Text File

From: rdippold@cancun.qualcomm.com (Ron Dippold) Newsgroups: rec.arts.comics.misc Subject: Asterix Annotations 1/2 Message-ID: <rdippold.726477698@cancun> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 07:21:38 GMT Organization: Qualcomm, Inc., San Diego, CA Lines: 1001

[This contains both parts, concatenated.]

[P.S. if you know of any appropriate places to crosspost next time let me know, I don't think there are any... at least we don't get soc.culture.europe if it exists]

The Asterix Annotations 1.00 (English and American translations) Maintained and mostly by Ron Dippold (rdippold@qualcomm.com) Copyright 1993, All Rights Reserved.

A big thanks to Sergio Gelato for translating over half the latin phrases in here.

This annotation is copyrighted not for financial reasons, just for a bit of control over reproduction - a lot of effort went into this. If you want to publish any of this in any medium for any strange reason, contact me. If all else fails, leave mail to SYSOP at modem number (619) 573-1675.

This annotation has been prepared because not only the authors (Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, and later just Uderzo) have been rather clever and sometimes obscure, but because the translators (Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge for the English, Robert Steven Caron for the American) have for the most part done a fantasic job. There are jokes and references that don't appear in the original text. I _know_ I'm missing some of the jokes, and it yanks my chain. I learned a lot compiling this - who would think that caseous meant "cheeselike?"

So one set of annotation material are the obscure references and occasional Latin, and another other will be the names. As you've seen, every Asterix character has a name that means something. Sometimes it's obvious, sometimes it's a pain in the neck. The third category of references are the occasional famous persons who will appear in the drawings. The standard Asterix characters have a recognizable look to them and these usually stand out, but sometimes it's hard to tell.

I am _not_ trying to explain all the jokes and puns and things that are hopefully obvious to everyone. This is for some of the names which are tricky, and _especially_ for the Latin, which most people don't speak and in Asterix is often classical in nature. In fact, there are several latin quotes I have translated that I _know_ are classical in nature but I don't know the orignal source. Please provide!

This is billed as the Annotations for the English and American translations not to be chauvanistic but because the names/jokes change from language to language. Especially the character names, but other things as well. I happen to think that Bell and Hockridge have done a first rate job, and Caron seems to be making a good start. There are jokes and references which don't appear in the original text. Thus what's valid for the English version may not hold for other versions, although some things will. Since the translators are British, some of the annotations are going to be for the benefit of Yanks.

If someone has a chronological order for them (not the translation order, or the order given on the back cover) I'd be grateful for that. I've been able to divide them up into basically four periods based on content, etc., but it'd be nice to have a real order, and the copyright dates are somewhat misleading in some of them.

Page numbers in the books are given from the first actual page of the story, since the number of lead-in pages varies by publisher, edition, and translation. Later Asterixes are actually numbered in the drawings, but some aren't. So if yours starts on page 5, that's page 1 in this annotation, so add (or subtract) 4 from everything.

Without further ado, here we go... If you have any corrections or additions, please send them to me. Credit will be given to the first to respond on something. Especially notice the "???" where I know something should be here, but I'm at a loss. Also note that I have undoubtedly completely missed some references that aren't obvious.

************************************************************************

Geography

The geography is that of 50 BC, and things are usually named differently than we would expect.

English Translation Roman Camp Comments. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aquarium Babylonian Lower valley between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers Totorum Torturous or "Tot o' rum"? Later references to "Delerium" in "Asterix in Spain" suggest the first. Laudanum Laudanum is a solution of opium in alcohol Compendium A compendium is a collection, usually a book.

American Translation Roman Camp Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aquarium Opprobrium Opprobrium is conduct bringing shame and disgrace. Nohappimedium No happy medium = no agreeable compromise Delirium Delirium is a confused mental state often involving hallucinations.

Location Current name. Comments. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Alesia City in France where Vercingetorix surrendered to Vercingetorix. Today, nobody knows where it is. Amorica NW France. Home of Asterix's village. Appian Way Major Roman highway from Rome to Capua to Brundisium Aquitania SW France Belgica NE France / Belgium Briton Britain Caledonia Scotland Celtica West France Condatum Rennes, France. Large town in 50 BC. Gaul France Gergovia Site of battle in 52 AD where Vercingetorix beat Julius Caesar (temporarily), in France Goth (Germania) Germany. Helvetia Switzerland Hibernia Ireland Hispania. Spain (the Spanish are Iberians) Lugdunum Lyons, France Lusitania Portugal Lutetia Paris (or actually the city on an island which expanded to become Paris). Greatest city in Gaul. Massilia Marseilles, France Mesopotamia Land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, today part of Iraq Nubia Africa (south of Egypt) Provincia SE France

************************************************************************

Terminology

There is some recurring terminology which should be explained.

Term Meaning ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Amphora Jug Calends The first day of every month Caligae Sandals (or feet) Centurion Leader of 100 men (a century) in the Roman army. In actuality, this varies greatly. The commander of each of the surrounding camps is a centurion. The Circus The Circus Maxiumus, site of gladiatorial combat in Rome. Also involves people being eaten by wild beasts. Cohort 1/10 of a legion. Dolmen A primitive structure created by placing one large rock across two side rocks. Decurion Leader of 10 men in the Roman army. Patrols are usually let by decurions. Fatigue Military term for punishment duty. In the U.S. it's K.P. Legion 3000 to 6000 soldiers with additional cavalry. Menhir Those big pointed rocks that Obelix is always carrying around. Optio(ne) A staff officer who assists the commanding officer. Orgy Any kind of party. No sex need be involved. Pax Romana Roman Peace, enforced by the army. Pilum Roman spear. Prefect A high ranking official. Usually a governor. Sestertii Roman money. Probably worth about $2 US today. 100 sestertii = one gold coin

************************************************************************

Recurring Characters

Mostly consisting of characters that reappear again and again, more than twice usually qualifies.

Character Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Arthritix (American) Arthritis: a joint disease usually found in the elderly. The village elder Asterix Asterisk: a "*". Our hero. Belisama Gaulish god. Only appears as an oath. Belladonna (American) Belladona: a poisonous plant of the nightshade family. The chief's wife. Bacteria (English) Wife of the fishmonger Cacofonix (English) Cacophony: an unmusical din. The village bard. Dogmatix Dogmatics: the study of religious dogmas. The small white dog who travels with them. Howls whenever trees are knocked over. It's easy to skim over him, but he's sometimes doing something interesting. Fulliautomatix (English) Fully automatic. The village blacksmith. Running feud with Unhyginix. Pounds on Cacophonix when he tries to sing. Getafix (English) Get a fix. The village druid. Geriatrix (English) Geriatrics: the science of aging. The village old fogey (with a nubile young wife). Impedimenta Impedimenta: something hindering progress, baggage. The chief's wife. Julius Caesar Roman statesman, general, dictator. 100-44 BC. Macroeconomix (American) Macroeconomics: the study of economy at a global or national level. The village chief. Magigimmix (American) Magic gimmicks. The village druid. Malacoustix (American) Malacoustics: bad sound. Village bard. Obelix Obelisk: a stone monument with four sides and a pyramidal top, like a squared off menhir. Asterix's co-hero. Fell in the magic potion as a baby, so can't have any now. Pirates These poor SOBs end up getting sunk at least once an issue, almost guaranteed. No names except that the captain's son is named Erix. The old one with the crutch is a latin scholar. Toutatis Gaulish god of the village. Only appears as an oath. Unhygenix Unhygenic: unclean, dirty. The fishmonger. Vercingetorix This is a historical character, a Gaulish chieftain (72-46 BC approx) who defeated Julius Caesar at Gergovia, but was then completely defeated by Caesar at Alesia in 50 BC. Only used as a reference. Vitalstatistix (English) Vital statistics: probably referring to his waistline... The village chief.

************************************************************************

Asterix the Gaul (date???) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

The first adventure. The drawing is definitely not up to snuff yet, the characters aren't really established yet, the names aren't as imaginative yet in the translation, but the wit is there.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 3 The Germanic tribes attacked the Roman Empire quite a bit. Alaric captured Rome in 410 AD. Page 1, Panel 6 Quid? = What? Page 1, Panel 8 Ipso facto = thereby. Sic = so, thus Page 1, Panel 10 Vae victo vae victis = Woe to the conquered one, woe to the conquered ones. Brennus is reputed to have said this when he and his Gauls sacked Rome in 390 (except that Brenos is actually a Celtic god, not a leader). Page 10, Panel 4 Alea jacta est = the die is cast (Julius Caesar) Page 14, Panel 5 Potate = drink Page 16, Panel 10 Quo vadis = where are you going? Page 17, Panel 6 Ave (Caesar)! Morituri... = Hail Caesar! We who are about to die salute you! Said to Caesar by gladiators before combat. Page 23, Panel 9 Triumvirate = three-way rulership. Page 26, Panel 10 Aut Caesar, Aut nihil = Caesar or nothing. The motto of Cesare Borgia (1476-1507) Page 27, Panel 8 Aqua = water (or aqua vitae, alcohol) Page 30, Panel 9 Quid novi? = what's new?, Sursum corda = lift your hearts (Latin Mass) Page 32, Panel 5 Vanitas vanitatum... = vanity of vanities, and everything is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2, Vulgate). de facto = in actual fact. Quomodo vales = How do you do? Page 42, Panel 5 Vade retro = go back

Credits: Andrew Hackard for the Brennus quote. Sergio Gelato for more Brenos info.

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Crismus Bonus Christmas Bonus. Julius Pompus Pompous. Marcus Ginantonicus Gin and tonic Caligula Minus Caligula minor: Emperor Caligula is famous for being warped and cruel. Caligula Minus would be something of a diminutive. Tenansix Ten and six Tullius Octopus Octopus. Tullius is a Roman name. Gracchus Sextilius Sextillion: In France and the US, 1E21. In England and Germany, 1E36. Gracchus is a Roman name. Claudius Quintilius Quintillion: in France and the US, 1E18. In England and Germany, 1E30. Claudius is standard Roman. Caius Flebitus Flea bites. Caius is a Roman name.

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Goths (date???) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

This appears to be the second adventure, although "Golden Sickle" might be. The drawing still isn't up to later form, and some characters are still underdeveloped, most notably the other villagers. The great naming has begun.

Goth (Germania) is Germany, pretty much. That's gothic script when they speak.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 1 Forest of the Carnutes??? Page 2, Panel 5 Visigoth = west goth, Ostrogoth = east goth Page 2, Panel 9 Errare humanum est = to err is human (Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism l.525) Page 16, Panel 1 A bad pun. The closest translation for visi is probably as a pun for "vici": I saw. Page 16, Panel 4 Video meliora proboque deteriora sequor = I see and try the better things [but] follow the worse ones. (Ovid, Metamorpheses vii.20) Page 23, Panel 2 An anachronism. Alaric captured Rome in 410 AD. The song is??? Page 23, Panel 4 "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" WW I song. Page 33, Panel 1 From the three witches in Hamlet. Page 34, Panel 3 We call it Battleship. A quinquereme is a Roman warship with five sets of oars on each side.

Credits: Robert S. Hill for "Video..."

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Arteriosclerosus Arteriosclerosis: hardening of the arteries, can lead to heart attacks Gastroenteritus Gastroenteritis: infected stomach and intestines. Choleric Choleric: quick tempered, irritable Tartaric Tartaric: containing tartar or tartaric acic (not tartar sauce, but the crust formed in wine jugs) Athmospheric Prehistoric Esoteric Rare, unusual Valueaddetax Value added tax: a British indirect sales tax paid at each step of production and distribution of a good based on the value added at that stage Cadaverus Cadaverous: like a corpse Botanix Botany: study of plants Prefix Coming before something Suffix Coming after sometime, usually in language Cantankerus Cantankerous: crabby, choleric Marcus Ubiquitus Ubiquitous = everywhere, omnipresent Julius Monotonus Monotonous = boring, monotony inducing Metric System of measurements Rhetoric The art of using words effectively General Electric A U.S. company (GE) Euphoric Vigorous, high spirited, happy Lyric Songlike, also a form of poetry Satiric Engaging in satire.

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Golden Sickle ((c)1962) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Another early one (as evidenced by the drawing). I'm tenatively calling this number three, although "Goths" might be.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6, Panel 1 Auf wiedersehen = goodbye Page 6, Panel 6 "the great ox-cart race, the Suindinum 24 hours" is obviously a reference to something. What??? Page 13, Panel 10 Cave = beware Page 14, Panel 3 Pompeii is a city in S. Italy buried under mud and ash by Vesuvius in 79 AD - an anachronism. Page 14, Panel 7 Vade retro = move back Page 24, Panel 9 Mola Rubra nightclub/tavern ??? Page 25, Panel 5 Bois de Boulogne ??? Page 39, Panel 9 Quis, quid, ubi, quibus auxiliis, cur, quomodo, quando? = Who, what, where, by what means, why, how, when? Page 39, Panel 11 Acta est fabula = ??? Page 46, Panel 1 "I Love Paris in the Springtime"

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Metallurgix Metallurgic: having to do with the working of metals. Navishtricks Knavish tricks: a knave is a villian Clovogarlix Clove of garlic Surplus Dairiprodus Surplus dairy produce: extra milk. Claudius Omnibus Omnibus: double decker bus in Britain

************************************************************************

Asterix the Gladiator ((c) 1964) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Early period. The drawing is a bit off, the Romans look different, and Asterix, Obelix, and Getafix are the only well-defined characters, Vitalstatistix looks strange. This story "features" Cacofonix. Obelix starts his helmet collecting habit here, and the pirates make their first appearance.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 7, Panel 5 Alea jacta est = the die is cast (Julius Caesar) Page 11, Panel 8 Vanitas vanitatum... = vanity of vanities, and everything is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2, Vulgate) Page 18, Panel 10 cubiculum=small sleeping compartmen, triclinium = dining room with couch Page 18, Panel 11 GLC = Greater London Council Page 26, Panel 9 Giblet = various parts of a bird, such as the neck, heart gizzard Page 34, Panel 2 Panem et circenses = bread and circuses (Juvenal, Satires x.80 60-130AD) Page 36, Panel 9 Plaudite cives = Applaud, citizens. Page 38, Panel 5 Ave Caesar! Morituri... = Hail Caesar! We who are about to die salute you!

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Odius Asparagus Odious asparagus: odius=bad smelling Gracchus Armisurplus Army surplus Picanmix Pick and mix Ekonomikrisis Economy crisis Caius Fatuous Fatuous: silly, foolish Instantmix Instant mix Insalubrius Insalubrious: not promoting health and welfare Porpus Porpoise Sendervictorius Send her victorius: a line from "God Save the Queen" Appianglorius Happy and glorious: the next line of "God Save the Queen" Brutus Historical: Marcus Junius Brutus, adopted son of Julius Caesar and one of the conspirators who murdered him

Credits: Chris Adams for Sendervictorius and Appianglorius

************************************************************************

Asterix and Cleopatra ((c) 1965) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Billed as "The greatest story ever drawn. 14 litres of india ink, 30 brushes, 62 soft pencils, 1 hard pencil, 27 rubbers [erasers], 1984 sheets of paper, 16 typewriter ribbons, 2 typewriters, 366 pints of beer went into its creation!" Uderzo really gets to show what he can do. The first example of how brilliant the books could be with foreign countries, and a great lead-in to The Big Fight.

Vitalstatistix takes final form here, and an early Fulliautomatix pounds Cacofonix. The pirates return, starting a tradition. Caesar finally remembers the three gauls.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2, Panel 9 What game is that ??? Page 6, Panel 7 Alea jacta est = the die is cast (Julius Caesar) Page 8, Panel 2 That's EDIFIS written on the front of the house with greek letters Page 15, Panel 1 Lentil=a bean Page 22, Panel 6 Those are obelisks Page 36, Panel 4 Ita diis placuit = So the gods ordained (literally: so it pleased the gods) Page 43, Panel 3 The Suez Canal, which was built ???

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cleopatra Historical: 69-30 BC, queen of Egypt and mistress of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. There were many "Cleopatra"s but this is the famous one. Edifis Edifice: large, imposing building Nastiupset Nasty upset Sethisbackup Set this back up Artifis Artifice: a sly or artful trick Exlibris Ex libris: "belonging to the library of" Krukhut Crew cut: extremely short military haircut Mintjulep Mint julep: alcoholic beverage Superfluous Superfluous: extra, not necessary Operachorus Opera chorus

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Banquet ((c) 1965) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

More early style. This is basically "Asterix in France." A Fulliautomatix shows up, but he is no relation to the later one.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3, Panel 8 Exegi momentum aere perennius = I have built a monument more lasting than bronze (Horace, Odes III.xxx.i). Page 4, Panel 8 Caius Fatuous: from Asterix the Gladiator Page 6, Panel 6 What's the deal about people from Rotomagus (Rouen) ??? Page 10, Panel 3 Matron: old lady Page 11, Panel 5 Humbug: striped hard round candy Page 13, Panel 9 Magnum: bottle holding 2/5 gallon of wine, twice as much as a usual bottle Page 14, Panel 4 Brut: very dry, sec: dry; demi-sec: somewhat dry; doux: (douce) sweet. Dry here means not sweet. Page 20, Panel 2 Is that the symbol of any modern post office ??? Page 23, Panel 4 Thesus and the minotaur Page 26, Panel 8 Mistral: cold, dry north wind that blows over the Mediterranean region of France. Vesuvius didn't erupt till 79 AD. Page 27, Panel 7 Pastis: colorless French cordial wine flavored with licorice and aniseed. Page 28, Panel 6 This game is still played today Page 28, Panel 8 The French Revolution, 1789 AD, and "La Marseilles," the French national anthem. Page 40, Panel 9 Victrix causa diis placuit sed victa catoni = [loosely] The gods liked the winners' cause [literally: the winning cause], but Cato [the elder, presumably] [preferred] the losers'.

Credits: Robert S. Hill for the Horace quote.

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lotuseatus Lotus eater: indolent, dreamy, forgetful Overanxius Over anxious Fulliautomatix Fully automatic Ulna Ulna: Thinner bone between the elbow and hand Radius Radius: Thicker bone between the elbow and hand Nervus Illnus Nervous illness: a mental breakdown Goldenslumbus Golden slumbers Fishfingus Fish fingers: breaded strips of fish Spongefingus Sponge: raised bread dough; fingers: strips Unpatriotix Unpatriotic Poisonus Fungus Poisonous fungus Jellibabix Jelly babies: jellybean like candy in the shape of a baby Fibrositus Fibrositis: an excessive growth of white fibrous tissue due to inflammation Cesar Drinklikafix Drink like a fish: said of a heavy drinker Tunafix Tuna fish Hydrophobia Hydrophobia: rabies, or fear of water Adipus Adipose: fatty tissue Uptotrix Up to tricks Villanus Villanous Unscrupulus Unscrupulous General Motus General Motors: American car company (GM). Seniorservix Senior service: ???

************************************************************************

Asterix and The Big Fight ((c)1966) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Another early one. The drawing is almost up to later standards, but not quite. The main five are here (from the front intro) but that's about it. Impedimenta is ill defined, Fulliautomatix and Geriatrix show up in early form, but only in a crowd scene. IMO, the first truly brilliant Asterix as far as the jokes and puns go.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6, Panel 5 Jugged hare = hare cooked in a covered earthenware container Page 12, Panel 4 Order of the Bath = ??? Page 14, Panel 1 Victurus te saluto = I who am going to win greet you. Reference to "Morituri te saluto," "we who are about to die salute you" used by gladiators to salute the Emperor. Page 15, Panel 5 Quod erat demonstrandum = which was the thing to be proved (Euclid). Used in proofs as QED. Page 19, Panel 1 Dulce et... = Lovely and honourable it is to die for one's country. (Horace, Odes III.ii.13) Page 21, Panel 1 "John Brown's Body" Page 34, Panel 6 W.H. Smix Comix??? The animal on the sign is known as the Marsupilami, known in some places as kokomiko. Page 36, Panel 5 Alea jacta est = the die is cast (Julius Caesar) Page 41, Panel 1 Ceneus = wedge shaped.

Credits: Rich Bellacera for more information on the Marsupilami.

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nebulus Nimbus Nebulous:fuzzy, out of focus; nimbus=glow surrounding something, like an aura. Felonius Caucus Felonious:criminal; caucus=controlling organization in a British political party. Linoleum Linoleum: shiny floor covering. Cassius Ceramix Ceramics: baked clay, earthenware. Cassius is a Roman name. Professor Berlix Berlitz language lessons are rather famous. Prawnsinaspix Prawns in aspic. Prawn=like a large shrimp, aspic=jelly or relish. Infirmofpurpus Infirm of purpose: has doubts. Psychoanalytix Psychoanalytics: basically, mind doctoring Bicarbonatofsoda Bicarbonate of soda: baking soda Liquorix Licorice

************************************************************************

Asterix in Britain ((c)1966) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

This is advertised on the English translation as "The Greatest Asterix Adventure." It's very good, especially the "Britishisms," but I suspect this is just good advertising... More early Asterix. The final Fulliautomatix begins to harass Cacofonix here.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 7 O fortunatos... = O farmers excessively fortunate if only they recognized their blessings! (Virgil, Georgics ii.458) Page 10, Panel 6 Alea jacta est = the die is cast (Julius Caesar) Page 10, Panel 9 Still digging it, in fact... the Channel Tunnel or Chunnel. Page 11, Panel 9 British cooking is notoriously bad. Page 15, Panel 10 The Beatles Page 22, Panel 6 "Little Brown Jug" Page 32, Panel 3 Rugby Page 32, Panel 8 Mufti: disguise Page 33, Panel 6-7 Sacred goose and hen? Page 44, Panel 6 Fluctuat nec mergitur = It is swayed by the waves but does not sink. Motto of city of Paris???

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cassivellaunos Cassivellaunus: historical, fought Julius Caesar in 54 BC Mykingdomforanos My kingdom for a nose: check out his nose compared to the others Anticlimax Anticlimax: a drop after a peak (climax) O'veroptomistix Over optomistic: too favorable in prediction McAnix Mechanics Tullius Stratocumulus Tullius is a Roman name, Stratcumulus: a type of storm cloud. Encyclopaedicus Britannicus Encyclopedia Britannica: extremely comprehensive reference encyclopedia Dipsomaniax Dipsomaniac: Drinks too much Haystax Hay stack Anthrax Anthrax: virulent livestock disease Tintax Tin tacks Surtax Surtax: additional tax Boadicea Boadicea was a queen of the Iceni in Britain who led a futile revolt against the Romans in 61 AD. Camulodonum Camulodonum: Modern city of Colchester, England Durovernum ??? Must be some city in England Hiphiphurrax Hip hip hurray

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Normans ((c) 1967) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Near the end of the early period. Drawing is nearly up to later standards. Fulliautomatix settles into his role of Cacofonix bashing, though he isn't named yet. Lots of names in this one. This introduces that Dogmatix hates when trees are hurt.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2, Panel 5 Milan is in Italy. Hence, an Italian sportschariot. Page 3, Panel 7 Catacombs: tunnels beneath the city. Paris has extensive catacombs. Page 4, Panel 11 Palace of Varietix: a nightclub in Paris??? Page 17, Panel 4 The Battle of Hastings, 1066 AD, the decisive battle in the Norman conquest of England. Page 21, Panel 9 Half-uncia: half-inch Page 27, Panel 5 The Normans did quite a bit of raiding on the coast of France later. Page 30, Panel 4 Sol lucet omnibus = the sun shines for everyone. Page 32, Panel 7 "This Old Man". Centum quinquaginta septum: 157. Page 39, Panel 1 Horologium: clock. Page 41, Panel 4 Sic transit gloria = And so the glory passes (said at the coronation of a pope)

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Postaldistrix Postal districts: areas for mail delivery Doublehelix Double helix: a double intertwined sprial, the shape of DNA Justforkix Just for kicks Olaf Timandahaf Time and a half: overtime pay rate Nescaf Nescafe: an instant tea mix Psychopaf Psychopath Epitaf Epitaph: inscription on tombstone. Cenotaf Cenotaph: empty tomb honoring person whose body is elsewhere Transportcaf Transport cafe (Brits say "caf" instead of "cafe") - a greasy truckstop Chiffchaf Chiffchaff: Small brown and green European bird Operatix Operatic: like an opera Acoustix Acoustics: the sound of a place Polyfonix Polyfonics: multiple notes at once Harmonix Harmonics: higher frequency "echoes" of a base tone Riffraf Riffraff: the commoners Fotograf Photograph Oleaginus Oleaginous: oily, greasy Caraf Carafe: bottle for beverages Telegraf Telegraph Polytechnix Polytechnic: skilled in many arts Selfservix Self service Firsthaf First half Secondhaf Second half Autograf Autograph Toocleverbyhaf Too clever by half

Credits: Chris Adams for Transportcaf.

************************************************************************

Asterix the Legionary ((c) 1967) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge American Translation by Robert Steven Caron

End of the early period. Although almost none of the other villagers are named yet. The drawing is nicely settled in, though, and they've all taken their final appearances.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 9, Panel 1-2 Historically accurate Page 13, Panel 2 Timeo Danaos... = I fear the Greeks even when they bring gifts (Virgil, Aeneid ii.48). Page 20, Panel 9 The British have a reputation for some of the world's worst cuisine. Page 21, Panel 10 Crystallized fruits = candied fruits. Page 22, Panel 1 Maniple = 1/3 a cohort. Century = originally 100 menu, but here just a further subdivision of maniple. Page 27, Panel 5 Gateau a la creme = A very rich cake with cream. Page 28, Panel 2 Pluto is the god of Hell Page 30, Panel 1 "Never on Sunday!" ??? Page 32, Panel 1 Quo vadis = where are you going? Page 35, Panel 7 Dignus est intrare = He is worthy of entering. Page 37, Panel 7 Cogito, ergo sum = I think, therefore I am (Rene Descartes). Anachronism. Page 38, Panel 4 Alea jacta est = the die is cast (Julius Caesar) Page 40, Panel 4 Phalanx = wide and deep formation, shields and spears overlapping. Quincunx = square with one at each corner and one in the center. Tortise = formation with shields locking over heads, for when besieging walls. Page 40, Panel 6 (American) Cleopatra's Needle is either of two ancient egyptian obelisks, one in New York City, the other in London today.

English Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Panacea Panacea: a cure-all Soporifix Soporific: something that induces sleep Postaldistrix Postal districts: areas for mail delivery. Tragicomix Tragicomic: something having both tragic and comedical aspects. Pompey Historical person - Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (106-48 BC), Roman general and triumvirate. Not pleased when Caesar dissolved the trimvirate to become supreme, civil war ensued. Erroneus Erroneous: something incorrect Neveratalos Never at a loss Selectivemploy- mentax Selective employment tax: British tax Gastronomix Gastronomics: the art of good eating Hemispheric Hemispheric: like half a sphere Allegoric Allegoric: an allegory is basically a parable Ptenisnet Tennis net Nefarius Purpus Nefarious purpose: a fiendish goal Dubius Status Dubious status Juba, Afranius Both historical Scipio Historical: Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus. Major time skew here, he lived approx 237-183 BC and fought in the 2nd Punic war. Grandson Scipio was 184-129 BC. H2SO4 (Vitriolix) Sulfuric acid: H2SO4 is the chemical formula, it's occasionally known as vitriol Garrulus Vinus Garrulous: talkative about unimportant things, Vinus: wines.

American Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Philharmonia Philharmonic: a society that sponsors a symphony orchestra Calorifix Calorific: produces heat Philatelix Philatelic: having to do with stamps Tragicomix Tragicomic: something having both tragic and comedical aspects Felonius Felonious: criminal Anonymous Anonymous: not named Valueaddedtax Value added tax: a British indirect sales tax paid at each step of production and distribution of a good based on the value added at that stage Dietetix Dietetics: things that help lose weight. Chimeric Chimeric: fantastic, unreal. Metaforic Metaphoric: comparing something with something else (blind as a bat). Ptightnet Tight net. Linguae Lapsus Lapses of the tongue Crismus Bonus Christmas bonus Juba, Afranius Both historical Scipion Historical: Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus. Major time skew here, he lived approx 237-183 BC and fought in the 2nd Punic war. Grandson Scipio was 184-129 BC KGB (Bolshevix) The KGB was the security force / intelligence agency of the USSR from 1954. The Bolsheviks later became the USSR Communist party. Cherri Liquorus Cherry licorice (or liquor)

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield ((c) 1968) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

This one is heavy on the Latin phrases!

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 5 Ruber et niger = Red and black. Which is ??? Page 1, Panel 6 Diem perdidi = I have lost a day (Emperor Titus 39-81 AD) Page 1, Panel 7 Quo vadis = where are you going? Page 1, Panel 8 O tempora! O mores! = O the times! O the morals! From Cicero's first oration against Cataline. Page 5, Panel 6 I Timothy 5:23 Page 5, Panel 7 Now good digestion wait on appetite, and health on both! (Shakespeare, Macbeth III.iv.38) Page 11, Panel 3 Vade retro = get back. Audaces Fortuna juvat = "Audentis Fortuna iuvat": fortune assists the bold (Virgil, Aeneid x.284) Page 13, Panel 3 Bangers = sausages to the British. Page 14, Panel 2 Veni, vidi, vici: I came, I saw, I conquered (Julius Caesar) Page 14, Panel 3 Ab imo pectore = From the bottom of the heart (literally: the chest). Page 22, Panel 8 Sol lucet omnibus = the sun shines on everyone. Page 26, Panel 2 Carpe diem: Sieze the day Page 27, Panel 8 Demobbed: retired from the army Page 42, Panel 9 Bis repetita don't always placent = Things said twice don't always please. [Meaning:] It is unpleasant to have to repeat things. [The classical proverb is "bis repetita non placent", without the "semper".]

Credits: Mark-Jason Dominus for "O tempora..."

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Diagnostix Diagnostics: determining an illness Noxius Vapus Noxious vapors: poisonous gasses Wineanspirix Wine and spirits Localpolitix Local politics Forinpolitix Foreign politics Thermostatix Thermostats Caius Pusillanimus Pusilanimous: cowardly Lucius Circumbendibus Circumbendibus: a roundabout way Anasthesia Anasthesia: pain killer Memoranda Memorandum Marcus Carniverus Carniverus: meat eating Therapeutix Therapeutic: healing Applejus Apple juice Prunejus Prune juice Carrotjus Carrot juice Tomatojus Tomato juice Titus Crapulus Crapulous: sick from drinking

************************************************************************

Asterix at the Olympic Games ((c) 1968) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge American Translation by Robert Steven Caron

Always one of my favorites. Gluteus Maximus may have my vote for best name ever. This one introduced Geriatrix as well.

There are several places in the American translation where he leaves things from the English translation that make no sense given the rest of his translation, for instance where he calls Solar Plexus (American name) Gluteus Maximus (English name). Apparently he was using the English text as a check. This looks to be his first attempt, it's not as good as "Asterix the Legionary"

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 2 (American) Semper Fidelis: Always faithful, Marine corps motto. E pluribus unum: United we stand Page 1, Panel 2 (American) A plebe belongs to the lowest Roman social class Page 11, Panel 1 Et nunic, reges intelligite... erudimini qui judicatis terram = And now, kings, please understand... [or: understand the kings, depending on whom the speaker is addressing] Learn [literally: be taught], you who judge the earth. Page 22, panel 8 (English) Asterix and the Banquet (the veal) Page 25, Panel 10 The caption on the left says GOSCINNY and the one on the right says UDERZO, and that's them in the drawings. The upper carvings say DESPOTAS and TYRANNOS, which mean "despots" and "tyrants" Page 30, Panel 8 (English) Socci = ??? Page 30, Panel 10 Discoboli: discus throwers Page 34, Panel 7 The Colossus of Rhodes was an incredibly huge statue that stradled the entrance to their harbor Page 36, Panel 9 Mens sana in corpore sano = sound mind in a sound body (Juvenal, 60-130 AD, Satires x.356 ) Page 39, Panel 6 Quo vadis = where are you going? Page 43, Panel 6 Quid = what? Quomodo = how?

English Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gluteus Maxiumus A large buttock muscle Bilius Bilious: related to the green bile secreted by the liver, or bad-tempered Gaius Veriambitius Very ambitious Diabetes Diabetes: any disease characterized by excessive urine discharge Makalos Make a loss: lose money on something Kudos Kudos: credit or praise Phallintodiseus Fall into disuse Thermos Thermos: an insulated bottle Pugnatius Pgnacious: eager and ready to fight Saintpancras Saint Pancras: ??? (pancratium is a Greek sport combining wrestling and boxing) Neuroses Neuroses: mental problems Philibuster Filibuster: in the US Congress, a means of delaying by talking for hours or even days

American Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Solar Plexus Solar plexus: the area of the belly just below the sternum Doltus Dolt: idiot Vain Glorius Vainglorius: boastful and proud Panorama Panorama: picture that encircles the viewers Midas Midas: mythical king, everything he touched turned to gold Taxiperilos Taxi perilous: dangerous taxi Prometheus Prometheus: mythical titan who gave fire to man Clytemnestra Clytemenstra: mythical wife of Agamemnon. She killed him with the help of her lover, then was killed by their son Orestes Oedipus Oedipus: mythical King- unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, put his eyes out Invinoveritas In vino veritas: In wine is truth Vexatius Vexatious: irritating Dallos ??? Grossomodo Combination of gross and Quasimodo (the hunchback of Notre Dame) Malapropos Malapropos: something said that is not approriate -- Two cars in every pot and a chicken in every garage.

From: rdippold@cancun.qualcomm.com (Ron Dippold) Newsgroups: rec.arts.comics.misc Subject: Asterix Annotations 2/2 Message-ID: <rdippold.726477779@cancun> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 07:22:59 GMT Organization: Qualcomm, Inc., San Diego, CA Lines: 991

[ The Asterix Annotations 1.00 (English and American translations) Maintained and mostly by Ron Dippold (rdippold@qualcomm.com) Copyright 1993, All Rights Reserved. Part 2 ]

************************************************************************

Asterix in Spain ((c) 1969) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

The names in the English translation, while few, are some of the best ever.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 5 Spanish uses the exclamation point and question mark at the end of a sentence as we do and at the beginning, upside down. Page 2, Panel 3 Veni, vidi, vici: I came, I saw, I conquered (Julius Caesar) Page 11, Panel 2 Beati pauperes spiritu = Blessed are the poor in spirit. (Matt. 5:3, King James) Page 11, Panel 9 Aquae sulis chaps = ??? Page 16, Panel 5 "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" Page 19. Panel 9 Salisbury Plain is Stonehenge Page 28, Panel 4 Don Quixote and Sancho Panza Page 29, Panel 2 Replete: stuffed, gorged Page 40, Panel 4 Panem et circenses = bread and circuses (Juvenal, Satires x.80 60-130AD) Page 44, Panel 4 Aurochs = nearly extinct European bison

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Huevos Y Bacon Eggs and bacon Spurius Brontosaurus Spurious: irrelevant, trivial; Brontosaurus: large dinosaur, now called Apatosaurus Raucus Hallelujachorus Raucous: loud; Hallelujah chorus: chorus found often in church hymns which consists of the word hallelujah repeated. Pericles An Athenian general and statesman Nodepositon el Sodasiphon No deposit on soda bottle Oloroso el Fiasco Oloroso: smelly; fiasco: total disaster Obsequius Obsequious: fawning, overly submissive Begonia Begonia: a type of flower

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Cauldron ((c) 1969) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Except for the tax collector, this one is pretty forgettable.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 9, Panel 2 Quo vadis = where are you going? Page 11, Panel 8 Ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant = Where they make a wilderness and call it peace (Tacitus 56-120 AD, Agricola 42) Page 22, Panel 3 Ave Caesar, morituri...: Hail Caesar, we who are about to die salute you. Said by gladiators in the circus before fighting. Page 29, Panel 8 Hippodrome: literally, "horse racetrack" Page 37, Panel 8 Quid pro quo = something in return for something else

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chief Whosemorals- arelastix Chief whose morals are elastic Pigskidnix Pigs kidneys Antibiotix Antibiotics: medicines for various infectious diseases Laurensolivius Laurence Olivier: famous actor Alecguinus Alec Guinness: famous actor Confidenstrix Confidence tricks: criminal activities which involve gaining the confidence of the victim

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Roman Agent ((c) 1970) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

The dialogue is some of the best ever. Are the word balloons colored in other language versions?

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 4 Pleb=member of the lowest class in Roman society. Plebiscite=a popular vote on some matter Page 1, Panel 5 Mon repos: (French) My rest. Mea Requies: My rest. Page 5, Panel 7 Coventry: banishment. Used by the Cavaliers in the 17th century since the town was strongly Roundhead allied. Page 7, Panel 4 Auri sacra fames = cursed craving for gold! (Virgil, Aeneid iii.6) Page 26, Panel 8 Quid? = What?

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stradivarius Stradivarius: very famous maker of violins Brutus Historical: Marcus Junius Brutus, adopted son of Julius Caesar and one of the conspirators who murdered him Tortuous Convulvulus Tortuous=twisted; convulvulus=twining plants, funnel-shaped flowers and triangular leaves, blindweed. Pompey Historical person - Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (106-48 BC), Roman general and triumvirate. Not pleased when Caesar dissolved the trimvirate to become supreme, civil war ensued. Aberdeenangus Aberdeen Angus: a breed of black, hornless cattle from Scottland, raised for beef (Black Angus) Giantortus Giant tortoise Felix Platypus Platypus: duckbill, a strange marsupial Magnumopus Magnum opus: someone's greatest work Homunculus Homunculus: little man, dwarf

************************************************************************

Asterix in Switzerland ((c) 1970) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2, Panel 8 Half pint of mild and bitter: British beer. Page 3, Panel 6 Tripe = part of the stomach, aurochs = a large, almost extinct European bison. Page 8, Panel 4 Valetudinarium = place of poor health Page 8, Panel 7 Air in the arteries is a quick way to kill someone Page 16, Panel 1 I can't quite see what this looked like in the original, but it's been redrawn as the Michelin Man. Page 19, Panel 10 Maior e longinquo reverentia = Greater is the respect [that comes] from a long time ago. Page 20, Panel 9 Leman Lake is an old name for Lake Geneva Page 30, Panel 7 What building is this today??? Page 32, Panel 5 Nunc est bibendum = now for drinks (Horace, Odes I.xxxvii.1)

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Impresario Fellinus Impresario: manager of theater/orchestra/opera company. Fellinus is the famous Fellini. Caius Eucalyptus Eucalyptus: tall Australian evergreen trees. Varius Flavus Various flavors Quaestor Vexatius Sinusitus Quaestor: state treasurer; vexatious: irritating; sinusitus: inflamed sinuses Curius Odus Curious odors Malodorus Caseus Malodorous caseous: smelly and cheeselike. Petitsuix Petite sweets: small candies Zurix Zurich: a Swiss city famous for banking

************************************************************************

The Mansions of the Gods ((c) 1971) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

One of the two that doesn't mention Asterix in the title. Asterix and ... probably would have made it too long. Very low on named extras and no pirates.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10, Panel 2 Beati pauperes spiritu = Blessed are the poor in spirit. (Matt. 5:3, King James) Page 12, Panel 2 Gnothe Seauton = ??? Page 24, Panel 3 Veni, vidi, vici = I came, I saw, I conquered (Julius Caesar) Page 26, Panel 1 XIses = elevenses, British late morning tea. Page 37, Panel 5 "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Xmas (purposely) occurs near the winter Solstice. Page 37, Panel 6 Quousque tandem = To what point at last [O Cataline, wilt thou abuse our patience!] (from Cicero's First Catalinarian) Page 40, Panel 2 Atrium = lobby, triclinium = dining room with couch

Credits: Robert S. Hill for the Cicero quote.

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sqauronthehypotenus Square on the hypotenuse: the hypotenuse is the long diagonal line in a triangle with a 90 degree right angle. The square of the lengths of the two other lines is the length of the hypotenuse squared. Or, "square on" in construction means that the expected right angle is indeed right. Somniferus Somniferous: sleep inducing Flaturtha Flaturtha: gas in the stomach or intestines Showbisinus Show business. Does he look like any particular game show host, or just all of them???

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Laurel Wreath ((c) 1972) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

The backgrounds look a bit strange on this one for some reason, and the writing in the word balloons is thinner and more slanted. Perhaps Uderzo was trying a thinner pen. If so, it doesn't survive into the next book.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 4 Sicambres: Sicilians Page 18, Panel 1 Cubilculum: sleeping area. Triclinium: dining room with couches Page 24, Panel 5 Quo vadis = where are you going? Page 24, Panel 8 Vadere quo = To go where? Page 26, Panel 4 Gloria victis = Glory to the vanquished. Veritas odium parit = Truth gives birth to hate. Page 29, Panel 5 Delenda (est) Carthago = Carthage must be destroyed. Famous speech. Page 33, Panel 3 Tarpeian rock = a cliff on Capitoline Hill in Rome from which traitors were thrown to their death. Page 36, Panel 7 Is he anyone ??? Page 37, Panel 5 Sicarii= ??? effractores=??? raptores=???

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Homeopathix Homeopathy: "medical" theory of giving the patient very small amounts of drugs which in large doses would produce similar symptoms to the disease Tapioca A bland pudding Seminola A British school lunch dessert: "a really discusting cream sludge, with the texture of sand" Kumakros Come across Typhus Typhus: nasty infections disease Fibula Thin outer leg bone between knee and ankle Tibia Thicker inner leg bone between knee and ankle Metatarsus The five bones in the foot between ankle and toes Osseus Humerus Osseus: bonelike; humerus: bone in arm from shoulder to elbow Autodidax Autodicact: someone self-taught Goldendelicius Golden delicious: type of green-yellow apple Locus Classicus Locus classicus: a passage often cited as authorative or illustrative - classical reference Titus Nisprius Nisprius: court in which a cause of action is originally heard Cato Historical: Cato the Elder (the Censor) 234-149 BC, Roman statesman Habeuscorpus Habeus corpus: safeguards against illegal detention or imprisonment

Credits: Chris Adams for seminola.

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Soothsayer ((c) 1972) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5, Panel 7 Brutus killed Caesar with a dagger Page 40, Panel 2 Romulus and Remus are the legendary founders of Rome, raised by a she-wolf

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Intelligensia (MI5) M.I.5 is a British intelligence agency concerned with state security Mania Mania: a madness Prolix Prolix: long-winded, wordy Myopia Myopia: literal shortsightedness Voluptuous Arteriosclerosus Voluptuous: more than ample; ateriosclerosis: hardening of the artieries Statistix Statstics Bulbus Crocus Bulbous crocus: a flower of the iris family in its bolbous root state.

************************************************************************

Asterix in Corsica ((c) 1973) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

This is sort of a "reunion" issue at the beginning. I'm not going to redo all the names, I'll just point back to the original stories. It also contains a picture of the isle of Corsica with a massive number of forts on it, all named... That I'll do separately.

Fort (Clockwise) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Geranium A flower Postscriptum Postscript: p.s. at the end of a letter Delphinium Small member of the buttercup family Ultimatum A final demand Auditorium Podium A speaking stand Pandemonium Confusion Bunkum B.S., garbage Welcum Welcome Album Tedium Something boring Addendum An addition Vademecum Something carried around for constant use Memorandum Potassium An element Aluminum An element Desideratum Something needed and wanted Quoderatdemon- strandum (east) Quod erat demonstrandum = which was the thing to be proved (Euclid). Used in proofs as QED. Sodium An element Saeculasaeculorum Saecula saeculorum: world without end (from Catholic Latin Mass) Strontium An element Referendum A meeting on a subject Adinfinitum Ad infinitum: so on to infinity Sternum The flat bone your ribs attach to in front Quoderatdemon- strandum (west) See QED (east) Chrysanthemum A flower Minimum Maximum Opossum Humdrum Boring, commonplace Indecorum Lack of good conduct Modicum A little bit Calcium An element Crematorium Where they burn corpses Chewingum Chewing gum Euphonium A brass wind instrument Opium A drug Harmonium Small reed organ Premium Extra charge for something in demand Mausoleum Above ground burial house for dead people Vanitasvanitatum Vanitas vanitatum: vanity of vanities (Ecclesiastes 1:2, Vulgate) Radium An element Hum Axium Axiom: something universally accepted as true Pendulum Factotum A handyman

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 3 Alea jacta est = the die is cast (Julius Caesar) Page 9, Panel 1 Asterix in Switzerland Page 9, Panel 2 Asterix in Spain Page 9, Panel 3 Asterix the Gladiator Page 9, Panel 4 Asterix in Britain Page 9, Panel 5 Asterix and the Banquet Page 9, Panel 6 Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield Page 14, Panel 10 O tempora, o mores = O the times! O the morals! From Cicero's first oration against Cataline. Page 15, Panel 8 Errare humanum est = Errare humanum est = to err is human (Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism l.525) Page 18, Panel 8 Felix qui... = lucky is he who has been able to understand the causes of things. (Virgil, Georgics ii.490) Page 21, Panel 5 Ballot boxes... ??? Page 43, Panel 7 ???

Credits: Mark-Jason Dominus for "O tempora..."

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Perfidius Perfidious: evil Hippopotamus Hippopotamus Boneywasawarrior- wayayix Boney was a warrior, way ay ay... this is a line from a song about Napoleon Bonaparte (Boney). The "pom tiddley pom" etc. are others. Vermicellix Vermicelli: a pasta Mortadella An Italian sausage Courtingdisastu Courting disaster Lethargix Lethargic: tired, sleepy Carferrix Carferrax (or carfax): a place where four roads meet. British. Olabellamargaritix O la bella Margarita: must be another song ??? Violincellix Violin (and) cellos Chipolata A small thin sausage Salamix Salami Potatognocchix Potato gnocchi: small potato dumplings with sauce Seminolagnocchix Seminola gnocchi: Seminola is a British school lunch dessert: "a really discusting cream sludge, with the texture of sand" Spaghettix Spaghetti Raviolix Ravioli Tagliatellix Tagliatelli: a pasta Cannellonix Cannelloni: a pasta Lasagnix Lasagna Tortellinix Tortellini: a pasta MacAronix Macaroni Desiderata A famous poem Fettucinix Fettucini: a pasta Errata Errata: later corrections to a book Rigatonix Rigatoni: a pasta

Credits: Simone Oke for Boneywasawarriorwayayix. Chris Adams for Seminola.

************************************************************************

Asterix and Caesar's Gift ((c) 1974) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 1 Vinum et musica laetificant cor = Wine and music make the heart merry. [Variation on the proverbial "vinum bonum laetificat cor hominis".] De mortuis nil nisi bonum = About the dead [say] nothing but good. Page 1, Panel 4 Demob = retirement from the military Page 3, Panel 1 Legio expedita! = Attention! (literally "Legion, to order!") Page 4, Panel 1 Qui habet aures audiendi audiat = "Let he that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Mark 4:9) Page 27, Panel 5 I am more an antique Roman than a Dane (Shakespeare, Hamlet I.ii.355) Page 27, Panel 6 Fat, and scant of breath (Hamlet) O! that this too too solid flesh would melt (Hamlet I.ii.129) Give us the foils! (Hamlet V.ii.200). Page 27, Panel 7 A hit, a very palpable hit. (Hamlet V.ii.295) Page 27, Panel 8 The rest is silence. (Hamlet V.ii.372) Page 27, Panel 9 Zorro cuts a Z on the chests of his enemies

Credits: Prabhakar Ragde for exact citation for "Give us the foils".

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tremensdelirious Delirious tremens: shaking condition caused by overdosing on alcohol. The "DTs". Egganlettus Egg and lettuce Angina Angina: a localized spasm of pain Influenza Influenza: the flu virus Orthapedix Orthapedix: the treatment of foot problems Dithyrambix Dithyramb: any wildly emotion speech or writing Tonsillitus Tonsillitis: inflamation of the tonsils

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Great Crossing ((c) 1975) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Basically "Asterix in America... and a bit of Denmark" The only book that actually uses a normal name (that's not historical).

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4, Panel 2 Ira furor brevis est = anger is a short madness (Horace, Epistles I.ii.62) Page 5, Panel 2 The contents of the magic potion seem to change at whim. This contradicts other books. Page 9, Panel 3 Donec eris felix, multos numerabis amicos / Tempora si fuerint nublia, solus eris. = As long as you are lucky, you'll have many friends; / But should the times become cloudy you'll be alone. (Traditional dystich). Page 18, Panel 8 US military insignia, Air Force I think Page 19, Panel 6 The 50 star portion of the US flag Page 21, Panel 10 More US military insignia Page 31, Panel 7 The Statue of Liberty, given to the US by France Page 32, Panel 4 Said by Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon Page 37, Panel 4 Niflheim = Hell Page 41, Panel 1 "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" (Shakespeare, Hamlet, I.iv.90). The skull is from Hamlet V.i.201.

Credits: Sergio Gelato for the dystich.

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Huntingseassen Hunting season Herendethelessen Here endeth the lesson Steptoanssen Steptoe Hansen: From Steptoe and Son, a British comedy show from the 60's Haraldwilssen Harold Wilson: 60's/70's British Labour prime minister Nogoodreassen No good reason Odiuscomparissen Odious comparisson Gertrude Gertrude: standard feminine name Intrude Intrude: to force in upon Irmgard Irmgard: standard feminine name Firegard Fireguard: some material built to withstand fire Catastrofix Catastrophic: disastrous

Credits: Chris Adams for Steptoeanssen and Haraldwilssen

************************************************************************

Obelix and Co. ((c) 1976) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

The other book without Asterix in the title. And Obelix does pretty much star in this one. More political satire.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2, Panel 5 The two guys carrying the drunk one look like Uderzo and Goscinny Page 8, Panel 7 LSE = London School of Economics. Who's he supposed to look like??? Page 8, Panel 10 The guy on the right has gout Page 17, Panel 6 Veni, vidi, vici: I came, I saw, I conquered (Julius Caesar) Page 23, Panel 5 Laurel and Hardy Page 29, Panel 6 Redde Caesar...: Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's. (Matt 22:21). Anachronism. Page 29, Panel 8 Si vis pacem, para bellum = If you want peace, prepare for war. (Vegetius, 4th-5th cent. AD) Page 31, Panel 4 Alea jacta est = the die is cast (Julius Caesar) Page 34, Panel 9 That symbol is Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, being suckled by a she-wolf Page 36, Panel 9 Uti, non abuti = Use, don't abuse.

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Scrofulus Scrofulous: Morally corrupt Ignoramus Ignoramus: ignorant and stupid Caius Preposterus Preposterous: unbelievable Larcenus Larcenous: inclined to theft Analgesix Analgesics: rub-on medicines to ease pain Monosyllabix Monosyllabic: speaking in single syllables Polysyllabix Polysyllabic: speaking in big words Pacifix Pacific Ocean Atlantix Atlantic Ocean Baltix Baltic Sea Adriatix Adriatic Sea Woolix Wooly. Or Woolworths? Incongruous Incongrous: something out of place Meretricius Meretricious: like a prostitute, false showy charms

************************************************************************

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix ((c) 1976)

This is a bit different. It's a book from the movie. Several of the books were made into movies (Asterix and Cleopatra was pretty decent, but this went the other way). It has pictures, but only as illustrations (drawn, not from the movie), and it has a heck of a lot more text. It doesn't seem to be written by Goscinny and Uderzo, nor translated by Bell and Hockridge. Not much to do here, it's written to a lower level. All of it is noncanonical.

Page Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6 The first and probably only time you'll see a naked female breast in Asterix books Page 7 All the Hercules stuff is true to myth Page 44 Ave Caesar! Morituri... = Hail Caesar! We who are about to die salute you

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Caius Tiddlus Tiddly: British for drunk, tipsy Asbestos Fire-retardant material Verses Divisions in a poem Cylindric Having a cylindrical shape (like a roll of paper) Iris The colored portion of the eye Calorifix Calorific: something that generates heat

************************************************************************

Asterix in Belgium ((c) 1979) By Goscinny and Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

This one has a _lot_ of "guest appearances." I'm sure I've missed a few. This is the last Asterix Goscinny wrote before his death. The translators did an _exceptional_ job. Something that yanks my chain is that the translators give "Apologies to: George Gordon, Lord Byron, Mr. Mm. Shakespeare, Mr. John Milton, and Pieter Breughel the Elder" I've found all the rest, but I can't find anything on George Gordon. I suspect the "Nearer, clearer, deadlier than before..." but can't prove anything. Help!

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4, Panel 10 Is this historical??? Page 5, Panel 5 This is the case today. Page 15, Panel 6 Pseudonymus is in Asterix's old squad from "Asterix the Legionaire" Page 17, Panel 3 The Belgians are famous for their food Page 22, Panel 1 Non licet omnibus adire corinthum = It is not given to everyone to reach Corinth. This is close to Horace, "Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum": Not everyone is lucky enough to get to Corinth (Horace, Epistles I.xvii.35) Page 27, Panel 8 The Thompson Twins, from Tintin Page 29, Panel 7 Who is this??? Page 31, Panel 5 Moritorus te saluto = I who am about to die salute you. Again a reference to "Morturi te saluto" said by gladiators saluting the Emperor. Page 35, Panel 4 Who is this??? Alea jacta est = the die is cast (Julius Caesar) Page 35, panel 6 Who is this??? Page 36, Panel 3 But hush! hark! a deep sound strikes like a rising knell! ... Arm! Arm! It is - it is - the cannon's opening roar! (Lord Byron, Beppo c.III.s.23) Page 37, Panel 1 I suspect this is Beppo c.III stanza 24, but I don't have it to check against. ??? Page 37, Panel 3 Xenophobia: dislike of foreigners Page 39, Panel 1 Did ye not hear it? No -- 'twas but the wind / Or the car rattling o'er the stony street; / On with the dance! (Beppo c.III.s.12) Page 39, Panel 5 Nearer, clearer, deadlier than before... ??? Page 40, Panel 1 Cry "Havoc!" and let slip the dogs of war (Shakespeare, Julius Caesar III.i.273) Page 41, Panel 1 But yesterday the word of Caesar might / Have stood against the world (Julius Caesar III.ii.124) Page 41, Panel 2 Chaos umpire sits... Chance governs all. (Milton, Paradise Lost bk.II.l.907) Page 41, Panel 5 "Publish and be damned!" Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington is reputed to have said this to someone who was blackmailing him. Page 41, Panel 7 With ruin upon ruin, rout upon rout, Confusion worse confounded (Paradise Lost bk.II.l995) Page 42, Panel 1 This is in the style of a famous painting by Pieter Breughel the Elder. Name of it is ???

Credits: Mark-Jason Dominus for "Publish and be damned!"

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pseudonymus Pseudonym: a name used instead of the author's real name Beefix Beefy Brawnix Brawny Melancholix Melancholy: depressed Alcoholix Alcoholic Potbellix Potbellied Bonanza Bonanza: a source of wealth or profits Saintlouisblus Saint Louis blues. Wolfgangamadeus Wolfgang Amadeus: the first and middle names of Mozart Monotonus Monotonous: boring Botanix Botany: the study of plants Califlowa Cauliflower

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Great Divide ((c) 1980) By Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

This is the first book after Goscinny's death. Uderzo was the artist, so the adventures can continue. The story here isn't quite as memorable as some of the best Asterixes, but is actually pretty good. If you've seen any of Goscinny's other work (such as the Caliph with Tabary) you'll see that he wasn't as good by himself, either. It was just a team that worked.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10, Panel 4 O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou, Romeo (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet II.ii.33) Page 14, Panel 9 Nunc dimittis = leave now (Vulgate, Ev. S. Luc 2:29) Page 28, Panel 4 Requiescamus in pace = Let us rest in peace (Latin Mass: Requiescant in pace). Page 38, Panel 1 Caveat emptor = let the buyer beware Page 40, Panel 1 Aqua vitae = strong alcohol. Terra firma = solid ground

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cleverdix Clever Dick: Americans might say "wise ass". Majestix Majestic: regal, kinglike Histrionix Histrionics: an artifical or affectic manner, excessive dramatics Codfix Codfish Altruistix Altruistic: unselfish concern for welfare of others Alcaponix Al Capone: famous American mobster of the 30's Melodrama Melodrama: extravagantly emotional. Much like histrionics Angelica Angelic Schizophrenix Schizophrenic: a mental disorder. In popular use a split personality. Sourpus Sourpuss Infectius Virus Infectious virus: transmittable disease Umbrageous Cumulonimbus Umbrageous: giving shade; cumulonimbus: storm cloud Congenitalidiotix Congenital idiot: idiocy caused by a birth defect

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Black Gold ((c) 1981) By Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

"Asterix in the Middle East" Another one that proves that Uderzo isn't bad at all on his own. Quite a bit of good James Bond parody.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3, Panel 6 M.I.6 is a British espionage agency Page 4, Panel 6 Papyrus: paper. Their equivalent of microfilm. Page 11, Panel 6 Hors de combat: out of action, disabled Page 18, Panel 8 Non omnia possumus omnes = we can't all do everything (Virgil, Eclogue vii.63 attrib to Macrobius Lucilius, Saturnalia vi.1.35) Page 19, Panel 3 Magnum opus: someone's greatest work Page 22, Panel 8 Bireme=two sets of oars on each side, trireme=three, quadrireme=four, quinquireme=five (big as they got) Page 27, Panel 1 Shalom: "peace," traditional Jewish greeting or farewell Page 30, Panel 7 Mazel tov: "good luck" traditional Page 32, Panel 8 Akkad was an ancient region in N. Babylonlia, 2800-1100 BC. Sumer was an ancient region of the lower Euphrates, back past 4000 BC Page 33, Panel 5 Hittite: Asia Minor and Syria from 1700-700 BC Page 33, Panel 10 Assyria: Upper Tigris, peak was about 700 BC Page 34, Panel 5 Media: What is now NW Iran Page 41, Panel 5 ave atque vale = hail, and farewell evermore (Catullus 87-54 BC, Carmina ci)

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- M. Devius Surreptitius Devious: clever; surreptitious: sneaky, unnoticeable. M is the guy in charge of James Bond's agency, and he looks like him. Dubbelosix 006: James Bond is 007. He looks like Sean Connery Ekonomikrisis Economy crisis. From Asterix the Gladiator. Samson Alius (Rosenblumenthal- ovitch) Samson: as in Samson and Delilah; alias: because his real name is about as stereotypical Jewish as you get... the "ovitch" even suggests Russian Jew. Joshua ben Zedrin ??? Isaiah Isaiah: a prophet Saul Ben Ephishul ??? He looks like ??? Pontius Pirate Pontious Pilate. Who's he look like??? Classis Tyrannicus Classic tyranical: typical tyrant

************************************************************************

Asterix and Son ((c) 1983) By Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

This one is pretty dang good, if I do say so myself.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1, Panel 2 Adenoids: growths of tissue in the upper throat behind the nose. Page 11, Panel 9 Quod erat demonstrandum = which was the thing to be proved (Euclid). Used in proofs as QED. Page 42, Panel 2 Ad nauseam = to the point of disgust Page 43, Panel 1 Asterix and Cleopatra

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bucolix Bucolic: rustic, countrified. He talks like sterotypical English country bumpkin. Crismus Cactus Christmas cactus Brutus Historical: Marcus Junius Brutus, adopted son of Julius Caesar and one of the conspirators who murdered him Odiferus Odiferous: something that smells. Who's he look like ??? Aromatix Aromatic: something that smells. Fotogenix Photogenic: looks good on camera Aspidistra A houseplant with broad tapering leaves Cleopatra Historical: 69-30 BC, queen of Egypt and mistress of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. There were many "Cleopatra"s but this is the famous one. Caesarion Historical: Ptolemy XVI ruled till 30 BC, last of his dynasty

************************************************************************

Asterix Versus Caesar ((c) 1985) Script by Pierre Tchernia English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

This is another book based on a film. The film script, by Pierre Tchernia, is adapted from the books Asterix the Gladiator (ATG) and Asterix the Legionary (ATL). They certainly did a better job on this one that Studio Idefix did on "The Twelve Tasks..." This one follows the format of the other with lots of text, but the pictures are actual shots from the movie. Bell and Hockridge did the translation on this one. All noncanonical again, and not much to do

I'm calling Page 1 "It was a lovely day..."

Page Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 16 Veni, vidi, non vici: I came, I saw, I didn't conquer Page 34 EEC: European Economic Community

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cauis Flabius Obtus Flabby: fat; obtuse: dull. Cauius Fatuous from ATG. Incautius Incautious Panacea Same as ATL Tragicomix Same as ATL Dramatix Dramatic Terminus An end Dubius Status Same as in ATL Paytoomuchtax Pay too much tax. Selectivemploymentax from ATL Pecadillo el Bonafidez Peccadillo: a minor sin; bona fides: proof of good faith or just identification Garulus Rumpus Garrulous: talks too much; rumpus: noisy disturbance Suspicius Suspicious. Ekonomikrisis from ATG.

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Magic Carpet ((c) 1987) By Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Asterix in India. This one just seems... different for some reason. There's far more words and footnoted references than ever before, and there are fewer panels per page. This one seems like it was trying to be an adventure without trying to be very funny.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 12, Panel 8 Sic transit gloria mundi = Thus passes the glory of the world (said at the coronation of a pope) Page 30, Panel 5 Contraria contrariis curantur = The opposites are cured by their opposites. Quot capita, tot sensus = So many heads, so many opinions. Page 39, Panel 5 This is a reference to the evil vizier Iznogoud in Goscinny and Tabary's "Caliph" series, who wants "To be caliph instead of the caliph".

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Watziznehm What's his name? Watzit What's it? Orinjade Orangeade Hoodunnit Who done it? Watch the smiley face on his robe, it's hilarious. Incautius Incautious Onthepremises On the premises Metoffis Metaphysic: having to do with the supernatural Lehmonade Lemonade Howdoo How do? Owzat How's that? Iznogoud Is no good.

************************************************************************

Operation Getafix The Book of the Movie

I am currently missing this.

************************************************************************

How Obelix Fell Into the Magic Potion When He Was a Little Boy

I am currently missing this.

************************************************************************

Asterix and the Secret Weapon ((c) 1991) By Udzerzo English Translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Asterix and femininism. This one is the first that's pretty decently annotated already.

Page, Panel Comment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 0 (The Goscinny/Uderzo drawing) Actually, Uderzo is tall and thin, Goscinny was shorter and portly. Page 3, Panel 4 Often attributed as Nero's last words, but he had quite a few after these. Page 4, Panel 6 Is this rhyme from anything ??? Page 5, Panel 7 Misogynist: doesn't like women. Xenophobic: doesn't like foreigners. Page 8, Panel 2 Adenoids: growths of tissue in the upper throat behind the nose. Page 8, Panel 7 Cardia and Mytili: cities. Mitili(ni) was the capital of Lesbos, which may or may not be a commentary by the translators... Page 10, Panel 7 Gloria victis: Glory to the vanquished. Page 11, Panel 6 What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet II.ii.43) Page 15, Panel 8 Desinit in piscem mulier formosa superne: So that which is a beautiful woman on top ends in a black and ugly fish (Horace, Ars Poetica 3). Page 17, Panel 1 Coup d'etat: overthrow of government Page 22, Panel 3 Quod erat demonstrandum = which was the thing to be proved (Euclid). Used in proofs as QED. Page 30, Panel 3 The guy on the right is definitely someone ??? Page 33, Panel 9 Anacreontic: Poem written in the manner ofAnacreon (died 478 BC), convival in tone. Page 41, Panel 5 Patrician: A member of the roman nobility Page 43, Panel 2 Onomatopoeic: a word that sounds like thesound it names (boom, cuckoo, bang). Page 44, Panel 5 Impresario: manager of a theater company

Name (in order) Meaning:explained meaning. Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bravura A type of music requiring exceptional ability Mollia Malonus Molly Malloy, from the song Manlius Claphamomnibus Clapham: a district in SW London. Omnibus:double decker bus. "the man on the Clapham omnibus"is familiar British phrase for "the averageman." Diorix Christian Dior, a famous clothes designer Cosmetix Cosmetics. Check out his outfit! Ziegfeldfollix The Ziegfeld follies. Florence Ziegfeld from 1869-1932.

-- Yesterday upon the stair, I met a man who wasn't there. He wasn't there again today - I think he's from the CIA.