Gargoyle
Functional waterspouts during the Gothic Era and are said to scare off evil spirits
A gargoyle is a decorative architectural element found on buildings, often in the form of a grotesque statue with a water spout designed to convey rainwater away from the building’s walls. While they may look like animals or monsters, their purpose is primarily functional.
The name gargoyle comes from the French word “gargouille” which means throat or gullet. Originally, gargoyles were intended to serve a symbolic purpose as well as a practical one, namely as a visual reminder of evil and the need to protect oneself against it.
In medieval times, when many people believed in the existence of demons and other supernatural creatures, the presence of gargoyles was believed to guard against malevolent spirits by frightening them with their scary appearance.
During the Gothic period, gargoyles became increasingly ornate and were used as decorative elements on buildings, especially on churches and cathedrals. Some of the most famous examples of gargoyles can be found on Notre-Dame de Paris, where they were created in the 19th century during the famous restoration of the building.
Today, gargoyles are still used as decorative elements on buildings, and many people find them fascinating and intriguing for their intricate designs and grotesque features.
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