What was the original purpose of a gargoyle?

What was the original purpose of a gargoyle?

Gargoyles were originally designed in 13th century French architecture as a means of disposing of water. Think of them as the precursor to the gutter. Typically, a trough was cut into the back of the gargoyle and the rainwater was able to run off of the roof and through the gargoyle’s mouth.

Why do Gothic churches have gargoyles?

In architecture, and specifically in Gothic architecture, a gargoyle (/ˈɡɑːrɡɔɪl/) is a carved or formed grotesque with a spout designed to convey water from a roof and away from the side of a building, thereby preventing rainwater from running down masonry walls and eroding the mortar between.

Are gargoyles Pagan?

The relation of gargoyles to paganism is quite fitting. While classic gargoyles are a product of the middle ages, the practice of decorating drain spouts with animals, and creatures like gargoyles goes way back, even to Ancient Egypt and other pagan/non-christian places.

What are 2 different purposes of a gargoyle?

While both types of Gothic sculpture are designed to scare, gargoyles also serve an architectural purpose: they double as waterspouts, catching and draining rainwater. These gurgling figures gained prominence in Medieval France, though earlier editions have existed in different cultures for centuries.

Why do they put gargoyles on buildings?

In architecture, a gargoyle ( /ˈɡɑːrɡɔɪl/) is a carved or formed grotesque with a spout designed to convey water from a roof and away from the side of a building, thereby preventing rainwater from running down masonry walls and eroding the mortar between. Architects often used multiple gargoyles on a building to divide the flow…

Why do gargoyles have their mouths open?

Gargoyles originated somewhere between the 11th and the 13th Centuries. They served two purposes – to scare off evil, and to divert rainwater. Many have open mouths because they also functioned downspouts to divert rainwater from foundations. As a result, many of the early Gargoyles also had rather long necks.

Why do churchs have gargoyles?

The reason gargoyles are on churches is to be so frightening that they scare away evil spirits . The priests definitely do not want evil spirits in churches. One reason evil spirits are especially not wanted in churches is to protect the Eucharist: the bread and wine used in Christian mass that represents the blood and body of Christ.

What purpose do gargoyles serve on a church?

THEY SERVE A PRACTICAL PURPOSE. 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.