Subverting Myths: Eve as Golem
Location
Ponderosa Room A
Presentation Type
Presentation
Presentation Topic
Literature, Film, Golem, Eve, Women, Folklore
Start Date
6-3-2026 2:30 PM
Event Sort Order
37
Abstract
The Golem of Prague is by far the most widely-known iteration of the Jewish folkloric figure, but the origin of the golem narrative can be traced back much further. By looking at the Old Testament, it is clear that the word “golem” can be attributed to Adam’s creation. What is often overlooked is that Eve is an equally important figure in the golem narrative; her creation is the marker of the first female golem. By understanding Eve as a golem, we can see how she truly embodies many aspects attributed to golems despite being the opposite sex of most traditional folkloric versions, and how Eve’s narrative and the golem narrative have connections in regard to treatment and behavior. This essay argues that Eve and some of her more recent variations can be viewed as symbols of denied feminine autonomy and the violence historically enacted upon women, which is demonstrated and explored through the effective subversion and use of the typical golem narrative. These other variations of Eve include the Bride of Frankenstein—suggesting both Elizabeth and the monster’s bride under the same title—and, more recently, Chava from Helene Wecker’s The Golem and the Jinni.
Subverting Myths: Eve as Golem
Ponderosa Room A
The Golem of Prague is by far the most widely-known iteration of the Jewish folkloric figure, but the origin of the golem narrative can be traced back much further. By looking at the Old Testament, it is clear that the word “golem” can be attributed to Adam’s creation. What is often overlooked is that Eve is an equally important figure in the golem narrative; her creation is the marker of the first female golem. By understanding Eve as a golem, we can see how she truly embodies many aspects attributed to golems despite being the opposite sex of most traditional folkloric versions, and how Eve’s narrative and the golem narrative have connections in regard to treatment and behavior. This essay argues that Eve and some of her more recent variations can be viewed as symbols of denied feminine autonomy and the violence historically enacted upon women, which is demonstrated and explored through the effective subversion and use of the typical golem narrative. These other variations of Eve include the Bride of Frankenstein—suggesting both Elizabeth and the monster’s bride under the same title—and, more recently, Chava from Helene Wecker’s The Golem and the Jinni.
Presenter Bio
Lila Waterfield is a Graduate Assistant for the English department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is pursuing the creative track MA in English with a focus on poetry. After graduating, she plans to continue to write and teach with a larger goal of continuing her education and becoming a professor of creative writing. When she has time, Lila really enjoys working with ceramics, although she is very much an amateur.