History, Architecture
Of Gargoyles, Chimeras and Grotesques
And the truth behind the ‘astronaut’ carving on 12th-century Spanish cathedral
Source Wikimedia
Who knew decorative water drains could be so fascinating? Originally crafted to prevent eroding and corrosion of cathedrals and religious buildings, Gargoyles are surrounded by myth and legacy. The idea is to gather the rainwater and throw it out, clear of the structure’s wall through the snarling, gaping mouth onto the street — often on the pedestrians below.
Religious interpretation of gargoyles and grotesques
With gargoyles and grotesque, the line between good and evil often blurs. A lot is left to the viewer’s discretion. The sculptures depict monde renversé (upside-down world) where the lines blur between animals and humans and their roles are reversed.
Some argue that these monstrous creatures were merely stone demons — meant ward off ‘evil-forces’ lurking outside the sacred place.
Another interpretation suggests that the structures were embodiments of the souls condemned to hell. While they were saved from eternal damnation, they had to pay the cost of their transgression by no longer being allowed inside a church and by guarding it by sitting atop.
