Golem

A golem (/ˈɡoʊləm/ GOH-ləm; Hebrew: גּוֹלֶם, romanized: gōlem) is an animated anthropomorphic creature in Jewish folklore, fashioned entirely from inanimate matter—traditionally clay or mud. The most renowned golem story involves Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the distinguished late 16th-century rabbi of Prague who allegedly created such a being.

According to Moment magazine, "the golem is a highly mutable metaphor with seemingly limitless symbolism. It can be a victim or villain, man or woman—or sometimes both. Over the centuries, it has been used to connote war, community, isolation, hope, and despair."

In contemporary popular culture, the term has broadened in meaning. Now, virtually any crude humanoid creature created through magical means might be labeled a "golem." This expanded definition has given rise to variations like metal golems (such as the mythical Talos) and stone golems found in fantasy games like Dungeons and Dragons.