XVI:  THE TOWER

Cult

A long-standing religious tradition native to the region is twisted by history

The town of Silent Hill is where Claudia and Dahlia took steps to bring about 
the revival of God, and where in the second game James attempted to resurrect 
his deceased wife.  It is a town that has an indigenous belief system that has
been passed down over the years.  With the appearance of nothing but unearthly 
rituals and fanatical priests over the course of the series, players have never
clearly seen the true essence of the town's religion.  Exactly what is the 
nature of the faith that originates from the town's former inhabitants?

Concerning the history of this area which was revered as sacred ground and the 
doctrine which became the foundation for this faith, let us arrange a delineation
of the relevant documents and dialogue from the series.

Creator's Commentary:  The religion of Silent Hill references various elements 
of different religions such as the origins of Christianity, Japanese folklore, 
and Aztec rituals.  Original Native American beliefs have to do with animals 
and spirits that dwell in places, and borrowing their power to make oneself 
stronger.  The names of the gods have Mayan and Aztec motifs.  Using the strange 
pronunciations as a reference, I thought up original ones.

-Hiroyuki Owaku

SECTION TWO:  History

Before settlers first came to Silent Hill, the future site of the town had come 
to be valued as a holy place.  The ceremonies that were conducted on this land 
became a model for the present-day cult faith.  It is important to note, however, 
that the native religion is not the same thing as the cult.  Think of them as 
being like Japan's Shinto shrines and Jizo statues.

IMAGE:  Harry stands before the altar in the "other church"
The altar under the antique shop from the first game.  Doesn't it seem to bear a 
striking resemblance to a household Shinto shrine in Japan?

IMAGE:  James in the Historical Society
It seems that when the town's former inhabitants still lived here, strange rituals 
were conducted on this holy ground.

SECTION THREE:  Dogma

The basis for what the cult believes is derived from a myth that has been passed
down over the years.  In summary, "Once, God set out to create paradise and Her 
power ran out, but someday God would be resurrected once again.  The doors to 
paradise would be opened, and everyone would be saved."  One detail unique to this 
religion is the idea that during the dawn of humanity, there was only suffering 
and hatred.  It would seem that this has become a foundation for this unique belief 
system.  

IMAGE:  the prayer written on the wall in the hallway before the church
The voice of a believer that suggests self-sacrifice.  One imagines that there were
many such fanatical devotees.

IMAGE:  The painting titled "Salvation"
The six paintings displayed in the chapel are a depiction of the myth that is the 
basis of the cult's doctrine.

SECTION FOUR:  System

The popular beliefs native to the region began to take shape as a religion several 
decades ago.  A rapid expansion took place over the course of a few years that was 
the result of Vincent's achievements.  It can be surmised that Alessa, who was born 
around thirty years ago, was established as a saint in the cult and thus the 
structure of the organization was only recently put in order.

IMAGE:  Heather examines the memo titled "believers' complaints"
It seems that shaping the indigenous faith into a religion was the work of Vincent.

IMAGE:  The painting titled "St. Alessa:  Mother of God, Daughter of God"
The three saints were probably established fairly recently, sometime after the 
Civil War.

IMAGE:  The painting titled "Creation"
This structure in which many lesser gods appear under the chief deity differs 
greatly from Christianity.

SECTION FIVE:  The otherworld's church sheds light on the history and true
image of the religious organization

Although the church that appeared in the first game was Christian, the design 
of the church in the third game is unique to the cult.  It can be surmised that 
the cult's influence grew over a period of seventeen years before the church 
was constructed.  Furthermore, it is established that the underground area of 
the otherworld's church is in fact a ruin where the town's former residents once 
conducted rituals.  If one examines the walls in detail, it becomes apparent that 
there are new discoveries to be made. 

IMAGE:  the final room of the church
What appear to be murals on the walls in the church's otherworld indicate that 
this place is a ruin.

IMAGE:  the final room of the church
Unlike an ordinary church, the followers' seats are constructed to face each 
other. 

IMAGE:  Heather approaches Claudia in the church's final room
It appears that the underground chapel is a ruin that was sealed up until now.

Creator's Commentary:  In a church in the real world the adherents normally sit 
opposite the priest, however in the otherworld's final church the priest is 
encircled by the adherents.  It calls to mind not praying to God, but everyone 
in attendance watching a ceremony taking place in the central area, don't you 
think?  The design has a motif inspired by British Parliament.

-Masahiro Ito




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