To make them seem strange and other-worldly these artisans combined features from different animals, exaggerated characteristics like eyebrows, lips, and wrinkles, and used their imaginations to create creatures which would inspire fear and obedience. Medieval artists created their gargoyles based on animals they had observed, especially noting the way animals look when they are defending themselves or attacking and need to look terrifying.

Some scholars also believe they were created fierce and fantastic looking to serve as a reminder to the people that the spirits of hell were awaiting them if they did not believe the religious beliefs of the church and try to lead a virtuous life. These artists would create sculptures for Gothic cathedrals that were gruesome enough to scare away even the most terrifying demons.

Cathedrals were holy places that were believed to be free from sin, and medieval artists were employed to help keep them that way. Medieval Europeans believed that demons were trying to persuade, entice or trick people into a state of sin. Gargoyles also served an additional purpose. Their function was to drain the water away from the stone carvings on the buildings.

They were located along the roof and downspouts on cathedral buildings. Gargoyles are sculptures of imaginary beasts created during the Middle Ages. 2 What is a Gargoyle? Gargoyles had two purposes:

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