Asterix at the Olympic Games
| Company type | Comic book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Comics, Graphic novels |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Founder | René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo |
| Products | Comic book / graphic novel |
Asterix at the Olympic Games represents the twelfth installment in the Asterix comic book collection. Initially published in serialized form within Pilote issues 434 through 455 during 1968 to align with the 1968 Summer Olympics, it was subsequently translated into English in 1972, coinciding with the 1972 Summer Olympics. The narrative offers a satirical commentary on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in athletic competitions.
Plot
Near the Gauls' settlement lies the Roman encampment called Aquarium, where Gluteus Maximus, a physically gifted Roman legionary, is selected to compete for Rome in the forthcoming Ancient Olympic Games held in Greece. His centurion, Gaius Veriambitius, is eager to achieve personal glory through Olympic triumph. During training sessions, Gluteus Maximus encounters Asterix and Obelix, who surpass his abilities by utilizing their magic potion. Discouraged by this, he ceases his preparation and takes on camp duties instead. When Veriambitius demands that Gluteus be left undisturbed, Vitalstatistix decides that the Gauls themselves will participate in the Games. Claiming Gaul’s status as part of the Roman Empire, Asterix argues that they qualify as a Gallo-Roman team, further undermining Roman morale. The trials yield no clear winner as all contenders consume the potion; ultimately, only Asterix and Obelix register officially.
The entire adult male population of the Gaulish village sets sail to Olympia aboard a galley. Asterix and Obelix enter as competitors with Getafix acting as their trainer, while the others take advantage of their journey as a vacation. News of the Gauls’ involvement causes Roman athletes to lose motivation, leading them to forsake training in favor of revelries and menial tasks. Their excessive feasting unsettles Greek athletes accustomed to more wholesome diets. Greeks caution Romans against artificial enhancers; however, Veriambitius exposes the secret of the Gauls’ magic potion. Despite these concerns, only Asterix competes since Obelix’s permanent effect from the potion disqualifies him.
During the Games, Greek competitors easily outperform both Asterix and the Romans. To protect Greece’s honor, officials organize a special race exclusively for Roman participants. Asterix and Getafix loudly draw attention to an unattended cauldron filled with magic potion, which prompts Roman athletes to steal its contents. Although Romans win this race handily against Asterix, they are disqualified when Getafix reveals he added a dye that stains tongues blue—conclusive evidence of illicit potion use. Consequently, Asterix emerges victorious.
Upon returning home for their celebratory feast, Asterix reveals he has awarded his Palm of Victory to Gluteus Maximus. This apparent victory pleases Julius Caesar, resulting in Maximus being promoted to centurion and Veriambitius advancing to tribune.
Notes
- This volume marks Geriatrix’s first appearance.
- The cart transporting male Gauls to their inn upon arrival in Greece functions as a coach.
Film adaptation
A live-action adaptation inspired by this album premiered in France in January 2008 to coincide with the Beijing Olympic Games. While retaining core elements from the source material, it centers on Asterix, Obelix, Getafix, Dogmatix, and a new character named Lovesix competing in the Games to win Princess Irina’s affection. An additional storyline involves Julius Caesar’s son Brutus scheming to wed Irina, overthrow Caesar himself, and seize control of the Roman Empire.
Goscinny and Uderzo cameo
Creators René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo appear on page 29 depicted as a carved bas-relief at the entrance of the Olympic Village. In this depiction, Goscinny calls Uderzo a 'despot,' to which Uderzo responds 'tyrant,' while simultaneously calming a bull—symbolizing the demanding nature of producing an Asterix story.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Asterix books
- Comics set in ancient Greece
- Fictional works featuring Olympic Games
- Ancient Greece portrayed in art and culture
- Originally published in Pilote magazine
- Literature initially released in serial format
- Graphic novels from 1968
- Works authored by René Goscinny
- Comics illustrated by Albert Uderzo
- Books about Olympic Games
- Cultural representations of Greek people
- Sport-related doping depiction