They’re curious things often found on top of churches but over the years gargoyles have been given supernatural and even menacing characteristics, even though they are meant to be purely functional.
Here we look at the questions we most like to ask about our favourite stoney freaks, gargoyles.
What Are Gargoyles?
Gargoyles are decorative, often grotesque sculptures that are typically found on the exterior of buildings, especially on Gothic and medieval architecture. They are usually carved from stone, and are designed to serve as waterspouts, directing rainwater away from the sides of buildings.
The term gargoyle comes from the French word gargouille, which means “throat” or “gullet.” We probably get the world gargle from it in modern English.
In addition to their functional role in directing water away from buildings, gargoyles also had a symbolic purpose in medieval architecture. They were often carved in the form of mythical creatures, such as dragons or demons, and were believed to ward off evil spirits.
Over time, gargoyles have also become popular as ornamental features in gardens, as well as in popular culture, with many fictional depictions in literature, film, and television.
What is the History of Gargoyles?
The history dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were used as decorative elements in the form of animal or human figures in architecture. However, the use of gargoyles as functional waterspouts on buildings began in medieval Europe, especially during the Gothic period between the 12th and 16th centuries.
Gargoyles were placed on the exterior of churches, cathedrals, and other buildings with pitched roofs to prevent rainwater from running down the walls and causing damage. In addition to their practical function, gargoyles were also believed to have a spiritual role to play in societies. They were thought to ward off evil spirits and protect the building from harm.
During the Renaissance, the popularity of gargoyles declined as architects began to favour different classical designs. However, the Gothic revival movement in the 19th century brought about a renewed interest in medieval architecture, including the use of these funny little creatures.
Gargoyles are still used in architecture, particularly in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings.
What Do Gargoyles Represent?
Gargoyles were originally designed to serve a functional purpose as waterspouts, but they also had a symbolic and spiritual significance in medieval architecture. They were believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the building from harm.
In the Christian tradition, gargoyles were seen as guardians of the church, protecting it from demonic forces. They were also thought to be a reminder of the spiritual dangers that lurked outside the walls of the church.
Over time, the fearsome and sometimes grotesque appearance of gargoyles led to them being associated with darkness, evil, and the supernatural. This perception was reinforced by their common use on Gothic architecture, which was often associated with death and decay.
In popular culture, gargoyles have often been portrayed as malevolent creatures, with a reputation for causing harm and destruction. This has contributed to their association with sinister and ominous imagery.
What is the Folklore of Gargoyles?
There are several folklore tales and old stories associated wtih gargoyles that have been passed down through generations. Here are a few examples:
- The Gargoyle of Notre Dame: One of the most famous stories is the legend of the gargoyle of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. According to the this, the gargoyle was brought to life by a sorcerer and given the power to speak. It then became a companion and protector of the cathedral, warning of danger and providing guidance to those who sought it.
- The Gargoyle’s Curse: Another legend tells of a man who was cursed by a gargoyle after stealing from a church. The curse actually turned him into a gargoyle and he was forced to spend the rest of his life as a stone statue, perched on top of the church.
- The Gargoyle and the Scholar: In another tale, a scholar becomes lost in a labyrinthine library. A gargoyle shows him the way out but warns him not to tell anyone about their encounter. When the scholar breaks the gargoyle’s trust, he is cursed and forced to spend the rest of his life wandering the halls of the library again, unable to find his way out.
These tales and others like them have been told for centuries and have been incorporated into various cultural traditions. The origins of the stories are difficult to trace, but many of them are believed to have originated in medieval Europe, during the time when gargoyles were commonly used in architecture.
Are Gargoyles Evil or Good?
Gargoyles themselves are not inherently good or evil. They are inanimate objects that serve a functional and decorative purpose in architecture. However, in popular culture, gargoyles are often portrayed as malevolent creatures that are associated with darkness, evil, and the supernatural.
The perception of gargoyles as evil or sinister likely stems from their appearance and association with Gothic architecture, which is associated with death and decay. Additionally, their presence on buildings such as churches and cathedrals, which are associated with spirituality and the divine, may have contributed to their association with demonic or supernatural forces.
However, in some cultural and religious contexts, gargoyles have been viewed as protectors and guardians, serving to ward off evil spirits and protect the building from harm. In Christian tradition, for example, gargoyles were believed to be guardians of the church, protecting it from demonic forces.
Overall, whether gargoyles are perceived as good or evil is largely a matter of interpretation and cultural context.
Where Do You Find Them?
Gargoyles can be found on many different types of buildings, but they are most commonly found on Gothic-style churches, cathedrals, and other buildings with pitched roofs. They are usually placed on the upper levels of the building, where they serve as decorative elements and functional water spouts.
Some of the most famous gargoyles can be found on historic buildings in Europe, such as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The gargoyles on Notre Dame Cathedral are perhaps the most famous in the world, and they have become iconic symbols of the city. Other famous examples of gargoyles can be found on the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, Westminster Abbey in London, and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
In the United States, gargoyles can be found on many historic buildings, particularly in cities with a strong tradition of Gothic architecture. Examples include the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the Woolworth Building in New York City, and the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel.
While gargoyles are primarily associated with historic buildings, they can also be found in more modern architecture, particularly in buildings that have been designed in a Gothic or neo-Gothic style.
Are There Novels or Short Stories About Gargoyles?
Yes, there are several examples of older stories and legends that feature gargoyles as supernatural or horror elements. Here are a few examples:
- “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” by Victor Hugo: This classic novel, first published in 1831, features several terrifying gargoyles that come to life in the protagonist’s dreams. The gargoyles are depicted as malevolent beings that taunt and torment the protagonist.
- “The Gargoyle” by E.F. Benson: This short story, first published in 1913, is a horror story about a man who moves into a haunted house that features terrifying gargoyles. The gargoyles are depicted as demonic creatures that come to life and terrorize the protagonist.
- “The Gargoyle” by Stephen King: This short story, first published in 1972, is a horror story about a young couple who move into a new house that is decorated with gargoyles. The gargoyles are depicted as malevolent beings that come to life and attack the couple.
- “The Gargoyle’s Shadow” by John Leighton: This short story, first published in 1854, is a gothic horror story about a man who becomes obsessed with a gargoyle that he sees on a church. The gargoyle is depicted as a malevolent presence that haunts the protagonist and drives him to madness.
What Films Have Gargoyles Playing a Role?
There have been several films and TV series that have featured gargoyles as leading characters in horror or supernatural tales. Here are a few examples:
- “Night of the Gargoyles” (1972): This made-for-TV movie is a horror film about a group of archaeologists who uncover an ancient tribe of living gargoyles in the Southwest United States. The gargoyles are depicted as terrifying creatures that attack humans and take them captive.
- “Gargoyles” (1994-1997): This animated TV series follows a clan of heroic gargoyles who protect New York City from various threats. The show features a mix of action, drama, and supernatural elements, and has become a cult classic among fans of the genre.
- “Gargoyles: Wings of Darkness” (2004): This made-for-TV movie is a horror film about a group of people who get stranded on an island inhabited by malevolent gargoyles. The gargoyles are depicted as vicious and predatory creatures that attack and kill humans.
- “Penny Dreadful” (2014-2016): This popular horror show features several supernatural creatures, including a gargoyle-like monster known as a “Nightcomer.” The Nightcomer is depicted as a terrifying creature that hunts humans and feeds on their blood.
- “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1923): This silent film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel features several gargoyles that come to life in the protagonist’s dreams. The gargoyles are depicted as malevolent creatures that taunt and torment the hunchback protagonist, played by Lon Chaney.
- “The Devil-Doll” (1936): This horror film features a scientist who uses a shrinking ray to create miniature humanoids that he controls. He essentially creates a group of miniature gargoyles that he uses to carry out his revenge against his enemies.
Do Some People have a Fear of Gargoyles?
Yes, some people may have a phobia of gargoyles. This phobia is known as gargoylephobia (surprise, surprise) and it involves an irrational and excessive fear of a particular object or situation relating to our stoney friends.
People with gargoylephobia may experience symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance behaviour when they are near or exposed to gargoyles. This fear may be related to the appearance of the statues, which can be intimidating or frightening to some people, or it may be related to the history and symbolism of gargoyles, which are often associated with Gothic architecture and religious themes.
Like other phobias, gargoylephobia can be treated with various therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the person to their fear in a controlled and safe environment. If you or someone you know is struggling with gargoylephobia or any other phobia, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
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