Ghost Stories & Paranormal Encounters

Gargoyle

The Gargoyle often makes his perch On a cathedral or church where mid ecclesiastic style He smiles an early gothic smile ~ Oliver Herford.

These peculiar race of creatures which inhabit many places in France dating to 600 B.C. The purpose of a gargoyle was to drain water from a building. The word comes from the French ” gargouille” meaning “throat or pipe”. The statues have migrated away from churches and can be found on other buildings.

In medieval times people had a powerful belief in God. The cathedral was a “sermon in stone” which could be “read” by an illiterate population. Some gargoyles are illustrating Bible stories, from Eve’s first reach for the apple, to the images of eternal damnation. Not all were for religious instruction, many are simply grotesque, they were made so to scare off evil spirits and that’s why they were put on buildings.

If you have seen gargoyles you will notice a recurring theme of European paganism.

These photos were taken at the Palais de Jacques Coeur in Bourges France.

Gargoyle at Palais de Jacques Coeur in Bourges France

Gargoyle at Palais de Jacques Coeur in Bourges France

Gargoyle at Palais de Jacques Coeur in Bourges France

Gargoyle at Palais de Jacques Coeur in Bourges France

Gargoyle at Palais de Jacques Coeur in Bourges France

Gargoyle at Palais de Jacques Coeur in Bourges France

Photos and story by Karen Morfu, Copyright 2009