Gargoyles are mythological beings. They adorn countless cathedrals around the world. Early references date back to 600 A.D.

The word 'gargoyles' is derived from an old French word gargouille, meaning throat. The English words gargle, gurgle and gargoyle are derived from gargouille.

Some believe that gargoyles - sometimes called grotesques - are inspired by the skeletal remains of prehistoric dinosaurs and other fossils.

Originally a gargoyle was considered a waterspout, directing water away from a building. Technically an architect calls a waterspout on a building a gargoyle. If a stone carving does not carry water and has a face that resembles a creature, it is technically called a grotesque.

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