Labyrinth

James encounters Pyramid Head in the labyrinth.

The Labyrinth is an underground maze in Silent Hill 2, located somewhere beneath Toluca Prison. Because there is no map for the area, protagonist James Sunderland draws his own as he explores it.

The graveyard is revisited in Silent Hill: The Arcade. Eric and Tina must save their friend George from Mama.

Appearance

The Labyrinth map's upper level.

The Labyrinth map's lower level.

The labyrinth is a deep maze that features identically designed corridors and takes on the form of a disused and decaying building. It consists of two levels. The upper level takes the form of various corridors with tearing wallpaper. The lower level is a sewer-like series of tunnels, muddy and flooded.

The areas within are all incredibly similar and James can easily get lost in them. Lying Figures are the main enemy, although Mandarins make a few appearances as well. Pyramid Head can be found calmly patrolling two corridors with his spear in the lower levels of the labyrinth. Both areas he patrols are looped, and he also moves very slowly, so avoiding him can be easier for the player. James can acquire the creature's signature Great Knife should he visit Pyramid Head's quarters, a small, bloodied chamber crammed with hanging, caged corpses and an enormous ceiling fan.

Within the labyrinth are a few puzzles to be solved, and two boss fights: Abstract Daddy (in protecting Angela Orosco from the creature) and a crazed Eddie Dombrowski, respectively. The rooms the bosses are in are themed towards each character's tragedy; the room containing the Abstract Daddy is Angela's, with moving pistons surrounding the wall to imply the aggressive sexual nature of her father, and Eddie's room contains large carcasses wearing shorts.

Symbolism

File:LabyrinthMaria.jpg

James speaking with Maria behind bars.

The labyrinth could serve as a physical manifestation of the mentalities of James Sunderland, Angela Orosco, and Eddie Dombrowski. The design of certain portions of the maze seems symbolical of each character's twisted psychology; James's depression, Angela's trauma and Eddie's paranoia are reflected in the changing ambience, which in turn serves as a metaphor for their fears. Arguably, these characters must walk through the labyrinth to discover the truth behind their beckoning to Silent Hill.

James

James must dig deep within his own repressed memories to remember his actions. He finds Maria within the labyrinth and is troubled by her sudden reappearance and her memories of his time spent with his wife, Mary. This and the fact that Maria is held behind bars is symbolic of James's desires and his inability to reach them, as well the depth of his repression. Of course, one can also look at the scene as if James is the one behind bars, as the scene is shot purposely to make the distinction obscure, highlighting James's growing guilt. Further symbolism of James's fractured person is apparent in Pyramid Head's appearance and his constant searching.

Angela

Angela has realized what she's done, and is constantly haunted by memories within the Labyrinth (namely Abstract Daddy). Upon encountering James within the labyrinth, she goes into further relapse, apparently still unable to cope with her past. She also pushes James away, as she believes that he is after the "same thing" as her father, and that this is the goal of all men.

Eddie

Eddie's unsettled state of mind is shown in the labyrinth. He is found in a meat locker, completely beyond reason. Eddie's paranoia convinces him that James had always been laughing at him behind his back, causing him to attack. The room he is found in is a freezer, highlighting his cold, uncaring attitude towards murder, and houses many slabs of meat wearing the same shorts as Eddie.

Trivia

The room inspired by Francis Bacon.

• The Labyrinth is the only location in Silent Hill 2 where Pyramid Head appears, but can be completely avoided.

• One room was inspired by Francis Bacon.

Gallery

Pyramid Head in the labyrinth.

Pyramid Head's room.

James in Pyramid Head's room.

James found the Great Knife.

Labyrinth hallway.

Pyramid Head in the labyrinth.

The lower level of the labyrinth seen from the upper level.

James shooting an Abstract Daddy.

Free the Innocent Man puzzle.

James looking at the empty graves of himself, Eddie and Angela.

James at the end of the Labyrinth.

Eddie and James.