Roberta
Roberta (ROBERTA) is one of the witches that appeared in Episode 10. Her familiars make brief reappearances in The Rebellion Story and Magia Record. The two also make a cameo appearance in the spin-off manga The Veranda of Madoka.
Witch Card
The birdcage witch. Her nature is rage. She continuously stamps her feet inside her cage, directing her rage at those who do not respond to her. This witch is extremely fond of alcohol, and her minions are also easy to burn. |
Minions
The birdcage witch's minion. His duty is to act with frivolous indiscretion. These birds that swarm together are idiotic men. Even though they are total good-for-nothings, they try to attract her attention by swarming around her feet and attempting to woo her. They are nothing more than objects of disgust to the witch. |
History
Original Anime
Roberta and her familiars appear in Episode 10. She is swiftly defeated by Homura who pauses time and shoots her with a machine gun.
The Rebellion Story
While Roberta doesn't make an appearance in The Rebellion Story, Gotz do. They appear in Sayaka's orchestra playing the clarinet and later attempting to carry an unconscious Kazuko Saotome on a chair.
The Rebellion Story Manga
Gotz appear in the Rebellion manga just like they do in the movie however they take on a different appearance similar to the rental Anthony. They have fish tails similar to Oktavia which may show they're a rental version. No other familiar in the manga seems to have this new addition. They also play the violin in Sayaka's orchestra. Roberta makes a brief cameo as Homura mentions past witches.
The Veranda of Madoka
Roberta and Gotz make a brief appearance in the spin-off manga The Veranda of Madoka. Kyoko and Sayaka are having a competition to see who's better, since they can't decide and a witch has shown up - Roberta - they choose the winner to be whoever defeats her. Sayaka attempts to use a technique to squish her enemy by clapping her hands together in front of them but instead gets stepped on by Roberta. Gotz also make a brief appearance later when Homura imagines Madoka joining her on a witch hunt.
Madogatari
Song
Our Most Beautiful You (我等が麗しの君)
Original text | Translation |
---|---|
※異常に甲高い声で チィ! チィ! 今 クチバシは貴女の為に |
※In an extremely shrill voice CHIRP! CHIRP! Our beaks, now, are all for thee. |
Observations
- Roberta's name may have been inspired by Roberta Knie, an American soprano well-known for her role as Brunnhilde from Wagner's Ring des Nibelungen.
- Her name, combined with her liking alcohol, may refer to the drink Aunt Roberta, which is capable of killing people due to its high alcohol promillage.
- The name Gotz may have been derived from Götz von Berlichingen, a German Imperial Knight and mercenary. Goethe wrote a play based on his life.
- In German, there is the word "Götze" which means "fake god".
Trivia
- In Puella Magi Production Note, there is a description about her: A witch who lived for a long time as a magical girl. She is weak, as she was no longer a girl when she became a witch (mid-20s to 30s?). The form she takes in her barrier is how she would've turned out in the future (around 40s). What she desires is life. Enjoys alcohol and books.
- The Guidebook states that Roberta's labyrinth design uses the concept of dolls. With the words, "I wish for friends. Friends who won't dislike me." (私の願いはお友達。私を嫌いにならないお友達). It describes that when the Witch dies, the bird cage is getting shot down and spilling a circular rain of blood.
- Since ancient times, dolls have played a central role in magic and religious rituals, or used as representations of a deity. Dolls have also traditionally been toys for children and are also collected by adults, for their nostalgic value, beauty, historical importance or financial value.
- Curiously, in the 10th anniversary reprint manga, Gotz are absent in Roberta's labyrinth despite appearing in the original manga adaptation.
- Roberta returns in Magia Record, but now appears to have additional limbs such as arms.
Gallery
Official Art
Art of Roberta from the Puella Magi Production Note
Art of Roberta and Gotz from the Puella Magi Madoka Magica Official Guidebook "You Are Not Alone"
Art featuring Roberta and Gotz from the Key Animation Note volume 6
Art of Gotz from the Rebellion Production Note
Collaboration Art
Screenshots
Original Anime
Roberta's name in Runes from Episode 10
The Rebellion Story
Roberta's cameo in The Rebellion Story
Gotz carrying Kazuko Saotome
Walpurgisnacht: Rising
Manga
Roberta and Gotz in the manga
Gotz in the Rebellion Manga
A mermaid version of Gotz that may be a rental version for Oktavia
Roberta in The Veranda of Madoka
Games
Madoka Magica Mobage
Madoka Magica Plus
TPS Featuring Tomoe Mami
SLOT Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Magia Record
Merchandise
External links
- Roberta card at official website (Japanese)
- Gotz card at official website (Japanese)