Blog Post #4: Golems

 

Ever since learning about the golems of Jewish folklore a few weeks ago, I cannot stop noticing explicit and implicit references to them in my daily life. For example, they have been mentioned in two other classes I’m taking this year, most often in another Honors Colloquia class titled “Superheroes and Culture”. While the connection between golems and superheroes may not be obvious to most (at least it was not to me), they actually have quite a bit in common, especially considering they both emerged during periods of tremendous Jewish peril. 

To the golems first, however. Perhaps the most well-known aspect of Jewish mysticism, these clay creatures could be magically brought to life by chanting the names of God. In spite of this, because they were not actually created by God, they were often dumb and dull, leaving them almost like Frankenstein’s monster. Still, what makes these golems so well-known is that there are mentions of their use as recently as the 16^th century. Whereas other seemingly impossible mythical creatures have been left to the long-forgotten annals of history, rumors of the Golem of Prague still breathe life into the potency of Jewish magic. This golem, which was supposedly created to by a Czechoslovakian Rabbi to defend his people from Rudolph II’s attacks, is so famous that he got his own slide in one of my “Superheroes” professor’s many presentations. However, despite the fact that this impactful story is so relatively recent, there is hardly any evidence that supports this modern myth. Whatever the case, though, to those who believe, it is understood that such a creature is only necessary in times of great danger for Jewish men and women. Hence, this golem will remain hidden an undisclosed Prague synagogue until his protection is truly needed. 

So, what is the connection between golems and superheroes then? Well, to start, many early superheroes, including the genre itself, were created by Jewish writers. With the first issue of Superman being published in 1938, right at the beginning of World War II, it is hard to imagine a more perilous time for any group of people, especially for those of Jewish descent. Therefore, it is not a great shock that the idea of superhuman with hardly any weaknesses and an unwavering eye for justice would emerge at a time when someone in this mold was most desired. Plus, such an idea is especially pertinent for the Jewish people, a people who have long held onto the notion that a savior would one day free them from their oppressors. Whether this savior was dispensed by God (the Messiah) or made from their own devices (golems), such a hero was common in Jewish belief. Indeed, even Superman’s real name is Kal-el, a Hebrew word meaning “the voice of God”, even though this is ironic given the golems’ lack of speaking ability. However, again, either through myth or fiction, the Jewish people are known to manifest a savior in times of peril; superheroes and golems are just two points on the same continuous line. 

"When there is no way to defend yourself from a hostile world, you have to invent a mythical figure to save you and your people" – Al Jaffe, MAD Magazine.