![]() ![]() ![]() Chimeras often served as a warning to people who underestimated the devil. Some of the more notable chimeras are griffins, centaurs, harpies, and mermaids. A carved creature that does not serve the purpose of a drain pipe is frequently referred to as a "Grotesque".Ĭhimeras are merely carvings of faces (usually grotesque) or mixes of different types of animal body parts to create a new creature. The word “gargoyle” is also a derivative from the Latin word, “gurgulio”, which had a double meaning, “throat”, and the “gurgling” sound water makes as it passes through a gargoyle. Because of that - since medieval times - they have been thought to frighten off and keep demons and evil forces away from the walls of the church, protecting the churchgoers from any harmful spirits.Īnother idea is that the gargoyles are believed to have a purifying role, as they keep the unclean water and wastewater away.The word "Gargoyle" shares a common root with the word "Gargle" which comes from "gargouille", an French word for "Throat". Inspired by fantastic bestiaries, they’re often quite frightening looking. The more interesting part of the gargoyles could be their symbolic meaning. ![]() The main purpose of the gargoyles is actually quite practical: They serve to drain rainwater so that the stone is protected from damage caused by excessive runoff, according to PARISCityVISION. The mythical creatures, which were added to the church during reconstruction in the 1840s, have served as an essential part of the building, but do you know why they're there or what they stand for? It turns out their role is somewhat multifunctional. If you’ve ever visited Notre Dame or even seen pictures, it’s hard not to notice the gargoyle sculptures that sit atop the cathedral. ![]()
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