Look, there’s a Golem! A look at the golem in Yiddish and popular culture.

Hallmarks that you’ve got a Golem First mentioned in the Talmud, it’s the first story of creation by God of man. All golems must be made of clay, and anyone who created a golem was considered wise and powerful. All golem’s are created with use of magic (or divine inspiration, depending on the writer).

First mentioned in the Talmud, it’s the first story of creation by God of man. All golems must be made of clay, and anyone who created a golem was considered wise and powerful.

All golem’s are created with use of magic (or divine inspiration, depending on the writer).

I.L Peretz “The Golem” Golem made in response to crimes committed against the Jewish population. Consider the morality: the golem is ordered to kill in defence of the Jewish people. The golem is given no literary dialogue, perhaps because golems were not known to speak.

Golem made in response to crimes committed against the Jewish population.

Consider the morality: the golem is ordered to kill in defence of the Jewish people.

The golem is given no literary dialogue, perhaps because golems were not known to speak.

The Golem of Prague (1920) http://www.unexplainedstuff.com/images/geuu_03_img0530.jpg

http://www.unexplainedstuff.com/images/geuu_03_img0530.jpg

Folktales “The Golem of Vilna” Not 100% golem: look, he’s got sand in him! Activated not by a spoken Name, but by a scroll put in his ear. Multiple powers: can talk to fish, leap buildings, change his appearance and fly. Primary function seem to be to catch fish and perform tasks on the Sabbath (because being non-human, didn’t have to do all the tedious tasks). Had a sideline job as a bouncer for the Jewish population. “When the governor heard about him...ah Lord, Lord...the golem, I mean the Gaon, sent the golem to slap the governor around a bit.” (pp.341)

Not 100% golem: look, he’s got sand in him!

Activated not by a spoken Name, but by a scroll put in his ear.

Multiple powers: can talk to fish, leap buildings, change his appearance and fly.

Primary function seem to be to catch fish and perform tasks on the Sabbath (because being non-human, didn’t have to do all the tedious tasks).

Had a sideline job as a bouncer for the Jewish population. “When the governor heard about him...ah Lord, Lord...the golem, I mean the Gaon, sent the golem to slap the governor around a bit.” (pp.341)

“ Clay Golem” http://www.ddmspoilers.com/mm_01/clay_golem.jpg

http://www.ddmspoilers.com/mm_01/clay_golem.jpg

Yudl Rosenberg “The Golem and the wondrous deeds of the Maharal of Prague” Supernatural elements: divine inspiration through dream to create the golem. Human beings as mystical agents of the elements, learned men. Obedient without being intelligent. Reference to Blood Libel (false allegation of human sacrifice, usually aimed at the Jewish population).

Supernatural elements: divine inspiration through dream to create the golem.

Human beings as mystical agents of the elements, learned men.

Obedient without being intelligent.

Reference to Blood Libel (false allegation of human sacrifice, usually aimed at the Jewish population).

“ Random ‘Ember Golem’ from Dudgeon's and dragon player”. http://www.itchstudios.com/psg/misc4/golem2ember.jpg

http://www.itchstudios.com/psg/misc4/golem2ember.jpg

Things to consider in popular culture Comics Movies

Comics

Movies

More comparisons Popular Novel New music

Popular Novel

New music

Where do we go from here?

Questions to consider Is the Golem a ‘man playing god’ story? Consider the morality: Golems committing crimes on behalf of a people or defending a people? Active endorsement of magic and sorcery? Is the golem ‘human’?

Is the Golem a ‘man playing god’ story?

Consider the morality: Golems committing crimes on behalf of a people or defending a people?

Active endorsement of magic and sorcery?

Is the golem ‘human’?