Gargoyle Statues Should You Fear Them?

History and Folklore Behind Gargoyles

Gargoyle Spout on Side of Building: Source: Giphy

Gargoyles are architectural spouts used to filter rainwater off the roofs on buildings, homes, and churches. They are often scary creatures made of stone used by churches to scare people from sinning and ward off evil spirits. Water on the buildings and in fountains comes out of the statues mouth.

Gargoyles depict creatures like lions, eagles, snakes, and sometimes a combination of different animal parts. Some people believe that they come to life at night to ward off evil spirits and protect homes and buildings

The Early History of Gargoyles

Lion Gargoyle Spout on Building Source: Pxhere

Early gargoyles appeared in medieval architecture in Egypt, Rome, Turkey, and Greece. The were modeled after animals in the county or region they were from. The gargoyles of Egypt were primarily lions made from marble that eroded and fell from the buildings over time.

Lion head gargoyles were the norm in the ancient Greek world. Lions or cats during the medieval period were associated with witchcraft and the occult. This lead designers to start using real people in the community to craft gargoyle images. The used images of stone carvers, architects or even those that funded the projects.

Person or People Used as Gargoyles Salisbury Cathedral Source Geograph UK

Dogs, Wolves, And Eagles As Gargoyles and Guardians of Buildings

Dog Gargoyle Spout Source: Creativity 103

Later dog were used as gargoyles. This began in the Middle ages because they were believed to be loyal, protectors, and guardians of their owners and families. The wolf was another animal chosen because they were viewed as protective, intelligent, and working in packs. They could be considered wild dogs too. The eagle was another symbol of gargoyle statues because of their power and ability to slay a dragon.

Gargoyles Conveyed Messages For Churches And Religion

Gargoyles on Churches Invoke Fear Source: Wire It

Many people in the early days did not read. The churches often used gargoyles to scare people from sinning and convert those in pagan religions to traditional. Since they could not read the statues were a way to convey the message. Gargoyles warned people that evil and the devil still existed.

They conveyed the message that attending church was important to protection against evil spirits and sin. Gargoyles protected the building and those that attended mass there. It was designed to make you afraid to sin and convert people to traditional religion.

Gothic Architecture and Grotesques

During the gothic period statues were made that were not rain spouts. These statues were called grotesques. They were often found on churches, and cathedrals. These statures often were a combination of real and mythical animals like the lion, serpent, and eagle.

Notre-Dame Cathedrals in France has some grotesques statues on the building, St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, and Art Nuova House in Norway. These are a few examples.

How Do Gargoyles Actually Work?

Grotesque Statues Source: Giphy/Joel Remy 222

Gargoyle spouts have necks that water can pass through and are connected to the side of building or home. The statue is connected to a gutter system that drains water away from the building. Water runs through the gutter into the gargoyle and out of the spout or mouth.

It prevents damage to the wall of the building, erosion, and structure. The gargoyle is usually placed horizontally away from the building. This allows water to run off farther away from the stone or material used to build it.

Wolf Gargoyle Spout Source: Flicker/Bruce Glassford

Gargoyle Spouts in Modern Times

Today gargoyles spouts are still placed on buildings and homes and are made with a variety of materials. They are made from stone, concrete, metal, fiberglass and recycled materials. They can be designed to match the building, home, or architecture. They are eco-friendly and by directing water away from the building walls and features keep it from eroding.

Many today are made from bamboo, recycled glass, and wood. Designers incorporate technology into the design like LED lights, and the spouts can change color, show patterns, and even respond to sound. There are many companies that make gargoyle spouts for home and gardens today.

Lion Gargoyle Fountain Source Picklist

References:

Exploring the Evolution of Decorative Waterspouts From Gargoyles to Grotesques, The We Chronicle, 2025

The Grotesque World of Gargoyles, by Sarah P, Ancient Origins, December 31, 2020

Exploring the Fantastic Origin of Gargoyles in Gothic Architecture, by Kelly Richman-Abdou, and Margherita Cole, My Modern Met, 2022

Unearthing Gargoyles Mythology Guardian of Good and Evil In History, by Lubia, Knights Templar, 2025

10 Fanciful Facts About Gargoyles by Jeff Wells, Mental Floss, September 28, 2023

Gargoyle Spout Animated Source :Giphy