Asterix and the Cauldron
| Company type | Comic book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Founder | René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo |
| Products | Comic book |
Asterix and the Cauldron represents the thirteenth installment in the Asterix comic book series, crafted by writer René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. Its initial publication occurred through serialization in Pilote magazine, spanning issues 469 to 491 in 1968, with an English translation released in 1976.
Plot summary
The narrative centers on Chief Whosemoralsarelastix, who governs a nearby Gaulish settlement and is characterized by his frugality and frequent dealings with the Romans. When fresh Roman tax regulations come into effect, Whosemoralsarelastix entrusts Asterix’s village with safeguarding a cauldron filled with sestertii, intended to shield the funds from Roman tax agents. Despite Asterix’s careful watch, the cauldron is pilfered during the night, resulting in Asterix’s exile according to Gaulish customs. Obelix chooses to accompany him voluntarily until they can recover the lost treasure.
Together, Asterix and Obelix undertake several endeavors to reclaim the money: interrogating Romans at Compendium (which incites a riot), confronting the pirates, now operating a restaurant and selling inexpensive boars, engaging in prizefights for valueless statuettes, attempting acting (disrupted by Obelix), betting on a chariot race (losing due to misleading tips), and even trying to rob an unoccupied bank. Eventually, they manage to return the cauldron to Whosemoralsarelastix’s cliffside village. Along their journey, they rob a Roman tax collector to replenish the cauldron and identify the stolen coins by their unique onion scent—a key clue connecting them to the missing cauldron.
Upon arriving at Whosemoralsarelastix’s village perched on cliffs, Asterix confronts him with the onion-scented currency, exposing that Whosemoralsarelastix had orchestrated the theft of his own money to compel repayment. During their duel—without Asterix benefiting from his magic potion—Obelix defends against Whosemoralsarelastix’s men. When Whosemoralsarelastix gains an advantage, a portion of the cliff collapses, causing the cauldron to tumble toward the sea while he clings dangerously. Asterix rescues him, and they return home together.
Meanwhile, the lost coins land aboard the pirates’ vessel. Back in Asterix’s village, festivities celebrate the heroes’ safe return and restored reputation.
Commentary
- When Obelix proposes capitalizing on their exploits, Asterix rejects the idea, despite the series already having generated considerable income for Goscinny and Uderzo.
- Roman officials attending the theatre include Uderzo dressed in costume conversing with the Prefect, while Goscinny entertains guests nearby.
- The tax collector caricatures Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, then serving as French finance minister and later president. Theatre performers named Laurensolivius and Alecginus make appearances.
- This edition uniquely offers a positive outcome for the pirates, whose ship remains intact despite prior damage.
- A rare moment occurs when Asterix wields his sword during the concluding battle.
- The story’s resolution alludes to the Roman saying Pecunia non olet ("money does not stink").
- Earlier printings depict Roman legionaries’ trousers shifting from white to red.
In other languages
- Arabic: أستريكس والقدر المعدني
- Catalan: Astèrix i el calderó
- Croatian: Asterix i kotlić
- Czech: Asterix a kotlík
- Dutch: Asterix en de koperen ketel ("Asterix and the Copper Cauldron")
- Finnish: Asterix ja rahapata ("Asterix and the Cauldron of Money")
- German: Asterix und der Kupferkessel
- Greek: Ο Αστερίξ και η χύτρα
- Hebrew: אסטריקס והקלחת
- Icelandic: Ástríkur og grautarpotturinn
- Indonesian: "Asterix dan Panci Sup Bawang" ("Asterix and the Cauldron of Onion Soup")
- Italian: Asterix e il Paiolo
- Norwegian: Asterix på skattejakt ("Asterix on a Treasure Hunt")
- Persian: Asterix va deeg-che
- Polish: Asteriks i kociołek
- Portuguese: Astérix e o Caldeirão
- Serbian: Asteriks i ukradeno kazanče (Asterix and the Stolen Cauldron)
- Slovenian: Asterix in kotliček
- Spanish: Astérix y el caldero
- Swedish: Asterix och skatten ("Asterix and the Treasure" or "Asterix and the Tax")
- Turkish: Asteriks ve Kazan