As the story begins, the Vikings are depressed because in raid after raid they find the locations devoid of people. Crytograf, an advisor to Viking chief Timdahaf, says that the enemies are always...

As the story begins, the Vikings are depressed because in raid after raid they find the locations devoid of people. Crytograf, an advisor to Viking chief Timdahaf, says that the enemies are always gone because, "Fear gives them wings". Timandahaf excitedly concludes that they must find a "Champion of Fear", who can teach them to be great cowards so they can fly, making them invincible. The chief says he'll give anything to whoever can bring him this Champion of Fear. Crypograf hatches a secret plan to seize power and tells the chief they'll find the Champion of Fear in Gaul. Gaul happens to be the home of Asterix, the famous warrior, whose village has been impossible for the Romans or anyone else to conquer thanks to the potions brewed by their druid, Getafix. When Chief Vitastatisix's hip nephew, Justforkix visits from the city, he puts Asterix and his sidekick, Obelix in charge of training him to be a man, but when the youth is kidnapped by the Vikings, Asterix and Obelix must rescue him.