Let’s talk about Gertrud — one of the more striking figures in the anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica, also known by its original Japanese title Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika. Gertrud makes her debut fairly early in the story, specifically in episode two, where she becomes the first witch that Madoka and her close friend Sayaka actually face during their duties as magical girls. That moment really sets the tone for what’s to come, and a big part of that impact comes from Gertrud herself.

Now, Gertrud is often referred to as the Rose Garden Witch, and honestly, that name fits perfectly. Why? Because her labyrinth — which, by the way, is this surreal dimension born from her magic — is absolutely covered in roses and thorns. It’s beautiful, sure, but there’s something deeply unsettling about it too. And that kind of duality? It’s exactly what the series thrives on. So right from the start, Gertrud stands out not just because of her design, but because of the atmosphere she brings.

As a witch, Gertrud is no joke. She’s powerful — like, seriously formidable. She can manipulate the thorns in her domain, changing their size and sharpness at will, which already makes navigating her labyrinth a nightmare. On top of that, she’s got this intense beam attack she uses to wipe out anyone who dares challenge her. But beyond her abilities, it’s her appearance that really sticks with you. Picture this: a tall, eerie figure with an unnaturally long neck, and a face hidden behind a mask-like headdress complete with horns. Yeah, it’s creepy. And honestly, it works — Gertrud feels alien, otherworldly, like something pulled straight from a disturbing dream.

Still, even someone as intimidating as Gertrud doesn’t last forever. She eventually falls to Madoka and her ally Homura, marking a pivotal moment in the series. Her defeat isn’t just another battle win — it’s symbolic. It reinforces one of the show’s central themes: that gaining magical power comes at a terrible cost. There’s no glamour here, no happy endings without sacrifice. And Gertrud? She’s one of the earliest examples of how Madoka Magica flips the magical girl genre on its head. Instead of cute and cheerful, we get dark, tragic, and thought-provoking.

All in all, Gertrud leaves a lasting impression. Her presence amplifies the show’s ominous mood, and her downfall serves as a cautionary tale about ambition, power, and isolation. She’s not just a monster to be defeated — she’s a statement.

Now, if we dig deeper into her personality, there’s an interesting angle to consider: Gertrud might fit the ISTJ personality type — Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging. Sounds technical, but it makes sense when you think about it. ISTJs are usually practical, detail-focused, and dependable. And look at Gertrud — her entire labyrinth is built around symmetry and order, like a perfectly arranged rose garden. That’s not random; it reflects a mind obsessed with control and precision.

She also shows a strong sense of duty. While other witches may have abandoned their labyrinths or given in to chaos, Gertrud stays behind, guarding her domain like it’s her mission. That kind of responsibility? Classic ISTJ. Plus, she’s clearly introverted — she doesn’t seek company, preferring to remain isolated in her garden, focused on her own world. Even in battle, she’s methodical. She positions her familiars strategically and attacks from a distance, maximizing efficiency. Everything she does feels calculated, logical — no wasted moves.

Then there’s the Enneagram perspective. Based on her behavior, Gertrud seems to align closely with Type 8 — The Protector. This type is all about strength, loyalty, and taking charge. And yeah, Gertrud definitely has that energy. She’s fiercely loyal to the other witches, willing to stand her ground and defend them no matter the cost. She doesn’t wait for others to lead — she takes control, asserting her dominance and confidence in every action.

But like many Type 8s, her need for control can tip into aggression. When challenged, she doesn’t back down — she escalates. That confrontational streak makes her dangerous, but also tragic, because it isolates her further. Still, her core motivation seems to be protection, not destruction. She wants to maintain order, to shield what’s hers, even if her methods are extreme.

So, putting it all together — Gertrud is complex. She’s not just a villain or a monster. Through both her MBTI and Enneagram lenses, we see a character driven by duty, logic, and a deep-seated need to protect her world. Whether it’s her ISTJ tendencies toward structure or her Type 8 instinct to dominate and defend, Gertrud embodies a unique blend of strength and solitude.

And honestly, that’s why she sticks with you. Gertrud isn’t just memorable because of how she looks or fights — it’s because she represents something bigger. In the end, she’s a warning, a symbol, and a standout moment in Puella Magi Madoka Magica. And whether you’re analyzing her powers, her design, or her psychology, Gertrud remains one of the most compelling witches in the series.