler de l'affaire du courrier de Lugdunum!- is a reference to the trial le courrier de Lyon, where an innocent one was sentenced for the murder of postmen and the theft of their mail in 1796.

In addition, the comic featured other cultural references:

-A quote made by Roman poet Horace -Exegi monumentum aere perennius (translated: I have erected a monument more lasting than bronze.)- is uttered by a legionnaire during the scene involving the stockade's construction.

-A phrase written by Roman poet Lucan in The Pharsalia -Victrix causa diis placuit, sed victa catoni (translated: The victorious cause was pleasing to the gods, but the lost cause was pleasing to Cato)- is referenced by a crew member of the pirates after their defeat at the hands of Astérix and Obélix.

-In a scene at the candy shop that the Gauls visit, the creators made reference to the play Patient Grissel with the lyrics from the lullaby Golden Slumbers.

Fun is poked at various French regional stereotypes:

-The inhabitants of Normandy are shown as being unable to give a direct answer and smothering their food in creamy sauce.

-The traffic jams in Paris (Lutetia in the comic strip) are spoofed.

-The inhabitants of Lutetia (Paris) are shown going to Nicæ (Nice) for their summer holiday. (Obélix refers to Nicae as the Gaulish Riviera.) Like modern Parisian travelers, the visitors from Lutetia cause huge traffic jams with their carts on the road into Nicæ, and huge crowds on the beach.

-The inhabitants of Massilia (Marseille) are hot-blooded and shown to exaggerate enormously.

Download Astérix and the Banquet (Asterix's Tour of Gaul)

Gaul is our country, o Roman, 

and we'll go where we like in it.

Astérix

ASTÉRIX LE GAULOIS, VIRTUTE DUCE ET COMITE FORTUNA

Joseph de Ca'th Lon, Claire Fontaine and The Grandma are coming back to their homes. After spending some days in Tromsø living the experience of the Vikings, and before returning to Basel and Barcelona, they have done a little stop in Lyon to visit another viking, a Northern Star, who is building her future there.

They are accompanied by Astérix and his friends, some local inhabitants who know Lyon perfectly and who are the best guides you can have in these lands. 

Astérix le Gaulois, in English Astérix the Gaul, is a French comic story, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. First published by Dargaud as a serial for Pilote magazine in October 1959, it was later released as a comic album in 1961. The story focuses on a Gaul named Astérix, whose village resists Roman rule, as he attempts to rescue his village's druid from a Roman garrison when its commander seeks to secure the secret of the village's superhuman strength.

The story proved hugely popular with French readers, leading to Goscinny and Uderzo writing further stories that would go on to form the Astérix comic strip series, with international versions of the comic helping to broaden its appeal outside of France. Dargaud later developed an animated adaptation of the comic for theatrical release in 1967 with its own production company, though Goscinny and Uderzo disapproved of the poor animation quality; they later blocked a sequel based on their next story. Alongside the film, an audiobook adaptation was created by EMI Records.

In 50 B.C., all of Gaul is under the control of the Romans, with the exception of a small village in Armorica (present-day Brittany), whose inhabitants constantly hold back their forces through superhuman strength. 

Determined to uncover their secret, Centurion Crismus Bonus, commander of the camp of Compendium, sends a spy into the village. His spy soon reveals that the village's druid, Getafix, periodically supplies the villagers with a magic potion that is the source of their strength. Amazed by this, Crismus Bonus orders Getafix to be captured, in order to gain control over the magic potion.

Astérix, a warrior from the village, learns of Getafix's kidnapping from a cart-seller and decides to infiltrate the Roman camp to rescue him. Once inside the camp that evening, Astérix overhears Crismus Bonus talking with his second-in-command, Marcus Ginantonicus, about his plans to use the magic potion to initiate a rebellion against Rome that will overthrow Julius Caesar. When Astérix finds Getafix, he informs him of what he learnt and comes up with a plan to prevent this from happening.

The following morning Astérix lets himself be captured and pretends to give in to torture, whereupon Getafix pretends to give in and agree to make the potion. After securing the ingredients he needs, Getafix tricks Crismus Bonus that he needs strawberries, only for him and Astérix to consume them all once the Romans find some. Eventually, Getafix uses the ingredients he collected to brew a potion which he tricks Crismus Bonus and the Romans to drink, unaware it will cause their hair and beards to grow at an accelerated rate for at least a day.

After tricking Crismus Bonus to let them gather ingredients for an antidote to the potion, Getafix supplies the camp with vegetable soup. However, he secretly collects what is needed for the magic potion, which Astérix uses to help them escape from their captors. Before they make for their village, the pair discover Roman reinforcements have arrived, led by Caesar, who becomes suspicious about what has recently occurred in Compendium. Astérix soon exposes Crismus Bonus' intentions, prompting Caesar to exile him and his men to Outer Mongolia for their treachery, while allowing the Gauls to leave on the grounds of a truce. Astérix and Getafix eventually return to their village, which celebrates by holding a banquet for their success.

The story was first published as a serial in Pilote magazine, a Franco-Belgian comics magazine founded by Goscinny and a few other comic artists.

More information: Astérix

Key Lessons From Astérix The Gaul

-Strength in Unity. One of the key lessons that can be derived from Astérix the Gaul is the importance of coming together as a community and supporting one another. The Gauls in the book, led by Astérix and Obélix, demonstrate that by working together and pooling their strengths, they are able to overcome many challenges and adversaries.

-Embracing Diversity. The book also teaches us the significance of embracing diversity and appreciating different cultures. Astérix and Obelix encounter numerous characters from various parts of the Roman Empire, all with their distinct customs and traditions. The Gauls learn to respect and understand these differences, highlighting the beauty of diversity.

-Courage and Perseverance. Through Astérix's unwavering courage and Obélix's determination, the book conveys the importance of never giving up, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The Gauls face numerous obstacles, but their resilience and perseverance guide them towards victory.

-Humor as a Tool. Astérix the Gaul intelligently uses humor as an effective tool to convey its messages. The book uses satire, puns, and witty exchanges, making it enjoyable for readers of all ages while also conveying important lessons about history, power dynamics, and societal norms.

-Challenging Authority. Astérix the Gaul subtly encourages readers to question authority and challenge oppressive systems. The Gauls' resistance against Roman occupation showcases the power of standing up against injustice, inspiring readers to question societal norms and fight for freedom and equality.

Download Astérix The Gaul by René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo

 I may be the smallest, 

but I'm also the smartest!

 

Astérix

ASTÉRIX THE GAUL, STUBBORNNESS & SENSE OF HUMOR

Today, The Grandma has been reading some comics of Astérix le Gaulois, the comic that was first published in 1959.

Astérix or The Adventures of Astérix, in French Astérix or Astérix le Gaulois (Asterix the Gaul) is a bande dessinée comic book series about a village of indomitable Gaulish warriors who adventure around the world and fight the Roman Republic, with the aid of a magic potion, during the era of Julius Caesar, in an ahistorical telling of the time after the Gallic Wars.

The series first appeared in the Franco-Belgian comic magazine Pilote on 29 October 1959.

It was written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo until Goscinny's death in 1977.

Uderzo then took over the writing until 2009, when he sold the rights to publishing company Hachette; he died in 2020.

In 2013, a new team consisting of Jean-Yves Ferri (script) and Didier Conrad (artwork) took over.

As of 2021, 39 volumes have been released, with the most recent released in October 2021.

The series follows the adventures of a village of Gauls as they resist Roman occupation in 50 BC. They do so using a magic potion, brewed by their druid Getafix (Panoramix in the French version), which temporarily gives the recipient superhuman strength.

The protagonists, the title character Astérix and his friend Obélix, have various adventures. The -ix ending of both names (as well as all the other pseudo-Gaulish -ix names in the series) alludes to the -rix suffix (meaning king, like -rex in Latin) present in the names of many real Gaulish chieftains such as Vercingetorix, Orgetorix, and Dumnorix.

In some of the stories, they travel to foreign countries, while other tales are set in and around their village. For much of the history of the series, settings in Gaul and abroad alternated, with even-numbered volumes set abroad and odd-numbered volumes set in Gaul, mostly in the village.

The Astérix series is one of the most popular Franco-Belgian comics in the world, with the series being translated into 111 languages as of 2009.

The humour encountered in the Astérix comics often centers around puns, caricatures, and tongue-in-cheek stereotypes of contemporary European nations and French regions.

Much of the humour in the initial Astérix books was French-specific, which delayed the translation of the books into other languages for fear of losing the jokes and the spirit of the story.

The various volumes have been translated into more than 100 languages and dialects. Besides the original French language, most albums are available in Bengali, Estonian, English, Czech, Dutch, German, Galician, Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Portuguese, Italian, Greek, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Turkish, Slovene, Bulgarian, Serbian, Croatian, Latvian, Welsh, as well as Latin.

Selected albums have also been translated into languages such as Esperanto, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Scots, Indonesian, Persian, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, Bengali, Afrikaans, Arabic, Hindi, Hebrew, Frisian, Romansch, Vietnamese, Sinhala, Ancient Greek, and Luxembourgish.

More information: Astérix-Le site officiel

You may call it rain in the south,
but over here it's just a bracing dampness in the air.

Astérix