BA2 - Gargoyle Research

The Oxford English dictionary describes a 'gargoyle' as being 'a grotesque carved human or animal face or figure projecting from the gutter of a building, typically acting as a spout to carry water clear of a wall'. The term itself is based upon the Old French word 'gargouille', which means 'throat', however it's also related to the Greek word 'gargarizein', which means 'to gargle' and the late Latin word 'gurulio', which also means throat. This is particularly fitting as the purpose of a gargoyle is to shift water away from a building, most notably through the mouth of the sculpture. They are often confused with grotesques, which appear similar; however do not contain a water spout.

Gargoyles are most commonly found along the edges of old medieval buildings, especially cathedrals and churches. There is no true definitive reason why they looked so grotesque, however there are many explanations which have been documented. A distinguished Frenchman, Emile Male said, "No symbolism can explain the monstrous fauna of the cathedrals… If ever works are exempt of meaning surely these are… All attempts at explanation must be foredoomed to failure.' (E. Male, L'art religieux du XIIIe siecle en France 8e edition p. 121, 124). In other words, he is describing that we can never truly provide an accurate description to the purpose of a gargoyle, but can speculate and guess a number of different reasons.

It's a definite that these statues acted as rainwater plumbing, however this doesn't explain their twisted appearance. Although gargoyles are commonly thought of to ward off evil spirits and demons from holy places, they were also sought of as a 'juxtaposition or balance of ugliness against the beauty inside [a] building'. Another reason for their aesthetics was to show 'parishioners of the perils of evil', as well as a warning to wrong doers.

Also regarding their appearance (especially those sculpted in the medieval times), most "human gargoyles are nude or nearly nude…because the nude was rarely depicted in medieval art - only when required by a subject, such as Christ crucified", Adam and Eve e.t.c. "Acording to biblical tradition, nakedness is a symbol of shame and absence of virtue." These quotes are referenced from the book 'Holy Terrors: Gargoyles on Medieval Buildings', written by Janetta Rebold Benton. The gargoyles which looked rather tame in comparison to the grotesque ones were said to be considered as more decorative and ornamental pieces, explained by an 'architectural trend'.

Myths and how Gargoyles defended their territory:

- They act as guardians of a building, watching over the people.

- Their frightening and sinister looks scare away beings and malevolent forces.

- There were superstitious remarks that gargoyles came to life in the night and watched over people while they sleep.

'An appealing idea for explaining medieval gargoyles, is as a reminder or warning to the populace of the evil all around outside and the safe sanctuary inside the church. Evil takes many forms, from women carrying the devil on their backs (very symbolic, very unenlightened and non-PC) to bug eyed human faces twisted into monstrocities, to demons, dangerous beasts, hideous human horrors, and hairy men who have descended terribly into the brutal and frightening level of the beast. Better the beauty and serenity inside, come on in and forget the trials of the world outside for a while and pray for your soul and your salvation from the horrors shown outside.'

Types of Animal Gargoyles:

Lion

Very popular with the ancient Greeks, Lion gargoyles were the most common 'non-native' animal which was sculpted throughout the medieval period (1200's). The creatures themselves had close mythological links with the sun, with their manes symbolising a solar wreath. However this very golden, regal animal was associated with one of the seven deadly sins, being pride. 'Cats other than lions were rare among gargoyle carvings because of their dark nature and association with Satanism and Witchcraft.

Dog

Dogs were a very common native animal to be used as a gargoyle, and considered faithful, loyal and intelligent. This proved great qualities as a guardian that would watch over a building (more specifically, a church for example). The biblical side to the dog however, linked these creatures to the sin of greed. Dogs were widely known for their 'tendency to steal food from kitchens', which shows that they 'were vulnerable to the Devil's temptation'.

Sources:

1. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/gargoyle

2. http://www.stratis.demon.co.uk/gargoyles/gg-ety-hist-myth.htm

3. J. Rebold Benton. 1997. Holy Terrors, Gargoyles on Medieval Buildings, Abbeville Press.

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