Gargoyles were originally designed in 13th century French architecture as a means of disposing of water. Think of them as the precursor to the gutter. Typically, a trough was cut into the back of the gargoyle and the rainwater was able to run off of the roof and through the gargoyle’s mouth.
Where did gargoyles first appear?
According to French architect and author Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, himself one of the great producers of gargoyles in the 19th century, the earliest known medieval gargoyles appear on Laon Cathedral (c. 1200–1220). One of the more famous examples is the gargoyles of Notre-Dame de Paris.
Where are gargoyles found?
A gargoyle is an ornate spout that allows water to drain away from buildings. Early examples of gargoyles have been found in Egypt, Greece, and even as far away as China, but Gothic period gargoyles are mainly found on cathedrals in Europe.
Are gargoyles dragons?
The word gargoyle derives from the French gargouille, meaning “throat.” This would appear to take its inspiration from the statues’ water-siphoning gullets, but in fact the name comes from the French legend of “La Gargouille,” a fearsome dragon that terrorized the inhabitants of the town of Rouen.
Are gargoyles bad luck?
“People come in and think they (gargoyles) are scary, but they’re not. … But gargoyles are intended to be just a little bit scary. Superstition has long held that the grotesque stone figures frightened away evil spirits.
What is the most famous gargoyle?
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Perhaps the most well-known gargoyles in the world hover on Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Technically known as grotesques (true gargoyles have waterspouts as mouths), these monstrous creatures glare ominously down on the City of Light.
Are gargoyles Pagan?
The relation of gargoyles to paganism is quite fitting. While classic gargoyles are a product of the middle ages, the practice of decorating drain spouts with animals, and creatures like gargoyles goes way back, even to Ancient Egypt and other pagan/non-christian places.
What Stone are gargoyles made from?
Gargoyles are waterspouts that help rainwater flow away from a building’s walls. They’re carved from a block of solid stone, usually granite.
Why are gargoyles on Catholic churches?
Gargoyles have been used throughout the ages. In Ancient Egyptian architecture, gargoyles were prominently sculpted in the form of a lion’s head. … The Catholic Church’s primary use of the gargoyle was to illustrate evil. The church wanted to convey a realistic image of the possibility of a damned afterlife.
Who is gargoyle?
Chic, played by Hart Denton, is alive and well, and he’s the Gargoyle King. Yep, you read that right — Chic Cooper is the one behind the mask! And he’s not working alone, either; Penelope Blossom took him in and groomed him to look like her late son, Jason. The layers of creepiness never stop!
Do gargoyles gargle?
You know, like this one. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word gargoyle comes from the old French word gargoule, which means throat. Gargoyles are the grotesque carved spouts used to channel water from roofs. … It’s gargle, which is the act of rinsing the back of one’s throat.
Are gargoyles spiritual?
Many considered gargoyles the spiritual protectors of churches as well, scaring off demons and evil spirits. Some historians believe gargoyles were inspired from pagan eras and were used to make churches feel more familiar to new Christians.
Why are there gargoyles on Notre Dame?
The gargoyles’ main purpose is very practical. As rain water runs down the roofs of Notre-Dame de Paris, it needs to drain off without dripping down the walls and potentially damaging them. By evacuating rain water, the gargoyles protect the cathedral and protect the stone from damage caused by excessive runoff.
What does a gargoyle tattoo represent?
The gargoyle was long seen as a way for people to keep away evil spirits and beings, so one of the meanings given to gargoyle tattoos is protection. If you see someone with a gargoyle tattoo, chances are they are using it to motivate themselves so they are not swayed by evil temptations.
Are gargoyles used today?
People often assume they’re simply decorative but the gargoyles are vital to the structure of Notre Dame, serving as part of the water drainage system. Still in use today, when the drainage system was built in the Middle Ages, it led to significant architectural advancements for the cathedral.
Did the gargoyles of Notre Dame survive?
Viollet-le-Duc was a Gothic Revival architect who was famous for his own creative restorations, introducing the gargoyles, which served as rain spouts from the roof and appeared to have survived the fire. … Viollet-le-Duc restored the facade of Notre-Dame, inside and out, including replacing 60 statues.
What animal are gargoyles?
Ancient Egyptians usually created gargoyles in the shape of a lion’s head. Other popular animal gargoyles were dogs, wolves, eagles, snakes, goats, and monkeys. Over the years, many other types of creatures have been used as gargoyles.
Why are grotesques on churches?
Evil. During the Middles Ages, the Catholic Church used grotesques on their churches to tell the populace through the images how faith would protect them. … This grotesque has the face of a bat with angry human eyes.
What is the difference between a dragon and a gargoyle?
As nouns the difference between gargoyle and dragon
is that gargoyle is a carved grotesque figure on a spout which conveys water away from the gutters while dragon is (mythical creature).
Can gargoyles fly?
Flight – Gargoyles can fly under their own power. Endurance – Being made of stone, gargoyles cannot be wounded in the way other creatures can.
What are gargoyles a symbol of?
In any case, gargoyles were used as symbols, and could be interpreted in many ways. They could have represented the souls condemned for their sins, whom was therefore the entrance to church forbidden. The price for sinning, although they were spared from eternal damnation, would be to be turned to stone.
What is gargoyle in Harry Potter?
Gargoyles are a semi-sentient stone creatures used as guards for rooms in Hogwarts. A stone gargoyle blocks the entrance to the Head’s Office. It steps aside when the correct password is given to enter (CS11). A stone gargoyle is used as a water spout in the Potions dungeon (PA17).
Are gargoyles medieval?
Gargoyles are a fascinating element of Medieval Architecture. These frightening, grotesque sculptures are most often associated with Medieval Churches and Cathedrals but they were also used to great effect in English Gothic castles.