Uncovering the Mystical Golems: Folklore's Animated Guardians

Apr 21, 2025
Encyclopedia Britannica
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Summary

Explore the captivating lore of golems, mystical beings from Jewish folklore brought to life by wise men to serve as guardians, with the most famous tale centered around the 16th-century Prague golem, revealing their evolution from perfect servants to fearsome protectors.

Key Points

  • A golem is an image endowed with life in Jewish folklore, created by wise men using charms or sacred words.
  • Early golem tales portrayed the golem as a perfect servant, later gaining aspects of a protector but also a frightening nature.
  • The most famous golem tale involves the one created by Rabbi Judah Löw ben Bezulel of Prague in the 16th century.

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