The main difference between gargoyles and grotesques is
that gargoyles contain a water sprout through the mouth
, whereas grotesques do not. In architecture, gargoyles and grotesques are mythical and fantastical figures used for decorative purposes.
What are the characteristics of a gargoyle?
Gargoyles are
carvings of grotesque figures, faces or creatures perching along the roofs and battlements of buildings and projecting from roof gutters
. The gargoyle is one of the most recognisable characteristics of Gothic architecture.
What makes a gargoyle a gargoyle?
Gargoyles are stone statues that are attached to buildings. But they are more than just a decoration. Gargoyles are waterspouts that help rainwater flow away from a building’s walls. They’re
carved from a block of solid stone, usually granite
.
Is a gargoyle good or bad?
Ordinarily, gargoyles are stone statues carved into a demonic shape and imbued with life by magical means, akin to a golem. … A gargoyle is
usually chaotic evil
. Gargoyles are sentient, cunning, and malevolent to the extreme.
What is a gargoyle without water called?
Grotesques
do not have a water spout like gargoyles, but are simply stone carvings, or paintings of creatures. They can be used as protection like gargoyles, or decorative paintings, and sculptures. Another name for a grotesque, is a chimera. These are mythical creatures very similar to grotesques.
What does a gargoyle symbolize?
Some think that the gargoyles’ angry faces were meant to
scare away evil spirits
and protect the building. Others think that scary gargoyles were placed on churches to remind people that there is evil in the world, so they should enter the church often and live a good life.
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.
What is the legend of the gargoyle?
Most gargoyles are depicted as grotesque creatures, but it is said that – like snowflakes – you will never find two that are exactly alike. Some legends say that these
stone creatures actually come to life to ward off evil
, and that they can communicate with others when the wind or rain passes through their mouths.
What do gargoyles represent spiritually?
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 does Notre Dame have gargoyles?
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.
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.
Do gargoyles protect you?
There are also regional variations, such as the hunky punk. Just as with bosses and chimeras, gargoyles are
said to protect what they guard, such as a church
, from any evil or harmful spirits.
Why do they put gargoyles on churches?
Originally, there were 102 gargoyles populating the Temple’s gutters, but they have since fallen off or been replaced. 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.
Do gargoyles spit water?
The word gargoyle comes from the French gargouille, which means “to gargle.” “And that is, of course, what a gargoyle does
; it spits water from its throat
,” Benton said. … Besides water control, they’ve been said to ward off evil and to frighten passers-by into piety.
What is a gargoyle chimera?
In architecture, a grotesque or chimera is a
fantastic or mythical figure used for decorative purposes
. Chimerae are often described as gargoyles, although the term gargoyle technically refers to figures carved specifically as terminations to spouts which convey water away from the sides of buildings.
What type of animal is a gargoyle?
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.
