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In architecture, and specifically Gothic architecture, a gargoyle (/ ˈ ɡ ɑːr ɡ ɔɪ l /) is a carved or formed grotesque: 6–8 with a spout designed to convey water from a roof and away from the side of a building, thereby preventing it from running down masonry walls and eroding the mortar between. Architects often used multiple ...
Apr 11, 2024 · A gargoyle is a carved ornament that drains water from a roof or a grotesque creature that decorates a building. Learn about the origin, types, and styles of gargoyles in architecture, from ancient Rome to Gothic Europe.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Gargoyles are there for a reason. When gargoyles began appearing on churches throughout Europe in the 13th century, they served as decorative water spouts, engineered to preserve stone walls by diverting the flow of rainwater outward from rooftops.
- The name comes from a dragon-slaying legend. The word gargoyle derives from the French gargouille, meaning “throat.” This would appear to take its inspiration from the sculptures’ 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 city of Rouen.
- Gargoyles were meant to inspire fear in churchgoers. Placing gargoyles on a church’s exterior reinforced the idea that evil dwelled outside the church, while salvation could be found within.
- Church leaders hoped gargoyles would also attract pagans. Churches would also model gargoyles after the creatures worshipped by pagan tribes, thinking this would make their houses of worship appear more welcoming to them.
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Learn the origin, usage, and examples of the word gargoyle, which can refer to a spout or a grotesque figure. Find out how to pronounce, spell, and cite this word in different contexts.
Learn about the origin, evolution, and purpose of gargoyles, the grotesque sculptures that adorn Medieval cathedrals. Discover how gargoyles work as waterspouts, how they differ from grotesques, and which famous cathedrals have them.
The gargoyle is a fantasy and horror monster inspired by the gargoyle architectural element. While they were believed in mythology to frighten away evil spirits, the idea of such statues physically coming to life is a more recent notion.
Learn about the gargoyles and grotesques that adorn the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, their practical and symbolic functions, and their restoration after the 2019 fire. Discover the fun facts and legends surrounding these mysterious creatures that guard the Gothic masterpiece.
- DictionaryGar·goyle/ˈɡärˌɡoil/
noun
- 1. a grotesque carved human or animal face or figure projecting from the gutter of a building, typically acting as a spout to carry water clear of a wall.
