Land of the Golden Witch was originally going to be the third episode of Umineko When They Cry. In an interview, Ryukishi07 said that many readers complained that Turn of the Golden Witch was too hard, so Land was scrapped.[1]
Development History[]
Virgilius's concept art from Shinsou Kaimei Dokuhon Episode 8. Full page
There was originally going to be a character named Virgilius, who was supposed to be a guide for the reader and was aggressive. Virgilius's role was instead given to Virgilia, and his personality formed the basis for Erika Furudo. Many of the murder tricks created for Land would later be used in Alliance, End, and Dawn.[2] Ryukishi considered releasing Land as a bonus episode after the completion of Umineko,[3] but this never happened.
Virgilius was later introduced as a character in Last note of the Golden Witch.
Story[]
Twilight of the Golden Witch[]
Land is referenced in-universe when Beatrice calls it her masterpiece, one of the many stories she wrote and sealed in a bottle in the style of Agatha Christie. Beatrice couldn't wait until Battler came back to Rokkenjima to make him read her manuscripts, so she thought to write down as many stories she could think of and sent them in the sea hoping that they somehow could reach him.
Last note of the Golden Witch[]
Land is discussed in the after-credits scene, where Virgilius is summoned by Piece to talk about the concepts planned for it.
Trivia[]
- According to Ronove in Forgery no.XXX, Black Battler appeared in this story arc. It is possible that Battler was written to be the culprit in this story.