Prisoners

The Prisoners are two unseen monsters found in Toluca Prison in Silent Hill 2. They are located in one cell in each of the prison keeping hallways and seem to chant "ritual" in a deep, monstrous voice. Although the radio does not emit static in their presence, the Book of Lost Memories nonetheless identifies them as monsters.

Although the player cannot physically see them, this does not stop James Sunderland from readying a weapon, attacking and even killing the creatures using a firearm. However, they are completely harmless and James is in no danger from the creatures whatsoever. They emit a very human-like cry if killed.

Symbolism


The Prisoners seem to chant "ritual". It's unclear why these Prisoners are there.


 * One prevalent theory is that the Prisoners were discussing a ritual involving inmates being sacrificed by the executioners of the prison (the Valtiel sect of the Order).
 * They could be referring to the "Rebirth" ending. When "ritual" is reversed, it sounds like "Are you sure?". This could represent James's conflicting thoughts on whether or not he should perform the ritual for Mary's resurrection. Similarly, "The Reverse Will", the ending music of the "Rebirth" ending, contains subliminal messages that can only be heard when the song is reversed.
 * The Prisoner could represent Mary, as it is a defenseless being entrapped in a room and James (depending on the player's action) puts it out of its misery.
 * The Prisoners could also represent James himself, given his guilt for murdering his wife, which left him as a "prisoner" to his own shame.

Trivia

 * The Prisoners are one of the few monsters that are conscious and can speak in their monstrous forms, the others being Mary, the Twin Victim, the Bottom, Leonard Wolf, Momma, the Steel Guardian, the Bloodied Bag, Monocle Man, Alessa, Lucas, Ben, and Karen.
 * However, the Prisoners are not seen speaking specifically towards James or any other human, but seem to repeat one phrase, so the presence of their consciousness is questionable.

Audio
Prisoner Prisoner Detenuti Заключённые