Still the most 'progressive' movie ever made (along with Metropolis).
Fictionalizing truths.
The Golem is a mythical creature created out of clay that is brought to life. The most famous version of the legend is set in late 16th century Prague. The High Rabbi Lowe, a man learned in kabalistic lore, forms a man-like creature out of clay and then bring it to life by inserting a shem (capsule) with a written magic formula into its mouth. He also writes the German word for truth, anmauth, on its forehead. The Golem, which is given the name Joseph, does the work around the Jewish Quarter of Prague, sweeping the streets, carrying water, splitting wood etc. The Golem was tireless and uncomplaining; it needed neither food nor drink. It was exceedingly strong and fearless and defended the Jewish Quarter from attacks.
The only care required of the Golem was that it must not be alive on the Sabbath (Saturday). Rabbi Lowe deactivated the Golem by removing the shem from its mouth on Friday evenings before the Sabbath began. One Friday evening Rabbi Lowe forgot to remove the shem and Joseph the Golem went berserk. As mentioned above Joseph was very strong; he started pulling up trees. The rabbi ran after Joseph and managed to pull the shem from his mouth thus immobilizing him.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasan-i_Sabbah
https://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/golem.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cabinet_of_Dr._Caligari
Still the most 'progressive' movie ever made (along with Metropolis).
Fictionalizing truths.
The Golem is a mythical creature created out of clay that is brought to life. The most famous version of the legend is set in late 16th century Prague. The High Rabbi Lowe, a man learned in kabalistic lore, forms a man-like creature out of clay and then bring it to life by inserting a shem (capsule) with a written magic formula into its mouth. He also writes the German word for truth, anmauth, on its forehead. The Golem, which is given the name Joseph, does the work around the Jewish Quarter of Prague, sweeping the streets, carrying water, splitting wood etc. The Golem was tireless and uncomplaining; it needed neither food nor drink. It was exceedingly strong and fearless and defended the Jewish Quarter from attacks.
The only care required of the Golem was that it must not be alive on the Sabbath (Saturday). Rabbi Lowe deactivated the Golem by removing the shem from its mouth on Friday evenings before the Sabbath began. One Friday evening Rabbi Lowe forgot to remove the shem and Joseph the Golem went berserk. As mentioned above Joseph was very strong; he started pulling up trees. The rabbi ran after Joseph and managed to pull the shem from his mouth thus immobilizing him.