The story of the Golem dates back centuries ago, well before the rise of popularized constructs like Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. A being of shaped clay, it only follows the will of those who feed it instructions through the mouth. Large and strong, they are unable to speak like people but were still a sight to behold. It is often created by Jewish rabbis to protect themselves from persecution, though the golem could easily turn destructive if not properly controlled.
The earliest known account of a golem dates back during the 16th century, with Rabbi Eliyahu Ba'al Shem of Chelm, Poland. No, it isn't a story per se, but an actual human being whom was called to have actually created a golem. According to writings, he wrote the Jewish word 'shem' on the forehead of the golem, thus being given the title of 'Ba'al Shem' as a response. Fearing the power of the golem would grow too large over time, the name was erased from its brow and it soon turned to dust. At least, not before scratching at the face of its creator. Its a story that has been hard to consider real or not, with word of mouth during that time and writing it only occurred sometime after the Rabbi's death. Still, it is another creature of horror that has managed to survive the test of time and be presented in modern tellings. Wonder how well that has worked out?
In the series 'Extreme Ghostbusters' (which followed from the previous 'Real Ghostbusters' series) has the Golem appear. Much like the original stories, it was created to protect the Jewish from persecution, but it continued to get larger and more aggressive overtime. Here, the Golem has be recreated to help protect a synagogue from antisemitism. It is tough enough to even take the punishment of the Ghostbusters' proton packs thanks to a rather malleable clay body. In the end, it took a large batch of molten iron to cover and break it down, which gave enough time for our heroes to remove the scroll which empowered the Golem itself, defeating it for good.
While certainly a more monstrous look for the Golem, it certainly followed close to the original folklore. There was even a note that the scroll that empowered the Golem came from Prague, much like in the original story. A very interesting creature to feature in an episode story dealing with racism and assholes (but I'm getting off track).
In the 'Gargoyles' animated show, we also have an appearance by the Golem as well. For those who are unfamiliar with the show, it involves living gargoyles that were forcibly turned to stone (since they do it normally in the sunlight) for a thousand years before being freed in 1994's New York (late 90s show, so please bear with me). As protectors, they end up making New York their new home. It is a very well-written and thought out show that you can hopefully find online to see. I recommend it.
In its second season, which involves what many fans have called the 'World Tour', a small group of gargoyles along with a human ally end up traveling the world. Destinations range from Egypt to Ireland as well as France and the Congo. As you no doubt guessed correctly, one of the places they visit is Prague, where the Golem itself still resides. Another human friend is there to use some magic to transfer his soul from his old, frail body into something stronger. After actually giving the Golem a test run (which involves a bit of fighting from the gargoyles themselves), the old friend decides that it isn't worth it. The Golem ends up becoming the new protector of Prague, so it as that going for it.
Despite the small recap of the episode, it was a real impressive portrayal of the Golem. From is rather simple design to history in Prague, as well as how it could get more aggressive overtime (especially when someone tries to insert their soul into it). Again, I recommend checking out the series itself, especially the first two seasons. Third season is mixed, especially since the creator of the series has written his own work on it in comics, which discontinued said season from the main series. A bit complicated explanation, sure, but necessary.
Yeah, I'm going to include a live action adaption, at least from a popular series. 'Supernatural' could easily fit in other posts, but I felt I needed to draw attention to this one (at least for a bit). For anyone unfamiliar, 'Supernatural' is a live action fantasy/horror/drama show around the adventures of the Winchester brothers, Dean and Sam. They've fought angels, demons, even the actual Horsemen of the Apocalypse. So yeah, a Golem isn't too far fetched to find here as well.
The episode in particular is called 'Everybody Hates Hitler'. Yeah, you can probably pic out the pieces here: brothers encounter last descendant that wields the Golem, gets into an encounter with the Thule Society (Nazis that use occult magic), kind of by the numbers, honestly. Some good lines which I won't spoil here, but aside from that, the episode itself is just okay.
The Golem, played by 6ft 9in John DeSantis, is obviously more human looking while still retaining the general menace, strength and toughness that comes from being a clay creature. More vocal in this version, he tries to put the last descendant of his creator to embrace his Jewish background to help defend against the remnants of Thule occutists. Still retains that weakness of having a scroll with inscriptions in it, so not entirely full-proof. Still, it managed to work out in the end, right?
Overall, the Golem's appearance may have changed, but its history, as a protector of the Jewish religion and monstrous actions, have managed to stay in proper shape. Wonder how the Golem will work in the future? Maybe something more noble?
Until next time...
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