ASTÉRIX LE GAULOIS ET LES NORMANDS IN MANCHESTER

Claire Fontaine has just arrived in Manchester where she will meet Joseph de Ca'th Lon this afternoon. They have travelled to this beautiful city to watch the Northern Star, meet up with old friends and enjoy a first class sporting spectacle. The Grandma, who will be following this interesting and emotional match from home, wishes them the best of luck and, most importantly, that both teams compete and put on a great show, because that's what it's all about: personal effort and honesty in front of the audience who come to see you. During the trip, Claire has been reading an Astérix and Obélix adventure, Astérix and the Normans.

Astérix and the Normans, in French Astérix et les Normands, is a French comic story, written by Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. 

It is the ninth story in the Astérix comic book series, and was originally published by Dargaud as a serial for Pilote magazine in 1966, before being released as a comic album in 1967.

The story focuses on Astérix and Obélix helping train up the nephew of their village chief, only to find themselves contending with a visit by men from the frozen north raiding their lands in search of learning about fear.

Astérix and the Normans received favourable reviews following its publication. An adaptation loosely based on the story, Astérix and the Vikings, was released in 2006.

In the French original, Justforkix makes mention of the work of Elvix Preslix -a pun on the name of rock musician Elvis Presley- and performs a piece by the bardic band Les Monkiix -a parody version of the rock band The Monkees. For the English version, the band was referred to as The Rolling Menhirs- a parody version of rock band The Rolling Stones.

When Astérix inquires about Justforkix's sports car-like chariot, he states it was made in Mediolanum (present-day Milan). The line is a reference to the Italian motor industry and its production of sports cars.

In one scene, Timandahaf explains to Astérix his people did not plan to start a war with Gaul, but states he will leave it to our descendants. This is a reference to the 9th century invasion of northern France by Norsemen, who would later become the Normans and give rise to the name Normandy for the region they conquered. The comic makes reference to the stereotypes of Normandy cuisine, primarily recipes from the region that use cream.

In the Finnish version, the title is Astérix ja normannien maihinnousu, which is translated as Astérix and the Landing of the Normans. The words normannien maihinnousu are a play on the Finnish history-book term Normandian maihinnousu that references the Normandy Landings of 1944.

Key Lessons From Asterix and the Normans

-Cultural differences. One of the key lessons from Astérix and the Normans is the exploration of cultural differences. The book highlights the clash between the Roman and Norman cultures, showcasing their differing values, customs, and ways of life.

-Strength in unity. The story emphasizes the power of unity and working together as a community. The Gauls demonstrate their resilience and strength by standing together against the invading Normans, showcasing the importance of teamwork and solidarity in overcoming challenges.

-Embracing diversity. Astérix and the Normans also highlights the importance of embracing diversity and accepting others despite their differences. The Gauls learn to appreciate and respect the Normans' unique customs and way of life, eventually overcoming their initial fear and animosity towards each other.

-Overcoming fear. The book explores the theme of fear and how it can be overcome. Initially, the Gauls are afraid of the Normans due to their strength and their seemingly fearless nature. However, through their encounters and interactions, both sides realize that fear can be conquered through understanding, communication, and getting to know one another.

-Celebrating individuality. Astérix and the Normans celebrates the uniqueness of individuals and the importance of embracing one's own identity. This is illustrated by the character of Justforkix, a young Viking who is initially mocked for his timid nature but later impresses the Gauls with his own brave act. The book teaches readers that everyone has their own strengths and abilities, and they should be celebrated and valued.

Astérix and the Normans not only provides readers with a delightful and humorous story, but also subtly presents important lessons about courage, identity, and the significance of facing one's fears. The book continues to be beloved by readers of all ages, captivating audiences with its unique blend of history, satire, and adventure.

Overall, Astérix and the Normans is a timeless classic that has earned its place in the world of literature, entertaining readers for generations with its enchanting storytelling, memorable characters, and humorous escapades. Whether one is a fan of comics, history, or simply appreciates a good laugh, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Download Astérix and the Normands by R. Goscinny & A. Uderzo

A friend can always help you in times of need.

Astérix and the Normands

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