Legends and myths permeate every culture on Earth. Every corner of the globe has a harrowing cautionary tale to tell. Here we observe the prominent Czech legend of a Golem brought to life by a Rabbi. To set the scene, we must travel back to Prague circa 1583. It’s here that we find Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II and his odd collection of art, practicing scientists, alchemists, and an obsession with occult knowledge.

There are rumors that Rudolf II called for alchemists to come to Prague from all over Europe to achieve what only an alchemist can conjure: the Philosopher's Stone. The stone has made an appearance in several modern-day stories, such as Harry Potter, but it has a much older reputation. The stone's power was said to grant the alchemist the ability to transmute any base metal (copper, tin, zinc, iron) into gold. The most important gift that the Philosopher's stone can grant, the ability that Rudolf II was keen on attaining, was eternal youth.

Rudolf II's love for occult knowledge and practice drew in quite the crowd. His court called on several prominent scientists, alchemists, astrologers, astronomers, philosophers, and theologians to work on various scientific and occult experiments. Notable figures that graced the Holy Roman Emperor's court included:

Tycho Brahe: Astronomer

Johannes Kepler: Astronomer
Jost Burgi: Swiss Clockmaker and Mathematician
Giuseppe Arcimboldo: Artist is best known for his creative portrait heads made out of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, and books.
Edward Kelley: Occultist, Spiritual Medium, and Alchemist.
John Dee: Astronomer, Astrologer, Mathematician, Occultist, Teacher, and Alchemist.
Nostradamus: Astrologer, Physician, and reported Seer of future events.

Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel was also a prestigious and most welcome guest amongst Rudolf II's court. While the Rabbi is widely known for his association with the Golem, his theosophical works are probably the reason why such mysticism surrounds his legacy.

The Talmud is a codex of traditional Jewish civil and ceremonial law.
The Torah is the laws of God, as recorded by Moses, and is contained within the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures.
The Kabbalah is a form of Jewish theosophy and mysticism, a way of interpreting the Jewish scriptures, whose sole purpose is to attain an intimate knowledge of the divine on a level beyond intellect. The Kabbalah has a sordid history of being connected to occult and esoteric practices.

Born in 1520, possibly in Poznan, Poland, Rabbi Judah Lowe was an intriguing historical figure. He was a highly distinguished Rabbi. His philosophical works surrounded the Talmud, Torah, and Kabbalistic Jewish mysticism. His accomplishments would forever emblazon him with a tale that will be remembered for centuries to come. The Golem legend still roams the cobblestone streets of Prague to this very day.

During Rudolf II's reign, Prague's Jewish population faced gruesome anti-Semitism through violent riots and pogroms. The legend goes that Rabbi Judah could no longer tolerate the Emperor's inaction to the cruelty shown to his Jewish brothers and sisters. He sought a solution, a guardian, someone to protect his people living in the Jewish ghetto.

Through his study of Kabbalistic mysticism, Rabbi Judah Loew discovered an ancient and occult incantation. Using an esoteric form of alchemy, the Rabbi molded the Golem from the Vltava riverbank's mud and gave life to the Golem. The creature had an inscription carved in its forehead, Emet, meaning truth. In some tellings of this legend, the inscription was all that was needed to grant life to the creature, but in others, a clay communion imbued with God's breath of life allowed the Golem to live.

There are several renditions of the story. In some, the Golem pillages and burns all of Prague indiscriminately, no longer beholden to its original intended mission. In other versions of the story, the Golem falls in love, but when rejected, it rampages through Prague all the same. Regardless of this legend's version, the tale ends the same way; Rabbi Judah takes responsibility for his creation and revokes its existence. It is said that the inscription on the creature's forehead, Emet (truth), must be altered. Rabbi Judah Loew will undo the spell by scratching out the first letter the new inscription will read met (death).

One can visit many of the places mentioned in the legend, which makes for an exciting journey through Prague. There is the Old-New Synagogue (Altneuschul), where Rabbi Judah would deliver Psalm 92 twice during his services. It is rumored that the Golem's remains can be found in the Old-New Synagogue's attic. Then there is the Old Jewish Cemetery, located across the street from the Old-New Synagogue, where the Rabbi's gravestone can be found.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, another attractive location is Prague Castle, the world's largest castle complex. It was here that Emperor Rudolf II called Astrologers, Astronomers, Alchemists, Architects, Scientists, Philosophers, and Mathematicians to his court.

Tour begins at Prague Castle, then to New City Hall, then to the Old Jewish Cemetery, and finally arrive at the Old-New Synagogue.

Alongside your visit to the Castle, you might also enjoy visiting Golden Lane. Sometimes referred to as Alchemists’ Alley, Golden Lane was originally constructed to house Rudolf II’s royal guard and the court’s goldsmiths.

The Golem of Prague also makes an appearance in the most delicious way. Visit Golem Bakery for cookies molded in the famous form of the Golem of Prague. Enjoy the delectable treats as you search the mystical cobblestone streets for other statues and reminders of the Golem's presence. Along with various golem-themed restaurants and statues around the city, there is also a statue of Rabbi Judah Loew just outside Prague's New City Hall. The sculpture was erected by artist Ladislav Šaloun.

Written by James Lemons