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GolemThe word golem originally meant lump and derived from the word glam meaning to wrap up. The term, golem, was used in the Bible (Psalms 139:16) to mean a developing or unfinished substance. |
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As a monster, golems were originally men made of inanimate material (such as clay or mud) endowed with life. The word "golems" gained its meaning as a monster during the Medieval period from legends of wizards who could bring effigies (figures) to life by using a charm or a written sacred word. The word was often written on paper and placed on the golem's mouth or forehead. Removing the word would destroy the enchantment and life of the golem. The golem became part of Jewish folklore in the sixteenth century. The most famous golem in Jewish folklore was created by Rabbi Judah Loew of Prague to protect Jewish people from persecution. Loew's golem was animated by a small tablet placed under its tongue and the word truth written on its forehead in Hebrew, "ameth." To kill the golem the tablet had to be removed, and the first letter of "ameth" had to be erased to spell "meth," meaning death. In Dungeons and Dragons golems are giants (over 7-12 feet tall) made of various inanimate substances forming the shape of a person and are granted life by a series of spells cast by a magician or priest. The most common of these golems are made of flesh, clay, stone, or iron. Flesh golems are based on Frankenstein's monster and must be made using parts from 6 or more bodies of dead people. |
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