Asterix and the Golden Sickle
| Company type | Comic book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Comics, Graphic novels |
| Founded | 1960 (serialized), 1962 (album) |
| Founder | René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo |
| Products | Comic book |
Asterix and the Golden Sickle (also referred to as "The Golden Billhook", derived from the original French title French: La Serpe D'or) is a French comic book created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. This story represents the second installment in the Asterix series, initially serialized in Pilote magazine in 1960 before being released as a standalone album in 1962.
The plot centers on Asterix and Obelix embarking on a mission to procure a golden sickle for their village druid, encountering a criminal network involved in an illicit trade amid a widespread scarcity of sickles.
After the story received favorable reviews, publisher Dargaud intended to produce an animated film adaptation. However, production was discontinued due to opposition from Goscinny and Uderzo, who had previously expressed reservations about adaptations of their work.
Plot summary
When Getafix, the village druid, breaks his indispensable golden sickle used for brewing the magic potion, Asterix and Obelix travel to Lutetia (present-day Paris) to obtain a replacement from Metallurgix, Obelix’s cousin and an expert sickle craftsman. Upon arrival, they find that golden sickles are scarce throughout the city.
They soon discover that Metallurgix has disappeared. Their investigation uncovers Clovogarlix and Navishtrix, who run an underground operation dealing in illegal sickle sales. Refusing to succumb to their exorbitant demands, Asterix and Obelix fend off Navishtrix’s henchmen but are subsequently detained by Roman authorities. Unexpectedly, Prefect Surplus Dairyprodus releases them after being entertained by their exploits, hinting that Metallurgix might have been abducted by the smugglers.
Their inquiry leads to another arrest; while imprisoned, they learn that Navishtrix’s base is located in Boulogne forest. After being freed again, they locate a hidden stockpile of golden sickles but are confronted by Navishtrix, who manages to escape. Interrogating Clovogarlix reveals that Navishtrix operates under someone else's direction.
Following Navishtrix results in another confrontation with Roman forces; they uncover that Prefect Dairyprodus himself orchestrates the sickle shortage for his own amusement by supporting the illegal scheme. Both Dairyprodus and Navishtrix are apprehended, Metallurgix is rescued from the prefect’s dungeon, and a golden sickle is presented to Getafix as a reward. The protagonists return home to a festive banquet in their honor.
Characters
- Asterix – The Gaulish warrior serving as the story’s central figure.
- Obelix – Gaulish menhir deliveryman and warrior, Asterix’s close companion; his role is notably expanded in this volume.
- Getafix – The village druid.
- Vitalstatistix – The leader of the Gaulish community.
- Cacofonix – The village bard renowned for his unpopular singing and his recurring fate of being tied up during feasts.
- Surplus Dairyprodus – The prefect of Lutetia, caricatured after actor Charles Laughton.
- Navishtrix – Head of the illicit sickle trafficking ring.
- Clovogarlix – Navishtrix’s deputy responsible for managing enforcers.
- Metallurgix – Skilled sickle maker based in Lutetia and cousin to Obelix.
A brief cameo features a caricature of French cartoonist Jean Graton as a competitor in an ox cart race.
Cultural References and Development Notes
- The ox-cart competition titled "Suindinum 24 hours" is a nod to France's famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Suindinum being the ancient name for Le Mans.
- An error appeared in early editions: starting from page 37, the comic strip panels were reduced in size and surrounded by wider margins.
Cancelled Adaptation
Following the 1967 animated feature Asterix the Gaul, publisher Dargaud intended to produce a second film adapting The Gold Sickle. Nevertheless, creators Goscinny and Uderzo, unhappy with the initial film, declined to continue involvement. As a result, Dargaud abandoned the project at their insistence.
In other languages
Apart from French and English versions, this comic has been translated into several other languages, each carrying its own adapted title:
References
- The complete guide to Asterix by Peter Kessler