Information and interesting facts about the fairy tale
In the early days before there were cartoon episodes with these characters, they were popular comics. The series first appeared in the French-Belgian comic magazine Pilote on October 29, 1959. It was written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo until Goscinny's death in 1977. The rights to the comics changed hands - changing owners several times. As of 2017, 37 volumes have been published.
The series follows the adventures of a village of Gauls who resist Roman occupation in 50 BC. They do so with the help of a magic potion, brewed by their druid Panoramix (named Getafix in English), which temporarily gives them superhuman strength. The characters, the titular Asterix and his friend Obelix, go on various adventures.
The "ix" ending in both names (as well as in all other pseudo-Gallic "ix" names in the series) refers to the suffix "rix" (meaning "king") present in the names of many real Gaulish chiefs, such as Vercingetorix, Orgetorix, and Dumnorix. The Asterix series is one of the most popular French-Belgian comics in the world. The series has been translated into 111 languages and dialects. The success of the series has led to the books being adapted into 13 films: nine animated and four live-action.
Fairy tale characters
Obelix - He works as a menhir sculptor and delivery man, and is best friends with Asterix. Obelix is known for his obesity, always having a stone menhir that he carries on his back, and superhuman strength. He is the only Gaul in the village who is always strong because he fell into a cauldron with a magic potion as a young boy. Because of Obelix's immense strength, he is never allowed to drink the magic potion again, much to his displeasure. Other characteristics include being simple-minded, loving and caring for his dog Dogmatix, getting angry when someone calls him "fat," and being enthusiastic about hunting and eating boar and beating up Romans.
Asterix - is a small but fearless and cunning warrior, always eager for new adventures. He lives in the year 50 BC in a Gaulish village. He is one of the wisest and most sensible members of the village, which is why he is usually chosen for any dangerous, important or exotic mission. Unlike most of the villagers, he does not initiate or join brawls for fun, though he enjoys a good fight when there is a reason for it. He rarely wields a weapon, preferring to rely on his wits and, when necessary, his (magic potion enhanced) fists - though he does carry a sword with him wherever he goes.
Panoramix or Getafix - is the village druid. In appearance he is tall, with a white beard, white robe, and red cloak. He is usually seen in possession of a small golden sickle. While he is known for his magical potion that increases strength, he has many other magical and healing potions at his disposal, and acts as the village doctor and sometimes teacher. Most villagers consult him when something strange happens. He does not usually engage in combat himself, while most villagers enjoy a good brawl.
