@@blxccshinra9456 to be fair it's like 90% of this comment section though it is sad how this cultural myth has been entirely consumed by a video game however good that game is.
Honestly my favorite version of the golem story and the one my dad told me growing up was that the golem was brought to life by writing “emet” meaning “truth” on his forehead, and was ultimately destroyed by erasing the first letter of the word to spell “met” meaning dead
That's the version I read many years ago but couldn't remember it until you mentioned it. I did remember the spell had an off switch by erasing all or part of the mantra.
That's the real story. Gnosticism uses that story to mark a future period of the complete separation from God, to point where the created are now creators and no longer need God.
I remember asking my Rabbi when i was in Sunday school class one time about how, where and why the Golems were created. The answer I remember him telling me was it was a fabricated story that gave the Jewish community hope while at the same time the oppressor felt afraid of what they do not understand. And legends are often represented as such and it symbolizes a history to events we need to learn from so we can improve as community of all cultures of faith. Wherever your from.
@@schrire39 it’s also the same for Muslims. It’s just a religious school thing that occurs on Sundays. It’s not like Sunday is only for the Christians lol
I don't know why it didn't make it to the video but after writing "emet" (truth) to animate the Golem they could stop it by erasing the first letter alef to make the word "met" (dead).
That's a story that's not from the golem. That's an ancient Jewish story from Persia, where a rabbi reanimated a dead boy to find out who murdered him, by writing אמת on his forehead, but he couldn't speak, he could only point and nod yes or no when asked questions, and he could only tell the truth, because it was why he was alive. Then, when they found the culprit, the rabbi erased the aleph, making the kid not alive again, because although (according to the story) the power to revive the dead exists, it shouldn't be used and this was apparently only a one time thing
It's so interesting to see the influence of the golem legends in comic books and characters like Superman and Captain America, both created by Jewish Americans.
While one could make the argument that characters like Superman and Cap inspired by the Golem. Probably the superhero that serves as the best and near perfect analogue of the Golem legends would be one Benjamin Jacob Grimm AKA The Ever-Lovin' Blue-Eyed Thing of the Fantastic Four. Whom Marvel has confirmed in recent years is in fact of the Jewish faith.
I read a version once where in the final days of WWII, the Golem was re-awoken as a last-ditch attempt to chase the Nazis out of Prague, which it did, and was then put back to sleep in an attic somewhere in the city, leaving the Soviets scratching their heads when they rolled in only to find that the Nazis had already fled.
It's true that Soviets didn't find any Nazis in Prague, but it was because of Czech freedom fighters. Otherwise, yes, in the end of the Prague Golem story, the Golem's body is hidden in the attic of Old New Synagogue and it's supposedly there "to this day" - which we know is not true, because the story was so popular that famous Jewish journalist, Egon Kisch, went there to look for Golem in 1920 and found nothing. But I think many people still kinda believe that Golem is somewhere in Prague. It's very popular legend in Czechia.
Sounds like a cool concept for a fantasy, alt history movie/book/comic Golems awaken around the world trying to stop the regime and protect the jewish people
Lindsay Ellis did a really interesting video on Captain America that mentioned how he started out as a quasi Golem since he was created in part by Jewish authors to encourage the US to fight in WW2
201 years ago she published the first edition titled: "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" It is a Prometheun story from much older Greek myth. The Golem is too, especially as the Hebrew biblical text, as the Septuagint, was recorded in classical Greek.
It amazes me how you put all of this information and visual imagines in such a small video. While I'm watching it feels like I'm watching an hour long documentary. But then out of no where it ends. Love the videos can't wait for the next one😁❤✌
The story of the Golem is super important to me and I'm glad you covered it. As someone who is Jewish and avidly loves monsters it's cool that we have our own! My interpretation is that the Golem is basically the first Frankenstein's Monster. Best part is, on a family roots trip in East Europe, I got to visit Rabbi Loew's grave (which is covered in pebbles of course) as well as the very synagogue they say the Golem is still kept in to this day! Props on the great video keep up the good work!!!
The first time I read about a Golem, the Rabbi forgot to put it to sleep on Friday, didn't perform the proper ritual. The Golem ran amuck and was dangerous. I don't remember where I read it, years before the internet. Just a snippet somewhere.
We also have the Dybbuk, possession by a dead soul, and the Estrie, a Vampiric succubus. The same text that references the Estrie also mentions a creature called a Mare, which seems to be a werecat succubus, and seems to put Mares in the same category as the Estrie, calling one an Estrie, though the original text might be read as saying that Mare is an alternative name for an Estrie, who were also werecats.
OMG I love Lord Socrates Fancypants! My wife and I also gave our pets fancy names: Dr. Edgar G. Snugglepants MD Sir Barnabas Locke, Lord of Fuzzington Princess Buttercup von Fufferbottom III
@@pbsstoried But why name him after one of history's biggest morons? Shouldn't you have named him after someone at least slightly more intelligent than Socrates, like Forrest Gump? The point wasn't that your bird was stupid, the point was that your bird is more intelligent than Socrates and calling him that is insulting. It would be like naming him Captain Columbus Von Poopy Head.
Before a couple years ago o had no idea about the history of the Golem, just that it pops up in games movies ect. This was very interesting to see this creatures roots thank you and keep up the good work!
I was looking for this comment. Both Jack Kirby (Jacob Kurtzburg) and Stan Lee (Stanley Leiber) were Jewish. The Thing's original appearance was even more golem-like, lumpy and looking like he was made out of mud. Also, the other members of the Fantastic Four represent the other three classical elements, just like the three rabbis. Mr. Fantastic is fluid like water. The Invisible Woman is air. And the Human Torch is fire, of course.
So, jews were accused of holding vampiric rituals, and their response was to create a Frankenstein? Maybe not the best choice to defend persecution lol
@@dannyarcher438 Actually, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that the Golem of Prague was an actual entity, for starters the Golem itself has been found and has been traced back to the persecution of the Jews, though its not alive (anymore) the Golem shows signs that it is in fact capable of movement even though its made out of clay, scientists have been studying it ever since it was found in WWII.
This is going to be one of my favorite channels. I used to check out all the books on monsters and myths from my library as a kid. Thanks for keeping that fascination going.
As someone who lives near Prague in the Czech Republic 🇨🇿, this is a really good video on the topic. I need to check out more of the videos from this channel.
Another awesome video for the Bestiary .. I knew Golems originated from Jewish Stories but this has shown me when/why they were .. Thanks as always .. Appreciate yah ..!
Have they discussed brownies? Little elfish fairy things that clean you house at night in return for milk and honey? House elves in Harry Potter were kind of based on them.
@@SunflowerSpotlight You've a very cute, sanitised view of them. Traditional Scottish brownies were quite large and could be a menace, including being a poltergeist type entity.
I live in Prague and I just wanted to add that the local legend is quite popular and beloved. It is well known among all people not just the jewish. And the synagogue tour is pretty nice and I recommend it to anyone visiting Prague.
Really enjoy this channel. I recently read a fun little fiction book called "The Golem and the Jinni" that is fairly true to what you are discussing while taking the story in a new direction. Definitely recommended.
This is the most respectful discussion of a Jewish topic in a secular space that I have ever seen! Even my high school social studies textbook defined the Torah as "the Old Testament" (both factually wrong and antisemitic) and printed images of Torah scrolls upside-down. With those kinds of expectations, I put off watching this video for ages after I started watching Monstrum. Now I'm giddy and keep nearly tearing up.
I am adoring Monstrum. I know that this is an older episode but I've been binge watching quite a number of these and rewatching some. Love your content.
the story of the golem waiting to be reawakened reminds me of the myth about the statue of Holger Danske, who is said to arise when the kingdom of Denmark needs him
Vessel of Hallownest are similar, though there are some clear distinctions. I love that you added the robot from Castle in the Sky. When I think Golem, that’s the guy that comes to my mind. Robot creation follows a comparable process after all.
As a Jew, I would like to thank you for not showing or saying god's name. It is a very important part of judaism to not use god's name in vain, heck it's one of the ten commandments. You were given a few opportunities to pronounce the magic words that bring the Golem to life, or show it on screen, but you respected our customs and laws enough to not show it. Most videos like this given such an opportunity don't follow that concept. It was very kind and respectful of you and I know it made at least one Jew very happy. Thank you so much.
Hi from Prague! :) For me the most iconic part of this story is the inserting of the scroll called shem into Golem mouth (or forhead), which is described in czech wiki site for this tale but diferently put in english version. So I was surprised when option "just write it on him" appeared! :-D
מאור לכיש I " Read " That The " Letters" Of The " SHEM " Had To Be " TRANSPOSE " And When Done " So" It Brought " Down " Energy" From The " Stars " Which Even " Energize " The " Table " It Was " Written " " ON " !!!!!!!🤔😮😳👌🏾🌬
I heard that the shem was the golden amulet hung around the golem's neck and that the true name of god was written inside the shem. You can see it in the pictures of the golem in this video. It's funny that she didn't mention the shem at all. The shem is what gave the golem his power. But you hear a lot of things during your life and only some are true.
Prague is the capital of Czech republic, which is where I live, so I've heard the the story many many times. And in every single one of the the Golem came to life with the use of the "šém" which is a ball like object that is inserted in it's mouth or a hole in it's forehead. And this is also the only way to get rid of the Golem and the reason why it's now supposedly waiting in the synnagog, because he is missing the object that makes him come to life..... Was that left out for a reason or did you not come across that in your research?
I love Terry Prattchet's Discworld series. His books contain many monsters but the origin of Golem, strong but silent clay servant, was unknown to me until now. (In one of the books golems - more than one, though only few could own one - have an important role.)
Honestly, I been thinking that villagers were made as Jewish stereotypes for a while. Iron golem, big noses, unfair trades. I'm Jewish, so I'm hoping this wasn't the intention, but it seems a little suspicious.
Wow I never knew Golems were Jewish in origin! That's pretty awesome, though many of the stories are certainly very sad. If Golems have held onto one thing consistently after being molded by popular culture, it's the nature to protect something or someone, which I find to be the most endearing and awesome thing about them.
the only critique of this new channel and series is: each episode IS TOO SHORT!!! Please make it longer, i don't mind! Been enjoying it so far and i've watched all of it!
I would love to see a more explicit connection between golems and the modern legend (myth? creature?) of the robot--not like Amazon warehouse robots but the robots of sci-fi.
I have always found the story of the golem particularly interesting. I love how in the collective subconscious of society, the idea of a manufactured servant and protector has endured. Even now we're trying to construct golems with words. We just call it "artificial intelligence" and the magical inscriptions written on paper are now known as "programming languages." I think it's quite interesting looking at it in this lens. Since if we do create a true A.I., then we'll actually know what the "true name of god" really was, and the form that it takes. I just absolutely love how there is always a small grain of truth in how fairytales and folklore relate to human society. The stories themselves become unbelievable after a time, but the underlying parts still remain tucked away into the subconscious of society. I just think that's so neat. I'm really happy that this series covers these sorts of myths. It's a lot of fun revisiting old tales and creatures.
Excellent video! As someone who live in Prague and see jewish town everyday on my way to school I really appreciate it. Legend of golem is one of my favorite Czech legends.
Hi, new subscriber. Can't believe I've been in quarantine since March and just now found this channel. Hope you guys are still making videos. Winter's coming.
Doctor Z, there's another pop culture golem that you may have overlooked: Gorem from Bakugan Battle Brawlers.The reason why I wish you had added Gorem to the list is for a couple reasons: He is classified as a Sub-Terra or Earth Bakugan and golems are usually made from clay and he is also the guardian Bakugan for Julie Makimoto and golems are viewed as protectors. Plus, just like Rabbi Lowein in the legend, Julie is the only person who can calm Gorem down when the big guy loses his cool. Thankfully, it takes a lot for Gorem to get angry. Most of the time, he's a gentle giant.
This is a myth, so I'm sure there's different versions, but I'd always learned that the rabbis who brought the Golem to life weren't nature based but were a Cohen, Levi and Yisrael respectively. Each is one of the holy tribes of Israel, (Yisrael is a catch all name for anyone who isn't a Cohen or Levi since the family lines have been forgotten in the millennium since exile. Cohen and Levi family lines are much more culturally important anyway, nothing against the Reuven, Shimon, Yehuda, Gad, Zevulan, Yissaschar, Asher, Dan, Naphtali, Benjamin, Menashe and Ephraim's out there. When it comes down to holy stuff like this situation any Yisrael will do.) with differing strengths and connections to god. The words recited over the Golem were right on being one of god's numerous holy names. I believe they even used the one that Moshe and other Torah bigwigs used to preform straight up miracles. It's got forty-five letters! But they were each rabbis who had studied Kabbalah. The highest of Jewish knowledge only allowed to be learned by men over forty, if you're younger you will be deemed unworthy and your face will melt off like in Indiana Jones. 😉 The 'magic' of all these holy elements, the Kabbalah, God's special name and one Rabbi from each sect of holy Jewish tribes is what brought the Golem to life.
@Maxx Kroes If you read the original story, the creature is made using an undefined method involving a fusion of ancient alchemy and modern chemistry. The idea that it was created using human parts and electricity came later (added as a preface by Shelley). Originally the grave-robbing aspect of the story was just Frankenstein doing research into human anatomy.
Scarybug. I did read the original story. He cobbled the creature from materials..human corpse parts as well as animal parts. True it was not as simplistic as Universal's movie or Young Frankenstein the parody of Son of Frankenstein.. But it was still dead animal and human tissue and organs. The creature developed language and refined it by secretly watching the peasant family teach the little girl to read. Not a golem, but close. Similar novels but not the same. Both drawing from older myths. "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus", Jan 1818.
Rabbi: "I'm gonna create a humanoid out out mud and clay. " Everyone else: "Wait what?" Rabbi: "And he will have super natural powers too." Everyone else: "Wow that's amazing!" Rabbi:"But I can't make him speak, that power is only available to God." Everyone else: "Hold Up!"
I didn't see it much mentioned here, but often in the most modern forms of the golem, it can be a sort magic robot. It's not uncommon to see them made not just from clay or stone, but from a clockwork or steam powered body.
A) Golems are awesome and I absolutely love the tradition. It's very meaningful for me, so thank you for covering it. B) your pig is adorable. many of my friends have pigeons and it's awesome to see more people embracing them as pets. They're wonderful birds and i think a better pet for most than parrots (and i say this as a parrot lover)
I'm surprised you didn't mention Superman or any other super heroes. Not that the CHARACTER of Superman resembles the Golem so much, but he was directly inspired by stories of the Golem, from what I understand.
![F.HERO Ft. JSPKK x ลำไย ไหทองคำ x M-PEE - ไม่สนิทบิดหมด (Thai Riders Anthem) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kPJZ0UihBfk/mqdefault.jpg)
I like your visual design of the golem, both the lack of neck and the clothes
Didn't you know? Clothes makes you weak. The less clothes you wear, the stronger you are. That's why Batman is weak and the Creeper is powerful.
@bryan diaz varela Flash-eeeeeeer.
NOTHING CLEAN TO WEAR
@@philc2889 golem not golum
@@COZMICTOM Your clothes...
Give them to me.... NOW!!!
But they do require a lot of iron and often abandon you to protect some random village from hostile mobs
its not random village, its a Jewish village where you can buy everything for emeralds.
@@karelkrajicek6607 is there another parallel with the fact that the villager towers have breweries?
Bruh you gotta tie them up with leads that's what I do
C0d3nam3 An0nym0u5 LoL 😂 are u talking about Minecraft
@@blxccshinra9456 to be fair it's like 90% of this comment section though it is sad how this cultural myth has been entirely consumed by a video game however good that game is.
Everything changed when the fire Rabbi attacked...
Ah, I see you too are a person of culture.
I Wasn't the only one haha
SPNNNNN
only the messiah master all the pennys could save them
@@oscard.lisboa6105 omg😂😂😂
Honestly my favorite version of the golem story and the one my dad told me growing up was that the golem was brought to life by writing “emet” meaning “truth” on his forehead, and was ultimately destroyed by erasing the first letter of the word to spell “met” meaning dead
From אמת -> מת
That's the version I read many years ago but couldn't remember it until you mentioned it. I did remember the spell had an off switch by erasing all or part of the mantra.
I Saw something that said that
That's the real story. Gnosticism uses that story to mark a future period of the complete separation from God, to point where the created are now creators and no longer need God.
Golem is important, it gives ton of exp for you to level up
30k for iron, 40k for adamantium
Goes way before D&D, dude.
@@AMcGrath82 I'm not aware of any pre-dnd individual-based rpgs. What exactly do you mean?
@@nicolaiveliki1409 I mean the concept itself -- the Golem -- predates D&D. It's a legend going back literally thousands of years.
@@AMcGrath82 I watched the video
I remember asking my Rabbi when i was in Sunday school class one time about how, where and why the Golems were created. The answer I remember him telling me was it was a fabricated story that gave the Jewish community hope while at the same time the oppressor felt afraid of what they do not understand. And legends are often represented as such and it symbolizes a history to events we need to learn from so we can improve as community of all cultures of faith. Wherever your from.
A rabbi at Sunday school?
@@schrire39 it’s also the same for Muslims. It’s just a religious school thing that occurs on Sundays. It’s not like Sunday is only for the Christians lol
@@evee3164 i mean Sunday in all 3 is a sacred day if am not mistaking
@@painvillegaming4119 incorrect for Muslims it's Friday and for Jews it's Saturday
Orthodox?
I don't know why it didn't make it to the video but after writing "emet" (truth) to animate the Golem they could stop it by erasing the first letter alef to make the word "met" (dead).
That was used in the "X-Files" episode where a golem appeared.
Yeah, I think I read about that in a book on mythic creatures that I have.
That's a story that's not from the golem. That's an ancient Jewish story from Persia, where a rabbi reanimated a dead boy to find out who murdered him, by writing אמת on his forehead, but he couldn't speak, he could only point and nod yes or no when asked questions, and he could only tell the truth, because it was why he was alive. Then, when they found the culprit, the rabbi erased the aleph, making the kid not alive again, because although (according to the story) the power to revive the dead exists, it shouldn't be used and this was apparently only a one time thing
@MOSAMMET AFRA it's a religious fairy tail, meaning no, like Beowulf it's not meant to be taken as fact
@@TheSaneHatter the Xfiles made an episode on the Golem?? I'm there dude...
Anybody gonna point out that those Rabbi's that created the golem of Prague were basically water, fire and air benders?
Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
@@ChaplainBobWalkerBTh huh?
"Air bender" - is this an M Night Shmamlaaynanadingdong reference?
@@e.b.6144 That's some anti-Semitic bullshit right there.
@@GrumpyLoco6 no that's truth
It's so interesting to see the influence of the golem legends in comic books and characters like Superman and Captain America, both created by Jewish Americans.
It's no accident, this is a template for how to trick someone into fighting your enemies for you. This is honestly vile.
Or that Superman's name comes from a mistranslation of Nietzsche's Übermensch.
Adam Bodford go back to the sewer you crawled out of.
I think superman also had some influence from moses as well.
While one could make the argument that characters like Superman and Cap inspired by the Golem. Probably the superhero that serves as the best and near perfect analogue of the Golem legends would be one Benjamin Jacob Grimm AKA The Ever-Lovin' Blue-Eyed Thing of the Fantastic Four. Whom Marvel has confirmed in recent years is in fact of the Jewish faith.
I read a version once where in the final days of WWII, the Golem was re-awoken as a last-ditch attempt to chase the Nazis out of Prague, which it did, and was then put back to sleep in an attic somewhere in the city, leaving the Soviets scratching their heads when they rolled in only to find that the Nazis had already fled.
That sounds like a fun idea for a WW2 Fantasy story. Golem vs Nazis, that would be a great title for it. what do you think?
@@legopattonfilms that sounds like a title of some kind of anime
It's true that Soviets didn't find any Nazis in Prague, but it was because of Czech freedom fighters. Otherwise, yes, in the end of the Prague Golem story, the Golem's body is hidden in the attic of Old New Synagogue and it's supposedly there "to this day" - which we know is not true, because the story was so popular that famous Jewish journalist, Egon Kisch, went there to look for Golem in 1920 and found nothing. But I think many people still kinda believe that Golem is somewhere in Prague. It's very popular legend in Czechia.
@@chanterelle483 in the 1920 wait but world war 2 end it in 1945
Sounds like a cool concept for a fantasy, alt history movie/book/comic
Golems awaken around the world trying to stop the regime and protect the jewish people
Lindsay Ellis did a really interesting video on Captain America that mentioned how he started out as a quasi Golem since he was created in part by Jewish authors to encourage the US to fight in WW2
@@ponderoustomes9005 *into destroying Europe and their own country
@@TomorrowWeLive you seem to have misspelled saving
@@TomorrowWeLive How does one become an super powerby destroying oneself at the same time? The processes are contradictory.
@@ponderoustomes9005 - superpower shortterm, destruction longterm. Stop being low iq
@@davidabest7195 but America is still a superpower so how is he low iq
Would Frankenstein's Monster be considered a "flesh golem"?
That's what a flesh golem is in D&D.
Woah necromancy
Andy B Frankenstein’s monster could talk tho...
Yooo minecraft should add a golem updatd
201 years ago she published the first edition titled:
"Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus"
It is a Prometheun story from much older Greek myth. The Golem is too, especially as the Hebrew biblical text, as the Septuagint, was recorded in classical Greek.
It amazes me how you put all of this information and visual imagines in such a small video. While I'm watching it feels like I'm watching an hour long documentary. But then out of no where it ends. Love the videos can't wait for the next one😁❤✌
PBS they can do anything.
As a Jew and Mythology fan myself, I adore your works. This story especially.
Thank you! ❤
Hva you ever watched the owl house?
@@tomkatt8274 I have not
@@TheCanonApologistI can tell you it’s a good but it has a few things about it you may not like בסדר😊
The story of the Golem is super important to me and I'm glad you covered it. As someone who is Jewish and avidly loves monsters it's cool that we have our own! My interpretation is that the Golem is basically the first Frankenstein's Monster. Best part is, on a family roots trip in East Europe, I got to visit Rabbi Loew's grave (which is covered in pebbles of course) as well as the very synagogue they say the Golem is still kept in to this day!
Props on the great video keep up the good work!!!
That sounds incredible! Thanks for watching.
@@chaist94 It's a devourer without compunction, better check that Synagogue your savior has escaped.
The first time I read about a Golem, the Rabbi forgot to put it to sleep on Friday, didn't perform the proper ritual. The Golem ran amuck and was dangerous. I don't remember where I read it, years before the internet. Just a snippet somewhere.
@@ryhanzfx1641 well Christians did incorporate all those stories to their religion so... what is your point?
all religions are funny and stupid
We also have the Dybbuk, possession by a dead soul, and the Estrie, a Vampiric succubus. The same text that references the Estrie also mentions a creature called a Mare, which seems to be a werecat succubus, and seems to put Mares in the same category as the Estrie, calling one an Estrie, though the original text might be read as saying that Mare is an alternative name for an Estrie, who were also werecats.
I like how you dive right into the content. Thanks for not making us wait for the good stuff.
I'm so glad you have this channel. I enjoy academic analysis of the supernatural. Thanks for all your hard work!
> Minecraft Villagers nose
> Iron Golem protects their villages
Ummm...Mojang?
Lmao 😂
That and the fact that they have a thing for money... Jewish stereotypes much?
And the villagers are not actually the humans in Minecraft...
notch has done enough dodgy stuff to make me think maybe the villager thing sadly wasn’t an accident.
*HMM*
The only golem I’m familiar with is the *“Iron golem”*
Shan hhomm3?
Shan same
him some others and one of the better parts of unova, golurk, (the big blue and yellow golem at the image start if you didnt know)
Or the Pokémon that’s literally named Golem
@@bsr232 i dont think its really a golem though
my sediments, exactly.
Bah bah bah...
OMG I love Lord Socrates Fancypants!
My wife and I also gave our pets fancy names:
Dr. Edgar G. Snugglepants MD
Sir Barnabas Locke, Lord of Fuzzington
Princess Buttercup von Fufferbottom III
This is goals.
But is he named Socrates because he's a bird and still smarter than the real Socrates?
@@The__Creeper No. Just because he looks distinguished. But pigeons are actually highly intelligent, including my Socrates.
Pets I have had:
Samson Tiberius Petme
Sir Tanoshi Pupperdew
Dexter Sunshine Darling
Sparkalotta Bubbeleh
@@pbsstoried But why name him after one of history's biggest morons? Shouldn't you have named him after someone at least slightly more intelligent than Socrates, like Forrest Gump?
The point wasn't that your bird was stupid, the point was that your bird is more intelligent than Socrates and calling him that is insulting. It would be like naming him Captain Columbus Von Poopy Head.
My favorite Golems are the ones from Sir Terry Pratchett's discworld series.
Because he keeps to the lore as much as possible! Also, Dorfl is awesome.
Before a couple years ago o had no idea about the history of the Golem, just that it pops up in games movies ect. This was very interesting to see this creatures roots thank you and keep up the good work!
Frosty the Snowman = Snow Golem
Snowlem?
I first encountered the story of the Golem of Prague in an episode of Gargoyles years ago. Very interesting.
That episode was the first thing I thought of when saw this 👍
Same here. Great series.
Whoo! I knew I wasn't the only one!
"What if... He doesn't like me?"
Sad that people are introduced to these things via braindead cartoons.
If I remember correctly the Golem also partly inspired the creation of the Thing from the Fantastic Four. Thanks Jack Kirby
He does look a bit like a Golem.
Hm, and the Thing was Jewish.
I was looking for this comment. Both Jack Kirby (Jacob Kurtzburg) and Stan Lee (Stanley Leiber) were Jewish.
The Thing's original appearance was even more golem-like, lumpy and looking like he was made out of mud. Also, the other members of the Fantastic Four represent the other three classical elements, just like the three rabbis. Mr. Fantastic is fluid like water. The Invisible Woman is air. And the Human Torch is fire, of course.
@@kitjohnson2767 what is a Jewish person
So, jews were accused of holding vampiric rituals, and their response was to create a Frankenstein? Maybe not the best choice to defend persecution lol
Jews didn't really create a Golem though... it was just like the blood rituals a fairy tale
@@dannyarcher438 Actually, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that the Golem of Prague was an actual entity, for starters the Golem itself has been found and has been traced back to the persecution of the Jews, though its not alive (anymore) the Golem shows signs that it is in fact capable of movement even though its made out of clay, scientists have been studying it ever since it was found in WWII.
Right 😂
vampiric rituals?
oy you got a loicense for that coment?
This is going to be one of my favorite channels. I used to check out all the books on monsters and myths from my library as a kid. Thanks for keeping that fascination going.
Came here from "Its okay to be smart". As a huge fan of myth, legends and fantasy i have to subscribe!
Where has this channel been all my life? Thanks so much for putting a bibliography in the description!
We’re here now! Thanks for the support.
Your description of the golem being created gave me flash back to a really rough D&D session lol.
As someone who lives near Prague in the Czech Republic 🇨🇿, this is a really good video on the topic. I need to check out more of the videos from this channel.
Another awesome video for the Bestiary ..
I knew Golems originated from Jewish Stories but this has shown me when/why they were ..
Thanks as always ..
Appreciate yah ..!
Sasquatch
The jersey devil
Goblins
Gremlins
Tommy knockers
Good recommendations!
Definitely. I just discovered this page, and my next search goal was to find their Sasquatch episode.
Anderson Cooper
Have they discussed brownies? Little elfish fairy things that clean you house at night in return for milk and honey? House elves in Harry Potter were kind of based on them.
@@SunflowerSpotlight You've a very cute, sanitised view of them. Traditional Scottish brownies were quite large and could be a menace, including being a poltergeist type entity.
I live in Prague and I just wanted to add that the local legend is quite popular and beloved. It is well known among all people not just the jewish. And the synagogue tour is pretty nice and I recommend it to anyone visiting Prague.
Elves
Pixies
Fairies
The grim reaper
The Loch Ness monster
Frankenstein
Vampire
Zombies
Mummies
Really enjoy this channel. I recently read a fun little fiction book called "The Golem and the Jinni" that is fairly true to what you are discussing while taking the story in a new direction. Definitely recommended.
This is the most respectful discussion of a Jewish topic in a secular space that I have ever seen! Even my high school social studies textbook defined the Torah as "the Old Testament" (both factually wrong and antisemitic) and printed images of Torah scrolls upside-down. With those kinds of expectations, I put off watching this video for ages after I started watching Monstrum. Now I'm giddy and keep nearly tearing up.
Absolutely insightful video, I'm so happy to see this type of content. I cannot wait to see what you guys post next.
I am adoring Monstrum. I know that this is an older episode but I've been binge watching quite a number of these and rewatching some. Love your content.
the story of the golem waiting to be reawakened reminds me of the myth about the statue of Holger Danske, who is said to arise when the kingdom of Denmark needs him
Vessel of Hallownest are similar, though there are some clear distinctions. I love that you added the robot from Castle in the Sky. When I think Golem, that’s the guy that comes to my mind. Robot creation follows a comparable process after all.
"He's old... old as dirt" ... *groan* 😂
Nerd jokes
As a Jew, I would like to thank you for not showing or saying god's name. It is a very important part of judaism to not use god's name in vain, heck it's one of the ten commandments. You were given a few opportunities to pronounce the magic words that bring the Golem to life, or show it on screen, but you respected our customs and laws enough to not show it. Most videos like this given such an opportunity don't follow that concept. It was very kind and respectful of you and I know it made at least one Jew very happy. Thank you so much.
"The Golem" is my favorite poem from Jorge Luis Borges, based on Gustav Meyrink's novel. Good to know earlier references. Thank you.
I just found this channel and wow, the academic study of monsters is really interesting. I've already subscribed.
I’ve always thought of the Golem as being something evil but thanks to this vid I know better!
You should consider watching "Laputa: Castle in the Sky", it features nice golems
I love that I found this channel. I'm literally binge watching episodes!
Hi from Prague! :) For me the most iconic part of this story is the inserting of the scroll called shem into Golem mouth (or forhead), which is described in czech wiki site for this tale but diferently put in english version. So I was surprised when option "just write it on him" appeared! :-D
The scroll is not called "Shem", Shem is Hebrew for name.
God's real name was written on it, that's where the "Shem" comes in.
מאור לכיש I " Read " That The " Letters" Of The " SHEM " Had To Be " TRANSPOSE " And When Done " So" It Brought " Down " Energy" From The " Stars " Which Even " Energize " The " Table " It Was " Written " " ON " !!!!!!!🤔😮😳👌🏾🌬
I heard that the shem was the golden amulet hung around the golem's neck and that the true name of god was written inside the shem. You can see it in the pictures of the golem in this video. It's funny that she didn't mention the shem at all. The shem is what gave the golem his power. But you hear a lot of things during your life and only some are true.
This channel should do longer videos. Never be afraid to fill out with more historic information.
That's so cool that Roswell from The Adventure Zone is in here 1:16
194219692009 I was looking for this comment! I just finished relistening to 11th hour yesterday
As a Jewish person this was amazing to hear that. She explained it very well.
For a college gothic literature class I wrote a report comparing the Golem to Frankenstein’s Monster.
I had to compare the Columbine shooters to Frankenstein and his monster
Please tell me you nailed it & got an 'a'
@@elaineehardt2524 I did. I got bonus for throwing in comparisons to the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea as well.
Thanks Dr.Emily.
Another piece of folklore explained beautifully by your good self.
I hope you never run out of material.
I wish you rainbows.
I remember hearing about the golem when I was a little kid, I hadn’t thought about it in years!
I rescued a pigeon a while back (she's with us now). I was so surprised at the end of the video! Awesome Dove!
Prague is the capital of Czech republic, which is where I live, so I've heard the the story many many times. And in every single one of the the Golem came to life with the use of the "šém" which is a ball like object that is inserted in it's mouth or a hole in it's forehead. And this is also the only way to get rid of the Golem and the reason why it's now supposedly waiting in the synnagog, because he is missing the object that makes him come to life..... Was that left out for a reason or did you not come across that in your research?
Clip is so well produced. Great job guys.
Golem legend actually dates much farther back in oral tradition.
I love Terry Prattchet's Discworld series. His books contain many monsters but the origin of Golem, strong but silent clay servant, was unknown to me until now. (In one of the books golems - more than one, though only few could own one - have an important role.)
So does this mean, villagers in Minecraft are Jewish?
which would explain why now each village has a golem
Honestly, I been thinking that villagers were made as Jewish stereotypes for a while. Iron golem, big noses, unfair trades. I'm Jewish, so I'm hoping this wasn't the intention, but it seems a little suspicious.
Well Zoe, if the Villagers in Minecraft were Jewish that would probably mean that, the Illagers r Arabs. LOL 😆
@@Entity-dn1mc not funny dude. seriously it ain't
Yes.
Wow I never knew Golems were Jewish in origin! That's pretty awesome, though many of the stories are certainly very sad. If Golems have held onto one thing consistently after being molded by popular culture, it's the nature to protect something or someone, which I find to be the most endearing and awesome thing about them.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day was my favorite popularization of the golem trope from outta Hollywood.
the only critique of this new channel and series is: each episode IS TOO SHORT!!! Please make it longer, i don't mind! Been enjoying it so far and i've watched all of it!
I would love to see a more explicit connection between golems and the modern legend (myth? creature?) of the robot--not like Amazon warehouse robots but the robots of sci-fi.
Loved your take on the Golem story, learned a lot from it!! Also, the way you kept saying Gollum instead of Golem is “Precious!”
Best of all, they’re usually immune to acid damage. So that fourth level wizard using acid bubble will only heal it.:)
I have always found the story of the golem particularly interesting. I love how in the collective subconscious of society, the idea of a manufactured servant and protector has endured. Even now we're trying to construct golems with words. We just call it "artificial intelligence" and the magical inscriptions written on paper are now known as "programming languages." I think it's quite interesting looking at it in this lens. Since if we do create a true A.I., then we'll actually know what the "true name of god" really was, and the form that it takes. I just absolutely love how there is always a small grain of truth in how fairytales and folklore relate to human society. The stories themselves become unbelievable after a time, but the underlying parts still remain tucked away into the subconscious of society. I just think that's so neat. I'm really happy that this series covers these sorts of myths. It's a lot of fun revisiting old tales and creatures.
This Channel is my life
Excellent video! As someone who live in Prague and see jewish town everyday on my way to school I really appreciate it. Legend of golem is one of my favorite Czech legends.
Glad I could do it justice. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for not calling it a “gollum.”
Except for when she slipped and pronounced it how she really wants.
Lord of the Rings fan. Me.😐
Hi, new subscriber. Can't believe I've been in quarantine since March and just now found this channel. Hope you guys are still making videos. Winter's coming.
Does this technically make Frankenstein’s monster a golem
Not really. Frankenstein's monster is more a result of experimentation and less about religious mythology.
One of my fav and best vid production in youtube world. Simple but pack of interesting info.
SOMEONE: If the Golem can only speak, what do you think it would say?
GOLLUM: My preciousssss!!!!
SOMEONE: I'm not talking about you!!!
Doctor Z, there's another pop culture golem that you may have overlooked: Gorem from Bakugan Battle Brawlers.The reason why I wish you had added Gorem to the list is for a couple reasons: He is classified as a Sub-Terra or Earth Bakugan and golems are usually made from clay and he is also the guardian Bakugan for Julie Makimoto and golems are viewed as protectors. Plus, just like Rabbi Lowein in the legend, Julie is the only person who can calm Gorem down when the big guy loses his cool. Thankfully, it takes a lot for Gorem to get angry. Most of the time, he's a gentle giant.
En espérant que ça pourra nous faire retrouver Lavy Davant...
Ahi
Fascinating series, Dr. Zarka! Obviously PBS is pushing it due to Halloween but I'm really loving it!
It’s always spooky season on this channel!
This is a myth, so I'm sure there's different versions, but I'd always learned that the rabbis who brought the Golem to life weren't nature based but were a Cohen, Levi and Yisrael respectively. Each is one of the holy tribes of Israel, (Yisrael is a catch all name for anyone who isn't a Cohen or Levi since the family lines have been forgotten in the millennium since exile. Cohen and Levi family lines are much more culturally important anyway, nothing against the Reuven, Shimon, Yehuda, Gad, Zevulan, Yissaschar, Asher, Dan, Naphtali, Benjamin, Menashe and Ephraim's out there. When it comes down to holy stuff like this situation any Yisrael will do.) with differing strengths and connections to god. The words recited over the Golem were right on being one of god's numerous holy names. I believe they even used the one that Moshe and other Torah bigwigs used to preform straight up miracles. It's got forty-five letters! But they were each rabbis who had studied Kabbalah. The highest of Jewish knowledge only allowed to be learned by men over forty, if you're younger you will be deemed unworthy and your face will melt off like in Indiana Jones. 😉 The 'magic' of all these holy elements, the Kabbalah, God's special name and one Rabbi from each sect of holy Jewish tribes is what brought the Golem to life.
I'd love our if your vids were longer. They're fascinating. Nice work
Oh yes.
The golem know.
Golem just do what they're told.
I’m so glad to hear you pronounce it correctly.
Would Frankenstein be considered a variation of the Gollum?
@Maxx Kroes If you read the original story, the creature is made using an undefined method involving a fusion of ancient alchemy and modern chemistry. The idea that it was created using human parts and electricity came later (added as a preface by Shelley). Originally the grave-robbing aspect of the story was just Frankenstein doing research into human anatomy.
bryan diaz varela that was dumb
Scarybug. I did read the original story. He cobbled the creature from materials..human corpse parts as well as animal parts. True it was not as simplistic as Universal's movie or Young Frankenstein the parody of Son of Frankenstein.. But it was still dead animal and human tissue and organs.
The creature developed language and refined it by secretly watching the peasant family teach the little girl to read. Not a golem, but close. Similar novels but not the same. Both drawing from older myths.
"Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus", Jan 1818.
It’s GOLLEM not Gollum.
He kept saying my precious my precious.
Then I thought wait.
That's gollum from Lord of the rings
not gollm.
Well.... I mean, I think you would know if it was Gollum or if it was Gollem. One can’t speak.
I first read of the Golem of Prague in Patricia Briggs' book, "Silence Fallen." It was fantastic to get this video with the history of the legend.
Rabbi: "I'm gonna create a humanoid out out mud and clay. "
Everyone else: "Wait what?"
Rabbi: "And he will have super natural powers too."
Everyone else: "Wow that's amazing!"
Rabbi:"But I can't make him speak, that power is only available to God."
Everyone else: "Hold Up!"
Very nice work, I really enjoyed it. Also, good choice with Biohazard by Ken Alibek, that book is fascinating.
Not really bad, I like the videos. Can you make a video about the Biblical creatures Leviathan and Behemoth.
You forget about the Golem Trust and it has been so important and helpful for Golems trying to survive in a society.
Rabbi : yow god we need help
God : make a golem
Rabbi : aight
I didn't see it much mentioned here, but often in the most modern forms of the golem, it can be a sort magic robot. It's not uncommon to see them made not just from clay or stone, but from a clockwork or steam powered body.
So this Is the Story Of Regigigas!
A) Golems are awesome and I absolutely love the tradition. It's very meaningful for me, so thank you for covering it.
B) your pig is adorable. many of my friends have pigeons and it's awesome to see more people embracing them as pets. They're wonderful birds and i think a better pet for most than parrots (and i say this as a parrot lover)
I remember the Prague Golem because if the Mercy Thompson series xD
Interesting! I can see Mary Shelley got ideas from the Golem story
I used to pronounce “golem” wrong all my life
How else can it be pronounced?
@@HeyNonyNonymous gah-lum
@@burtknighten1873 That's an incorrect pronunciation. The correct pronunciation is "go-lem", just like how it's written.
I'm surprised you didn't mention Superman or any other super heroes. Not that the CHARACTER of Superman resembles the Golem so much, but he was directly inspired by stories of the Golem, from what I understand.
Snowman?
SNOW GOLEM!
The outtakes at the end earned a subscriber. Keep it up.
This makes sense on why golems in Minecraft give roses to kids
Wrong
Thats a refrence of that one robot in castle in the sky