There are all sorts of theories as to why gargoyles were placed on churches and other lofty perches. Such as they were meant to attract pagans to the church... which hopefully led to conversion. Some say that superstitious builders felt that a building without gargoyles would collapse from evil spirits pushing the walls in, thus the supernatural brute squad.
courtesy of Leonard Regazzo
The beginning of the modern gargoyle is traced back to the legend of Saint Romanis's encounter with La Gargouille in pre-Christian France. Described as a dragon-like creature, La Gargouille was said to breathe fire and required human sacrifices to curve its wrath. Of course, its preferred offering was a young maiden.
When St. Romanis entered Rouen, the beast's home, he assured the people he would dispatch La Gargouille if they agreed to convert to Christianity and build a cathedral. The story goes that St. Romanis approached the beast and subdued it with a cross sign. The lolled beast was led by the priest to the stake. They burned it, but La Gargouille's throat and head would not be consumed. The beast's remains were mounted on the building to remind them of their agreement.
A traditional gargoyle is a stone carving fashioned into a drainage spout. They often jet out from the building to keep the water away from the structure. This style of gargoyle is more common on older European buildings. A newer gargoyle is a statue known as a “Grotesque.” Sculptors never make the same gargoyle twice. Each piece is meant to be as individual as people.
Grotesques have been around since ancient times. Mythology is filled with these half-man, half-animal creatures. The most famous examples include the Sphinx, Medusa, and the Minotaur. Gargoyles can be humanoid beasts frozen in attack, or whimsical creatures such as unicorns, griffins, or even angels.
The term “chimeras” is used to describe gargoyles that are compilations of animals. Such as the heads of lions and bodies of horses. Some buildings display images of gods and historical figures. Whatever the form a gargoyle takes, its main purpose is to send a message. It says, “All is well, I'm on watch.”
These classical monsters from Greek mythology are often referenced when Gargoyles are discussed.
courtesy of Álvaro Rotellar
The immortal sister of the Gogans has top billing as the first gargoyle mentioned in mythology. The most popular story states that Medusa was one of Poseidon's lovers. It is thought that Athena, (Poseidon's rival) punished Medusa for her arrogance. Some stories say that Medusa lived so far north that the sun didn't shine. This fact led her to ask Athena for permission to go south to see the sun. Athena refused. An angry Medusa suggested that the goddess of Wisdom was jealous of her. Furious, Athena cursed her with ugliness. Complete with a head full of writhing snakes.
Medusa became a ferocious monster, her name struck fear into the hearts of the bravest men. The struggle of fighting with Medusa was it was impossible to look at her. One glance on the horrible, yet fascinating face and the observer was turned to stone.
It wasn't until Athena sent Perseus to slay her, that she became part of her own collection. Perseus beheaded her. Even in death, her gaze still created lawn ornaments.
A monster born out of the King of Crete's lack of integrity. The Minotaur was the child of King Minos's wife and a divine bull. Poseidon gave Minos the animal with the understanding that he would sacrifice it to the god of the sea. When the King reneged, Poseidon caused Mino's wife to lust for the bull.
courtesy Martijn Vonk
With the help of Daedalus, a brilliant inventor, the queen conceived a child with the bull. The result had the head and tail of a bull, and the body of a man. After years of terrorizing the people, Minos called on Daedalus to build a labyrinth to trap the monster.
courtesy of flickch
Traditionally, the Sphinx had the body of a lion and the torso of a woman. She was a danger to travelers. She lay in wait for the men and accosted them. She offered them a deal, answer a riddle, and live, fail and she would devour them. She was eventually bested by Oedipus.
courtesy of Denis Oliveira
The mythology surrounding gargoyles casts them as protectors. When the sun went down, these guardians came to life. Medieval stories mention gargoyles protecting their homes from thieves and vandals. Winged gargoyles were said to patrol the village to protect its people. Whether fierce attack dogs or noble warriors, gargoyles have captured the public's interest for generations. The mythology of gargoyles contains elements of all the classical monsters mentioned. Such as:
>Made of stone, yet still dangerous (at night at least.)
>Masters of their domains, (okay so it's not exactly a labyrinth.)
>Guardians who would gladly tear you limb from limb if you meant harm. (Most stories don't mention a taste for human flesh...thank goodness.)
Dozens of books discuss the macabre beauty of these stone works of art. Poems have been written about their silent visuals. And even Walt Disney created their own gargoyle warriors in the hit cartoon series “Gargoyles.”
What started as a medieval superstition, has become part of folklore and fantasy. And although some cringe at a gargoyle's leering grin, many grin right back.
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