In the Jewish ghetto in 16th century Prague, the community leader and astrologer Rabbi Low forsees doom for his people written in the stars. A short time later, the emperor Luhois issues an expulsion order to the peopleof the ghetto and they are to leave the city. In an attempt to save his people, Low creates a forbidding clay golem that he brings to life with the assistance of a demon spirit and an amulet placed in the centre of the creature's chest. Subsequently the Golem saves the Emperor's life and order is rescinded.