Gertrud Nutcracker, known in Japanese as ゲルトルート・ナッツクラッカー, is a witch character from the series 'Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica.' She appears in the series as a menacing antagonist who embodies the theme of obsession with beauty and control. Her labyrinth is filled with roses and barbed wire, symbolizing her elegant yet dangerous nature. Gertrud's minions, the Anthony familiars, assist her in trapping and attacking magical girls. As one of the early witches encountered by the protagonists, Gertrud plays a crucial role in illustrating the perilous world magical girls face, setting the tone for the series' darker themes.