A well worn smithy by Bahja
Golems
loosely based on myth
Golems originated from Judaism, as a true neutral creature, used as a metaphor for anything. These masonry examples inspired the clay golems of d&d. Flesh golems are most likely based on Frankenstien's monster, and stone golems are based on the terracotta soldiers in the first emperor of China's tomb. Iron golems don't have any mythological influence, but they do seem to be based of off modern robot tropes.
Flesh golems are the smallest and weakest of the golems. They hold together better than clay golems though. They are the cheapest golems to make, but their materials are a bit controversial. They resemble lumbering assemblies of different shaped body parts stitched together grotesquely. They are brought to life, and can be healed with electricity. Because they are composed of flesh, they have a working brain making them the most intelligent of golems.
Clay golems are sculpted from simple earthen materials in a vague humanoid form. These are the least stable of the golems, usually going berserk when damaged, but the more humanoid the shape, the more stable it is. They also take the least amount of time to make, and can be healed with acid.
Stone golems are comprised of bedrocks and regoliths. These can be chiseled into any form the size of a horse, even animal-like. Their magical vessels let them slow down time to give itself a fair advantage in combat due to their dull demeanor. Because of these attributes, they are considered the most well rounded in cost and power.
Iron golems are the most expensive and powerful of all golems. Comprised of iron and steel, they can be shaped into any form you want. They can breath deadly poison, wield a great sword in one hand and can be healed with fire. These constructs are almost impossible to kill and are stronger than most giants.
In Mythology
The golem of Prague in jewish culture from the 16th century
An iron golem from Minecraft made in 2009 added in 2012
A terracotta solider from china in 145 BCE
Frankenstiens monster from 1931