Concerning gargoyles, all sources agree with the following quote from Gargoyle Gothica.com,
“Sticking out along the cornices of many Gothic Cathedrals are little beastly beings with angry madcap faces known as Gargoyles. It is safe to say they are not poised there, eyes outward, gnarly teeth at the ready, for their health. They are certainly meant as sentries, presenting a sort of anti-evil force field to protect the precious and fragile faith of the mighty but not invulnerable Lord. Arising from the Latin word "gurgulio" the word literally means throat and also the sound water makes passing through the throat. It French is comes from the same root as gargle. Thus, a true Gargoyle is a fountain, or at least something that conveys water through itself, sucking it up-and spitting it out. Technically, those serried beasts we see lining up along the highest edges of Gothic structures are not gargoyles, since they don't spout for the most part, but rather they are called Grotesques. Over time the term gargoyles seems to have encompassed these grotesques, and so for the purpose of this entry on the subject, gargoyle may in fact be considered a synonym for a grotesque.”
Architecture, however, maintains a distinction between the terms. Often multiple gargoyles were utilized to prevent short and long term building damage from flowing rainwater.
Gargoyles and grotesques come in all sizes, shapes, and depictions. Many however, appear to be based on the mythological Griffin or possibly a Dragon. The use of gargoyles on cathedrals appears to have its genesis in medieval French legend.
The Legend of La Gargouille: “Legend has it that a fierce dragon named La Gargouille with a long neck and membranous wings lived in a cave near the river Seine. The dragon caused much fear and destruction with its fiery breath, spouting water and devouring ships and men. Each year, the residents of Rouen would placate Gargouille with an offering of a victim, usually a criminal, though it was said the dragon preferred maidens. Around 600, the village was saved by St. Romanus, who promised to deal with the dragon if the townspeople agreed to be baptized and to build a church. Romanus, armed with only a crucifix, subdued the dragon by making the sign of the cross, and then led the now docile beast back to town on a leash made from his priest's robe. La Gargouille was then burned at the stake, it is said that his head and neck were so well tempered by the heat of his fiery breath that they would not burn. These remnants were then mounted on the town wall and became the model for gargoyles for centuries to come.”
David R. Davis
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i have always heard that gargoyles were kinda fallen angels and this was the last chance for redemption. if they protected the building and all within then they could once again become angels
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Lilly! It's a cool thought for sure. I haven't heard that part of the legend...but I like it, and will check into it and see if I can find some more details. :) Thanks for the push!
DeleteWhere was that last gargoyle in the picture above located?
ReplyDeleteIt was with another picture which was claimed to be a Notre Dame Cathedral gargoyle, but there was no reference for this particular shot...I've not been able to determine it's physical location. I don't know old Paris enough to know if that's what I'm seeing in the background...possible it's a view of the Sienne River from Notre Dame. I found it here: http://mavesd.people.cofc.edu/gargoyle.htm
DeletePardon me...I'm a bit sleepy :) I meant the Seine River.
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