Likely erected as a defense against demons, the stone statues are rooted in religion and steeped in superstition.
These gurgling figures gained prominence in Medieval France, though earlier editions have existed in different cultures for centuries.
Agargoyleis a grotesque that also acts as a drain-spout.
Photo: Milvus viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
How Do Gargoyles Work?
The wordgargoyle, orgargouille,is derived fromgorge, the French word forthroat.
Photo:Four Seasons MomviaYouTube
Though theatrical, this fascinating phenomenon serves a more functional purpose.
A gargoyle on the Cathedral of Bayeux in Normandy, France (Photo:JebulonviaWikimedia Commons,CC0 1.0)
In ancientEgypt, gargoyles adorned the roofs of temples and took the form of lion heads.
Similarly, in ancientRomeandGreece, gargoyles inspired by mythological animals and chimera were carved into places of worship.
On top of these ancient models, Gothic gargoyles were also inspired by French folklore.
A grotesque perched atop Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (Photo:Julian FongviaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 2.0)
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Grotesques and gargoyles on Notre Dame (Photo:Dennis JarvisviaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 2.0)
Lion-head gargoyle ruins at the Temple of Zeus (Photo:troy mckaskleviaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 2.0)
A statue of Saint Romain with La Gargouille at his feet (Photo:GiogoviaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Left: Exterior of Laon Cathedral, Laon, France (Photo: PMRMaeyaert viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)Right: Detail of Laon Cathedral gargoyles, Laon, France (Photo: Vassil viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France (Photo: WDGPhoto/Depositphotos)
Gargoyle on the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France (Photo: Sonar/Depositphotos)
Photo:Krzysztof MizeraviaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
