Druids (Asterix)

The Druids are a group of alchemists that commonly appear in the Asterix comics and films franchise.

Magical Abilities
As aforementioned, the main magical ability of the Druids is extensive knowledge of alchemy. They can create a lot of magic potions using mostly natural ingredients. Knowledge of a potion's recipe can be passed only by one druid to another.

While the Druids use a big amount of different ingridients to make their potions, the one that is required for every one is mistletoe. In order to gain it's magical abilities, the plant must be cut using a golden sickle.

Initiation
In Asterix and the Black Gold, we learn that in order for someone to become a druid they must pass a Druidical Examination. The druid Dubbelosix is an exeption, as he passed at his seventh failed attempt, due to the examiners being worn out by him.

Forest of the Carnutes
The Forest of the Carnutes is the location of the Great Annual Conference of the Gaulish Druids, a celebration where Druids from all across Gaul gather and to shop, discuss spells and have a good time. In the end of the celebration, there is a competition to see who the best Druid is. The competitors show off their best potion to the judge, who is the one that announces the best Druid by giving them a Golden Menhir.

During the celebration, it is forbidden for non-Druids to enter the forest.

Appearence
A typical Druid in Asterix wears a white robe with a string acting like a belt. The string has the same colour as the Druid's cape. Also, the majority of the Druids seem to have a big white beard and are generally quite old.