What is a gargoyle?

You see them on the sides of buildings, serious and still against the sky from their high perches. They are made of stone, and shaped like some sort of animal or creature. They are gargoyles, named for the gurgling, gargling sound they make when rainwater drains from their spouts. In fact, the word “gargoyle” comes from the French word “gargouille,” meaning “throat.”

Gargoyles were originally used to drain water from the gutters of buildings, and they often stuck out several feet from their perches so they could project water as far from the building as possible. Lions, birds, monsters and beasts are common gargoyle creatures.  

Gargoyles were sometimes seen as protectors of the buildings on which they rested. In addition, their place on churches once reminded worshippers that although the world outside may be confusing at times, the inside of the church was a safe place!

Over time the word “gargoyle” was used to refer not only to water spouts, but to any stone creature or beast used as decoration, including grotesques, which combine human and animal forms, as well as chimeras, which combine the features of several creatures, such as lions, goats and dragons. However, to truly understand the difference between these carved creatures, we can remember that gargoyles serve the purpose of draining water, while chimeras and grotesques do not.

Let your fingers be your tools, and don’t hesitate to grab a popsicle stick to help with the carving. Will your gargoyle have a funny face, a scary face, or a friendly face? Have fun as you craft your sculpture creation!