Gargoyles. I have been obsessed with gargoyles since I saw them on a church in Prague in 2002. I have to admit my love of them comes straight from my Grandma Bell, her passion for creepy little things lives through me, hence my little man Tillman. On this trip, I have been overwhelmed by the amount of gargoyles on every church and thought it would be to my benefit to do some research about them.
Gargoyles:
They originated somewhere between the 11th and 13th century.
There are two types of Gargoyles; functional and non-functional. Non-functional, defined as a stone carving that resembles a creature but does not carry water is technically called a grotesque.
Gargoyle is defined as “a waterspout, projecting from an upper part of a building to throw water clear of walls and foundations.” The origin of the word ‘gargoyle’ is derived from a French word meaning ‘gargouille’ meaning throat.
Architecturally the only purpose of the gargoyle was to provide a method of drainage that protected the stones and the mortar of churches, cathedrals and castles from erosion.
Second purpose of the gargoyles was as ‘guardians’ to ward of evil.
No two gargoyles are exactly the same. The masons had free choice on the style and type of gargoyle to use.
Chybíš mi!
It seems we have the love of gargoyles in common. When I was in London last month my friend and I went to the Tower of London, gargoyles everywhere! Very cool pics!
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