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In modern culture, they typically symbolize demons or other demonic creatures. However, in medieval times, they acted as scarecrows, in order to keep birds from perching on and defacing buildings with heights that would be difficult to reach. Western culture especially has taken the idea of these gargoyles and turned them into demonic symbols, probably due to our puritan origins. Originally, gargoyles were protectors, one may say, from birds.

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What cathederal is famous for their gargoyles?

Notre Dame is the cathedral that is most famous for having gargoyles.


Were gargoyles made in Medieval Times?

Gargoyles became popular in the medieval period but they date back to ancient Egypt.


When were gargoyles first used?

Gargoyles first began appearing over 2000 years ago, in Ancient Greece and Egypt.


What do gargoyles repersent?

gargoyles were put in place to scare off evil spirits Gargoyles are weird stone figures which are half human and half animal or half bird. They sit on edges of roofs of many old cathedrals, palaces, and other buildings. But these frightening figures are not there to frighten away passers-by; they serve a very useful purpose. Gargoyles are actually waterspouts to catch the rain as it flows off the roof. This water is piped into the mouths of the gargoyles and is emptied into the street, instead of dripping down the sides of the building and damaging it. Stoneworkers who created these gargoyles in medieval times are said to have represented their friends in the grotesque forms of these gargoyles. Some people believe that gargoyles were named from the French word gargouiller, which means "to gargle." Perhaps this is true, since people do make strange and even grotesque faces when they gargle water in their throats.


What are gargoyles based on?

gargoyles are based on greek and roman mythology......... Nope ! Gargoyles are weird stone figures which are half human and half animal or half bird. They sit on edges of roofs of many old cathedrals, palaces, and other buildings. But these frightening figures are not there to frighten away passers-by; they serve a very useful purpose. Gargoyles are actually waterspouts to catch the rain as it flows off the roof. This water is piped into the mouths of the gargoyles and is emptied into the street, instead of dripping down the sides of the building and damaging it. Stoneworkers who created these gargoyles in medieval times are said to have represented their friends in the grotesque forms of these gargoyles. Some people believe that gargoyles were named from the French word gargouiller, which means "to gargle." Perhaps this is true, since people do make strange and even grotesque faces when they gargle water in their throats.