Haroun El Poussah
Docile caliph oblivious to his vizier's assassination plots.
Haroun El Poussah, also known in English as Haroun El Plassid, is the Abbasid caliph in the Iznogoud comics series, created by René Goscinny and Jean Tabary. He is a middle-aged, corpulent man whose main characteristic is his extremely docile nature, embodying a benevolent and benign ruler. His name is a pun on the historical caliph Harun al-Rashid, and he is extremely popular and loved among his people.
- First appearance
- January 15, 1966, in Record magazine
Lore & Background
The character first appeared in the Franco-Belgian comics magazine Record on January 15, 1962. After four years, the strip shifted to Pilote magazine in 1968. Initially, the series was named Les Aventures du calife Haroun El Poussah, but it was eventually decided that Haroun was too weak a character to be the focal point, so the title passed to Iznogoud, despite him being the villain.
Reader's Guide
Haroun El Poussah is significant as the unwitting foil in the Iznogoud comic series, a classic example of a benevolent ruler whose extreme docility and obliviousness drive the comedic tension. His character contrasts sharply with the scheming Iznogoud, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal in a humorous setting. The series, created by René Goscinny and Jean Tabary, became a staple of Franco-Belgian comics, with Haroun's name punning on the historical Harun al-Rashid and his placid nature. His legacy lies in his role as the calm center around which Iznogoud's failed plots revolve, making him a memorable figure in comic history. The shift in series title from his name to Iznogoud's underscores his passive role, yet he remains essential to the narrative's dynamic.
Did You Know?
- His English name Haroun El Plassid is a pun on Rashid and his placid nature.
- He has three brothers: Deuroun, Troiroun, and Quatroun El Poussah.
- The caliphate in the Iznogoud series is a hereditary monarchy, not an electoral one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Haroun El Poussah?
He is the Abbasid caliph who appears throughout the Iznogoud comic strip created by René Goscinny and Jean Tabary. He is depicted as a middle-aged, heavyset man known for his gentle, almost naïve temperament and his deep popularity with his subjects.
What is Haroun El Poussah's role in the Iznogoud series?
He functions as the long-suffering target of his vizier Iznogoud, who constantly plots to depose him and take the throne. His defining trait is his extreme docility—he remains completely oblivious to the assassination schemes unfolding around him and continues to rule with quiet benevolence.
When and where did Haroun El Poussah first appear?
The character debuted on January 15, 1966, in the French weekly magazine Record. He has been a recurring figure in the Iznogoud strip ever since.
Why is Haroun El Poussah important to the series?
He is the narrative anchor of the entire comic: every storyline ultimately revolves around Iznogoud's failed attempts to unseat him. His unwavering kindness and lack of suspicion create the comedic engine that drives the series' running gag.
What is the origin of the name 'Haroun El Poussah'?
It is a deliberate play on the historical caliph Harun al-Rashid, with the suffix 'El Poussah' (rendered 'El Plassid' in English dubs) evoking a placid, easygoing disposition. The pun underscores his character as a ruler who is the opposite of the warlike, ambitious leaders one might expect.
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