Asterix and the Normans

Asterix and the Normans

Company type	Comic book
Industry	Publishing
Founded	1967
Founder	René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo
Products	Comic album
Parent	Dargaud

Asterix and the Normans (French: Astérix et les Normands) is a French comic narrative created by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, marking the ninth installment in the Asterix series. Initially published in serialized form within Pilote magazine in 1966, it was subsequently released as a standalone comic album by Dargaud in 1967.

The storyline follows Asterix and Obelix as they train Justforkix, the village chief’s nephew, while contending with the arrival of Normans who have come to Gaul in search of knowledge about fear. This tale was well-received by critics and served as inspiration for the 2006 cinematic adaptation Asterix and the Vikings.

Plot summary

In the Gaulish settlement of Armorica, Chief Vitalstatistix welcomes his nephew Justforkix from Lutetia to be trained as a warrior. During a traditional welcoming dance, Justforkix disrupts the festivities by introducing a rock-style musical performance, causing tension with the village bard Cacofonix and blacksmith Fulliautomatix.

Concurrently, a group of Normans from the north, led by Chief Tamandahaf, arrive with the goal of learning about fear, mistakenly believing it enables flight. They journey to Gaul to experience fear directly. Meanwhile, Justforkix undergoes training with Asterix and Obelix and is frightened by the Normans’ approach; however, they incorrectly assume he is an authority on fear.

After persuading Vitalstatistix to allow his return home, Justforkix’s chariot malfunctions due to a gift from Obelix, resulting in his capture by the Normans. Detained for failing to teach them fear, he is eventually freed when Asterix and Obelix confront their captors. Amidst a skirmish interrupted by an unintentional Roman patrol appearance, Asterix negotiates with Tamandahaf and sends Obelix to fetch Cacofonix.

Obelix locates Cacofonix as he travels toward Lutetia and brings him back. The bard’s singing terrifies the Normans, effectively teaching them what fear is. Although grateful, Justforkix refuses their invitation to a banquet, provoking an attack that the Gauls successfully repel. Enlightened about fear, the Normans return home.

Upon returning to the village, Justforkix displays increased courage and strength, with Obelix offering continued training. Seeking insight into fear’s nature, Asterix consults Getafix, who explains that understanding fear is essential for conquering it and attaining genuine bravery.

Characters

• Asterix – The Gaulish warrior serving as the central hero.
• Obelix – A menhir deliveryman and warrior from Gaul; Asterix’s close companion.
• Dogmatix – Obelix’s faithful dog, known for his aversion to trees being uprooted.
• Getafix – The village druid responsible for brewing the potent magic potion.
• Vitalstatistix – The chief of the Gaulish community.
• Cacofonix – The village’s bard.
• Fulliautomatix – The blacksmith of the village; his design was standardized by Goscinny and Uderzo.
• Justforkix – The teenage cousin of Vitalstatistix who represents contemporary youth culture; also featured in popular 1980s Asterix gamebooks.
• Timandahaf – The proud Norman chief and warrior leader.
• Oleaginus – An ambitious Roman legionary stationed in Armorica.

Cultural references

• The character Justforkix alludes to "Elvix Preslix," a playful twist on Elvis Presley, and performs alongside "Les Monkiix," a spoof of The Monkees; in English adaptations, this group is renamed "The Rolling Menhirs," referencing The Rolling Stones.
• Justforkix’s chariot, designed to resemble a sports car, is noted as originating from Mediolanum (present-day Milan), indirectly highlighting Italy's renowned sports car manufacturing.
• Timandahaf’s remark about entrusting warfare to "our descendants" alludes to the Viking incursions of the 9th century that eventually influenced the naming of Normandy, with subtle references to local dishes featuring cream.
• The Finnish title, Asterix ja normannien maihinnousu, cleverly references the historic 1944 Normandy Landings.

Adaptations

In 2006, the story was transformed into the film Asterix and the Vikings, a collaborative Danish-French production. This adaptation took considerable liberties with the original storyline by introducing new characters, incorporating anachronistic modern technology, and featuring covers of popular songs.

Distinct from previous versions, this film was initially produced in English, with voice actors such as Paul Giamatti and Brad Garrett, while the French version included talents like Roger Carel and Jacques Frantz. Critical reception was mixed; while the animation quality and voice performances received commendation, the screenplay faced criticism.

In other languages

Besides French and English editions, Asterix and the Normans has been rendered into numerous other languages, including:

External links

• Official English Website