1. Text

This narrative, known as The Golem of Prague, was told to me by my friend, who identifies as Jewish and grew up hearing this story from relatives as part of their cultural tradition. It is a well-known legend within Jewish folklore, particularly among Ashkenazi communities, and centers around themes of protection, mysticism, and unintended consequences.

The story is set in 16th-century Prague, where the Jewish community was facing persecution. According to the legend, Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, a learned and devout man also known as the Maharal of Prague, created a golem—a humanoid figure molded from clay—to protect the Jewish people from violence and false accusations. Using secret knowledge from the Kabbalah, the rabbi brought the golem to life by inscribing the Hebrew word emet (truth) on its forehead or placing a sacred parchment in its mouth.

The golem served as a guardian, carrying out tasks and defending the community. However, over time, it became increasingly difficult to control. GR informed me that in some versions of the tale, the golem becomes violent, threatening innocents and no longer responding to the rabbi’s commands. Ultimately, Rabbi Loew removes the divine spark or alters the inscription—changing emet (truth) to met (death)—rendering the golem lifeless once more. This narrative is so famous that tt is said that the body of the golem still lies in the attic of the Old New Synagogue in Prague.

2. Context

This story was shared with me by GR, a close friend and practicing member of the Jewish faith. They first heard the tale from their family, yet they can’t pinpoint exactly which relative it was. GR emphasized it as both a cultural touchstone and a cautionary myth. He explained to me that it was often told to them around Jewish holidays, especially Passover, as a reminder of historical persecution and the importance of community resilience. Although the story was told in English, he described it as deeply rooted in Jewish cultural identity, with elements of Hebrew language, religious symbolism, and ancestral history woven into the telling.

For GR the narrative was not just historical or fantastical—it held contemporary relevance. They viewed it as an allegory about power, responsibility, and the dangers of losing control over one’s creations. The figure of the golem represented both hope and danger, an expression of righteous protection that must be balanced with humility and ethical restraint.

3. Interpretation

This narrative fits clearly within the category of a legend—a story believed to have some historical grounding and often featuring supernatural or extraordinary elements. It originates from Jewish folklore but has circulated widely, especially in diasporic communities, where it continues to serve as a source of identity and reflection. As discussed in class, the golem legend intersects with themes common to folk narratives, including the moral ambiguity of power, the intersection of magic and religion, and the social function of storytelling in preserving communal memory.

On a symbolic level, the golem represents the tension between human ingenuity and spiritual responsibility. Rabbi Loew’s ability to animate a lifeless figure speaks to the desire for control and protection in the face of existential threat. However, the golem’s eventual disobedience serves as a cautionary element: even well-intentioned actions can spiral out of control when driven by fear or unchecked authority.

The continued telling of this legend—even outside of its original religious context and in contemporary, often secular settings—demonstrates how folklore can adapt across time while preserving cultural values. In this case, the golem functions as a reflection of Jewish historical trauma and perseverance, embodying themes of survival, ethical complexity, and divine intervention. GR’s retelling illustrates how folklore is not static, but evolves through individual voices while maintaining its cultural core. The story’s endurance reinforces its role as both a protective myth and a moral inquiry—a living narrative that speaks to the past while remaining relevant in the present.

Date of performance: 3/30/25
Language: English
Nationality: American
Occupation: Student
Primary Language: English
Residence: San Francisco, CA