Golem

By Crusader1307

This ancient Hebrew Monster was actually a protector of sorts. Created by a Priest or Rabbi - usually from large amounts of clay or fired mud. Shaped into a giant humanoid figure (10 to as much as 20 feet tall), this creature was activated by the use of Kabbalah (ritual magic). By carving 1 of the 72 ''hidden names'' of God into the creature's forehead, life would be given. Once living, The ''Golem'' would only obey the commands of the first person he saw when he was awoken. Another method to give life was the use of Shems (prayers).The Shem was carved with the Hebrew word for ''Truth'' onto the forehead. To de-activate The Golem, one simply had to remove the first letter of ''Truth''. This spelled ''Dead'' in Hebrew. Often, writing the same on a scroll and placing The Shem into The Golem's mouth would work just as well (with removal of same having a similar effect). The Golem were used to protect and avenge wronged or persecuted Jewish peoples (as per legends). Once activated, no force (other than removing The Shem), could stop The Golem. The most famous story of The Golem legends come from the 16th Century Germany. In this story, it is the desire for love and later revenge -  that spurs our Monster (a plot line very similar to Frankenstein). Much smaller Golem figures have been made over the centuries for good luck (and protection).