Asterix the Gaul adventures - Vol. 9 - Asterix and the Normans

Written by: Goscinny - Drawings by: Uderzo
Original title: Astérix et les Normands
Published by: Hachette Livre
First published by: Pilote no. 340 (28/04/1966)
First album edition: 1967

A Norman invasion of the Gaulish village! But only trendy teenager Justforkix, visiting from Lutetia, fears them, for the Gauls have their magic potion. But the Normans themselves want to learn the meaning of fear: can Asterix and his friends teach them?

Another secret weapon is brought into play … at at long last the bard Cacofinix wins the appreciation due to him.

Vol. 6
Asterix and Cleopatra

Vol. 7
Asterix and the Big Fight

Vol. 8
Asterix in Britain

Vol. 9
Asterix and the Normans

Vol. 10
Asterix the Legionary

Vol. 11
Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield

Vol. 12
Asterix at the Olympic Games

What the druids have to say about Asterix and the Normans

The main idea behind the album is the fear that the Normans from the north have come to learn from the Gauls. The key to the adventure is that Cacofonix's hip music is only enjoyed by Justforkix. This was highly appreciated by pop music fans in the sixties.

This album marks the beginning of a great career for Justforkix, who then went on to play the lead role in a series of gamebooks called Alea Jacta Est, and which are collector's items today.

Note that for once the Romans are not the villains. Rather, they make a pitiful sight being torn between the Gauls and the Normans. The adventure differs from others on several accounts, including the fact that Cacofonix the bard is given permission to attend the final banquet.