Glossary

Barrier

Barrier (結界, Kekkai) An otherworld used by Witches to conceal themselves. Should a normal human wander in by accident, it is impossible for them to escape. Image: Madoka and friends entering Gertrud's barrier.

Familiar

Familiar (使い魔, Tsukaima) Lesser monsters divided out of the essence of a Witch. Though normally assigned the task of maintaining and defending their parent-witch's barrier, it seems that they can eventually gain independence and stray to form their own barriers. Further growing, they take on the form of their parent. Image: Ulla, Suleika's familiar in his own barrier.

Grief Seed

Grief Seed (グリーフシード) A Witch's egg, which occasionally appears after a Witch is defeated. Puella Magi require these items to restore their depleted magical energies. Image: Gertrud's Grief Seed.

The odd center of weight in Grief Seeds causes them to balance on their bottom pins. It may indicate some sort of gyroscopic self-stabilization.

Puella Magi

Puella Magi (魔法少女, Mahō shōjo, lit. Magical Girl) Girls who have formed a contract with Kyuubey, and in exchange gained the power of magic. Existences entrusted with the task of combating Witches.

Soul Gem

Soul Gem (ソウルジェム) A gem birthed from a contract with Kyuubey. Proof that one is a Puella Magi; the source of her magical power. Image: Mami's Soul gem

Soul Gems contain the magical girl's soul, while the body is merely a husk that is controlled by the Gem.

Witch

Witch (魔女, Majo) The negative impulse that is called anxiety or suspicion, or excessive wrath or hatred = existences that spread the seeds of disaster across the world. Normally, they conceal themselves behind barriers.

Episode 8 reveals that Witches are in fact the "grown" forms of Puella Magi, as 魔女, Majo, are evolved forms of 魔法少女, Mahou Shoujo.

Witch's Kiss

Witch's Kiss (魔女の口づけ, Majo no kuchizuke) A mark that appears on a human targeted by a Witch. Image: Witch's kiss on a victim's body

External links

• Glossary page on the official website