What Is a Golem?

GOLEM INFO http://www.eaudrey.com/myth/golem.htm

Description A large, bulky, and somewhat featureless creature in the shape of a man that can be made out of a lump of clay and brought to life.

Features Generally half-conscious and only capable of doing menial tasks. This creature should have "EMET" (truth) written on its forehead, and it can be destroyed by erasing the letter E- leaving "MET" (death). Other versions describe a tablet with writing on it that is worn or placed under the tongue- when the tablet is removed, the Golem crumbles.

Described By: Jewish mysticisim- particularly the Kabbalists, who studied the letters of the Bible looking for secrets hidden in the number or order of words. They felt that if they understood the secret messages they would be able to create life. In Medieval times stories grew about such creatures grew, as did the idea of alchemy. The most widely told story was of Rabbi Low of Prague, who created a Golem to perform menial tasks around the synagogue. Unfortunately, the Golem would grow larger, and more powerful and dangerous, occasionally turning on its master.

Also, the Golem is believed to be the inspiration for the Frankenstein story.