As "Once Upon a Time" season 4 goes into its Winter hiatus, many questions have been raised about "The Author" and the upcoming villains called the Queens of Darkness.

After the premiere of the Winter finale for "Once Upon a Time" season 4, ABC aired a preview for episode 12 which returns in March. In the preview, we get a glimpse of the Queens of Darkness aka Cruella de Vil, Ursula and Maleficent.

"You want darkness? I'll give you darkness," said Maleficent in the preview.

But in addition, the longstanding mystery surrounding "The Author" and who might that be. Belle noted that the Author's mansion came over in the last curse created by Snow White in a failed attempt to escape the Wicked Witch of the West. "The Author" has also presumably had contact with Pinocchio and also had the Apprentice's hat. With all these details, observers have three prominent theories as to the identity of this important figure.

According to Bustle, given that the real Blackbeard has been introduced in "Once Upon a Time," "The Author" could be a historical figure like Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson or even Walt Disney himself.

Given the appearance of the Apprentice's hat, fans have been wondering if "The Author" is in fact Mickey Mouse. So far, it appears this would be a fan-favorite, but how would "Once Upon a Time" bring this cartoon character to life?

The last theory has to do with Emma's backstory of her and her teenage friend Lily breaking into the lake house. Some have noted a similarity between that lake house and "The Author's" mansion. Could "The Author" have a connection to Lily?

What do you think? Who do you think is "The Author" on "Once Upon a Time?"