Rigodon

**Rigodon** is the deuteragonist of the animated series Around the World with Willy Fog. He is a French cat who takes the part of Jean Passepartout from the novel Around the World in 80 Days.

## Overview

Rigodon at first appears shy and unsure of himself, especially when he was nervous about getting a new job, but is later revealed to be capable of being quite stubborn and selfless when anything concerns his and his friends' honor, particularly Willy Fog. For his sake, he saved Princess Romy from the tribe so that Fog would not be harmed himself and could continue his journey, and also rushed into a fight against Dix and Dingo Kid, being furious that someone tried to insult his master. He shows loyalty not only to his master, but also to his grandfather, whom he often mentions. He keeps a Swiss watch and a bowler hat that his grandfather gave him many years ago. When he lost it, he refused to buy any other hats and was glad to get back what belonged to him.

Despite the fact that he listens to Willy Fog in everything, he is capable of disobeying him, this is shown during his purchase of guns in America, because in his opinion it was very difficult to survive there without weapons and, as it turned out, this decision was very useful to them in future. Rigodon is also prone to humor and fun; he and Tico often tease each other in a friendly manner. Due to his past life in the circus, he is capable of performing many acrobatic feats, playing musical instruments, and is apparently good at hand-to-hand combat.

## History

Rigodon and his friend Tico worked in the circus for a long time, but later left it and faced difficulties finding new work.

At the start of the series, Rigodon has just been hired by Willy Fog after Fog's previous servant failed to meet his exacting standards at twenty-eight minutes past eight on October 2, 1872. Rigodon, who has lived an irregular and well-traveled life, is looking forward to quiet work, as Fog is known for his regular habits, which never take him further than the Reform Club.

Ironically, on his first day of work, Fog makes a bet with his friends at the Club that he can travel around the world in 80 days, and Rigodon is obliged to accompany him. In addition to the bet, he has an additional incentive to complete the trip quickly: he left a burning gas lamp in his room, and the resulting expense for the gasoline spent will be deducted from his salary.

On the journey, Rigodon plays a crucial role in Fog's adventures, such as rescuing a woman named Romy from a forced sati and along the way he meets English policemen Dix and Bully who suspect Fog of bank robbery. Rigodon learns of Dix's suspicions, but keeps them to himself because he believes that Fog already has enough to worry about regarding his bet. The police arrest Fog as soon as they return to England. This critically delays the gentleman before he is exonerated, and the company arrives in London seemingly too late and leaves the crew in despair at his stupidity.

The next day at home, Romy invites Fog to help him in the difficult life ahead. While searching for a minister to marry the couple, Rigodon discovers that the date is a day earlier than he thought due to the group traveling east across the International Date Line. Once Fog learns of the mistake, he rushes to the Reform Club and arrives just in time to win the bet.

## Trivia

* It is never specified in the series whether Rigodon is his first or last name.
* In the original book's illustrations, his counterpart is depicted as a middle-aged man, while in the TV series Rigodon is referred to as a young man.