FAQs
There are divided ideas as to the purpose of adding gargoyles to religious structures. Some state that gargoyles were meant to illustrate evil and sin, while others have posited that grotesques in architecture were apotropaic devices.
What do gargoyles mean to Christians? ›
Some historians believe gargoyles were inspired from pagan eras and were used to make churches feel more familiar to new Christians. Others said gargoyles were morality lessons in stone, reminding people that while purity and good may be found inside the church, sin and evil are never far away.
What type of demon is a gargoyle? ›
Contrary to popular belief, gargoyles are not demonic creatures. In fact, they have been used as protectors of churches and other religious buildings for centuries. Gargoyles are known for their unique and often grotesque appearance, but their purpose goes beyond just being decorative.
What do gargoyles symbolize? ›
Both gargoyles and grotesques have been attributed with the power to ward off evil spirits, guarding the buildings they occupy and protecting those inside. Photographed in 1992 by Bob Skingle of the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England.
Did gargoyles really exist? ›
Despite all of that, though, gargoyles actually serve a very practical purpose. The earliest forms of gargoyles were around even before the Gothic period, as early as ancient Egypt. Gothic period gargoyles were mainly in Europe, but other examples have been found in Greece and even in China.
Are gargoyles friendly? ›
Friendly gargoyles
The notion of a friendly gargoyle was used by the Disney show Gargoyles (1994–1997) in which gargoyles protect humanity as part of their nature. It originates from the folk belief of gargoyles as protectors.
What is a female gargoyle called? ›
Demona. Demona, once known as Angel and also known as The Demon, is a female gargoyle.
What is the myth behind gargoyles? ›
In folklore, gargoyles are thought to ward off harmful spirits, their wide open mouths symbolic of devouring giants. They were also thought to act as a reminder of the hell that awaited anyone who did not attend church.
Are gargoyles cursed? ›
Most are betrayed and killed by humans while petrified and the remainder are magically cursed to sleep—i.e., be frozen in stone form until the castle "rises above the clouds." A thousand years later in 1994, billionaire David Xanatos purchases the gargoyles' castle and has it reconstructed atop his New York skyscraper, ...
Are gargoyles pagan? ›
Most of these are rooted in European paganism. ``The Green Man' is one recurring image in gargoyles. It's based on the Celtic depiction of a human head entwined with foliage. The oak tree was sacred to the Druids, and branches coming from the mouth or crowning the head were a sign of divinity.
Gargoyles were very common in Medieval architecture. Historically, they served two purposes: to divert water from the roof and away from the building during storms, which is why they have a spout (basically functioning as gutters), and to ward off evil spirits, keeping them away from the church.
What do gargoyles mean to Catholics? ›
The Catholic Church's primary use of the gargoyle was to illustrate evil.
Why is gargoyles good? ›
It was the show's handling of adult themes in its stories and character structure that set it apart from other animated series at the time. The Gargoyles were not just misunderstood creatures, they were also warriors fighting for good, and they grappled with the harsh realities of a violent world.
