Asterix and the Goths
| Industry | Comic book publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo |
| Products | Comic book |
Asterix and the Goths (French: Astérix et les Goths) represents the third installment in the French comic series Asterix, created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Initially serialized in 1962 within Pilote magazine, it was subsequently released as a standalone album in 1963.
The storyline centers on Asterix and Obelix embarking on a mission into Gothic-controlled Germania to retrieve their druid Getafix, who has been abducted by Goths intending to harness his magical abilities for domination over Gaul and Rome.
Following its release, Uderzo expressed remorse concerning the story's Germanophobic elements, leading to more balanced portrayals of German characters in subsequent volumes. Various translations have been produced, including an English version published in 1974; however, the West German edition attracted criticism due to politically charged propaganda, resulting in a reissue.
Plot summary
The adventure begins with Asterix and Obelix escorting their druid companion Getafix from their Gaulish village to a druid assembly held in the Forest of the Carnutes. During their journey, they encounter Valueaddedtax, a druid from Britain. They are warned by Roman soldiers about Gothic raids into Gaul. At the conference, Getafix secures first place for his magic potion but is soon kidnapped by Choleric, leader of the Goths, who aims to exploit the druid’s powers for conquest.
Upon discovering evidence of Getafix’s abduction, Asterix and Obelix set out to rescue him. To avoid detection, they first disguise themselves as Romans to bypass patrols and later assume Gothic attire to infiltrate Germania. After penetrating a Gothic fortress, they are captured but form an alliance with Rhetoric, a Gothic interpreter who manipulates communications between Getafix and Chief Metric.
They manage to escape imprisonment and reveal Rhetoric’s duplicity. Utilizing magic potion-enhanced champions, they orchestrate internal strife among the Goths by exploiting leadership rivalries, thereby disrupting the planned invasion.
With the threat effectively eliminated, Asterix and Obelix return home where a celebratory feast is held in recognition of their successful endeavor.
Characters
- Asterix – The central Gaulish warrior hero.
- Obelix – A menhir deliveryman and warrior; Asterix’s loyal companion.
- Getafix – The village druid possessing magical knowledge.
- Vitalstatistix – Leader of the Gaulish community.
- Valueaddedtax – British druid allied with Getafix.
- Chief Metric – The Gothic tribe’s chief.
- Choleric – Warrior serving under Chief Metric.
- Rhetoric – Skilled Gothic translator involved in subterfuge.
Authorial issues & controversies
Following the publication of Asterix and the Goths, co-creator Albert Uderzo regretted the initially negative depiction of the Goths, which was intended as post-World War II satire targeting Germans. Subsequently, he sought to portray Germanic figures with greater nuance. Additionally, controversy arose when the West German translation incorporated unauthorized anti-East Germany propaganda. Upon this discovery, Goscinny and Uderzo suspended distribution until appropriate revisions were made.