Caliban
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Caliban is an enemy found in Silent Hill: Origins and also serves as a boss in Artaud Theater. Caliban can frequently be seen roaming the streets of Silent Hill after its boss fight, and also appears as an enemy in Riverside Motel.
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Appearance
In appearance, the Caliban is a mutilated and contorted human figure, with individuals varying in size. Regardless of size, they are lumbering creatures, walking on all fours; however, its "hind" legs are actually its arms, with its spine curled backwards and its "front" legs positioned over its own shoulders, with its head between its legs. This disfigurement gives it slow movement capability, but its sheer body mass is more than potent enough as a weapon alone.
The Caliban is based on a costumed character from a play that Alessa Gillespie once attended in the Artaud Theater. According to the play's program, the costume was designed by taking "a native buffalo spirit, fusing it with the stark, iconic images seen in the ancient local cult of Valtiel." The costume terrified Alessa, and became the basis for the monster's existence.
In the PSP version of the game, the Caliban's face is exposed and there are bloody holes on its body. However in the PS2 version, there are bandages on its head and legs, and there are no holes on it.
Character
The monster has only two attacks, like the bosses fought previously in the game. It has a ground pounding attack, where it raises both of its hind legs and then moves them away from its front portion. It also has a lunging attack, which it will perform after swaying back slightly. If it makes any sudden movements, staying away from it is Travis Grady's best bet. The best way to defeat this boss quickly is by using firearms, such as the shotgun.
Symbolism
"Caliban" comes from William Shakespeare's The Tempest. Alessa, with her fear of dogs, was scared by this dog-like character while she watched the play at Artaud Theater.
Another reference to Caliban is an audio flashback played when Travis gets the Stage Office Key in the Artaud Theater. It is one of the speeches delivered by Caliban:
Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises,
Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices
That, if I then had waked after long sleep
Will make me sleep again; and then in dreaming
The clouds methought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me, that when I waked
I cried to dream again.
Shakespeare - The Tempest, Act III
Trivia
- Caliban is likely inspired by the design of Colin from the film adaptation of Silent Hill, which Akira Yamaoka had expressed desire to use in a future release. Both designs use imagery of a human form contorting its legs over its head.
- After the first encounter with the Caliban, Alessa can be seen kicking the monster's corpse during the cutscene. This is the only occasion where Alessa has behaved violently towards a monster. This could be related to one of the memos found inside the theater, which reveals Alessa snuck into the theater and was terrified of the Caliban costume.
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