Golem (folklore)

A Golem is a magical creation that is mentioned in Jewish folklore - said to be created by those who know the secrets of mysticism, these beings are not flesh and blood but rather clay or stone and once brought to life are said to be almost mindless servants. However Golems could become dangerous and unpredictable, often to the point they had to be destroyed in order to stop them from rampaging - this is seen as an example of hubris: in which the creation of a Golem is seen as an affront against nature and the subsequent problems are seen as punishment for such arrogance. The most famous Golem in folklore is the Golem Of Prague and ever since the legend became widely spread Golems have become popular figures in fiction, sometimes as antagonists but more often as servants to a higher evil (or misguided "hero").

In Fiction
An episode of the X-Files had a Golem summoned by a Jewish community to protect them, the Golem began murdering neo-Nazis but like the Golem of Prague grew out of control.