Gargoyles

What is a Gargoyle

Gargoyle (GAHR -goil): A waterspout in the form of a grotesque human or animal figure projecting from the roof or eaves of a building.

Gargoyles originally functioned as down spouts to direct rain water away from the walls of medieval gothic cathedrals. It is thought that gargoyles were named for the gurgling sound that the water spilling out them makes. Gargoyles protected from their perches on high and were also thought to ward off evil from the cathedral. Some of the world's most famous gargoyles can be found at the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris. This Gothic cathedral was constructed in the 12th century.

The Gargoyle Gallery

The Night of the Gargoyle

The gargolyes squat

high on corners

staring into space,

their empty eyes unblinking

till night comes.

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This page last modified on 5/31/99