Difference between revisions of "Golem"
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A '''Golem''' is a creature of [[Judaism|Jewish]] mythology, an animated statue (typically ceramic) brought to life by placing holy words in its mouth to serve as a worker or defender. Famous legends include the Golem of Rabbai Loew, built to defend the Jewish population of Prague from | A '''Golem''' is a creature of [[Judaism|Jewish]] mythology, an animated statue (typically ceramic) brought to life by placing holy words in its mouth to serve as a worker or defender. Famous legends include the Golem of Rabbai Loew, built to defend the Jewish population of Prague from antisemitic mobs. Golems are one of several myths about inanimate objects brought to life (for example the Greek God Hephaestus built gold and silver women to assist him). | ||
Arguably, the Biblical description of the creation of the first human is the casting of a golem spell. Adam is formed from clay and then infused with the "breath of life". | |||
== Golems in fiction == | == Golems in fiction == | ||
Many modern fantasy works take the idea of a golem, often using them as guards or as laborers. In many respects, golems used in this sense could be thought of as supernatural [[robot]]s. | Many modern fantasy works take the idea of a golem, often using them as guards or as laborers. In many respects, golems used in this sense could be thought of as supernatural [[robot]]s. | ||
Golems play a major role in several Discworld novels, in particular ''Feet of Clay'', ''Going Postal'', and ''Making Money''. | |||
[[Category: Fantasy]] | [[Category: Fantasy]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:58, 21 November 2023
A Golem is a creature of Jewish mythology, an animated statue (typically ceramic) brought to life by placing holy words in its mouth to serve as a worker or defender. Famous legends include the Golem of Rabbai Loew, built to defend the Jewish population of Prague from antisemitic mobs. Golems are one of several myths about inanimate objects brought to life (for example the Greek God Hephaestus built gold and silver women to assist him).
Arguably, the Biblical description of the creation of the first human is the casting of a golem spell. Adam is formed from clay and then infused with the "breath of life".
Golems in fiction
Many modern fantasy works take the idea of a golem, often using them as guards or as laborers. In many respects, golems used in this sense could be thought of as supernatural robots.
Golems play a major role in several Discworld novels, in particular Feet of Clay, Going Postal, and Making Money.