Madoka Magica Trivia
This page is about facts and various trivia spotted through the episodes.
General
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
"Puella Magi" is Latin for Magical Girl. However, the phrase is wrong as it should be "Puella Maga."
Last name
All Magical Girls have first-name-sounding last names.
Witch's Labyrinth
The labyrinth is consisted of both elements from its location in reality and allusions of the witch. The deeper it is, more allusions from the witch will be presented than the elements from reality. For example, in episode one, the labyrinth is set in a floor waiting for refurbishing, and it was fulfilled with warning signs and barriers of underconstruction. In episode two, the labyrinth is set in an abandoned concret building, thus the rooms in the labyrinth are made of solid concrete, making its apperence differs from episode one eventhough the owner is the same. As the protagonists approching the the final room, elements of a rose garden start to replace concret building. In episode three, the labyrinth is set in a hospital, therefore sugery signs, needles, gallipots and wards are presented first; desserts then gradually take over.
Episode 1
Checkerboards and Chains
Although it may be coincidental, "dark scenes" within Episode 1 include many chains and checkerboard patterns, symbols usually associated with Black★Rock Shooter.
Architecture
See Architecture in the Anime versus Real-Life Architecture.
Episode 2
References to Faust
The texts on the school building's entrance wall in episode 2 are quotes from Goethe's Faust. Please also refer to This page for more information. Here is a translation of the portion that is quoted.
Original text | Translation |
---|---|
Weh! Weh! Du hast sie zerstört, Die schöne Welt, Mit mächtiger Faust; Sie stürzt, sie zerfällt! Ein Halbgott hat sie zerschlagen! Wir tragen Die Trümmern ins Nichts hinüber, Und klagen Über die verlorne Schöne. Mächtiger Der Erdensöhne, Prächtiger Baue sie wieder, In deinem Busen baue sie auf! Neuen Lebenslauf Beginne, Mit hellem Sinne, Und neue Lieder Tönen darauf! |
Woe! woe! Thou hast it destroyed, The beautiful world, With powerful fist: In ruin ’tis hurled, By the blow of a demigod shattered! The scattered Fragments into the Void we carry, Deploring The beauty perished beyond restoring. Mightier For the children of men, Brightlier Build it again, In thine own bosom build it anew! Bid the new career Commence, With clearer sense, And the new songs of cheer Be sung thereto! |
Madoka's Sketches
Madoka's sketches of her magical outfit were done by Aoi Yuuki, her voice actor. She is properly credited in the ending.
Episode 3
Caution sign
When Sayaka first goes into Charlotte's world, there's a single frame that seems to foreshadow what's to come. Additional macabre hints are provided by the cereal box which is shown just before Charlotte appears. See Runes:Episode 3
Witches and desserts
The witch's name is Charlotte, which is also a dessert. It can be served hot or cold. Classically, stale bread dipped in butter was used as the lining. The filling may be covered with a thin layer of similarly flavored gelatin.
The relationship between the cake and the witch is emphasized in the Witch World (just like Gertrud and flowers in the previous episode)
Additionally, Charlotte's second form may have been inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar. An immensely popular children's tale.
Homura's Appearance
Near the end of the episode, neither Kyubey or Sayaka knew that Homura: a. was inside the labyrinth and b. had been restrained by Mami. Keeping this fact in mind may aid in understanding their reactions to the situation.
Production errors
In the original airing of this episode, after the fight with Charlotte, Homura jumps down and reverts back to her schoolgirl clothes. But then there is a single shot of her wearing her magical girl costume again, before she's back in her school uniform.