A Gargoyle is a grotesquely carved human or animal figure found on an architectural structure, originally designed to serve as a spout to throw rainwater clear of a building. They later became strictly ornamental and assumed many forms.

The original purpose of a gargoyle was to drain water away from the sides of a building. The word comes from the French "gargouille" which means "throat or pipe." Strictly speaking, "gargoyle" refers only to these long-necked devices, but common usage refers to any grotesque sculpture used to decorate medieval churches.

To understand medieval sculpture you must imagine the medieval person's powerful belief in God. The cathedral was the manifestation of their faith. Every person in the community contributed something. Those with no gold to give could harnass themselves to the large carts which dragged stones from the quarry to the building site. The cathedral was to be the most beautiful structure on earth, and no task was considered too arduous for the glory of God.

The cathedral was also to be a "sermon in stone" which could be "read" by an illiterate population. Some gargoyles clearly fill this instructional purpose by illustrating Bible stories, from Eve's first reach for the apple to frightening images of eternal damnation.

But not all gargoyles were for religious instruction. Some were simply grotesque. One reason for this is the belief that frightening figures could scare away evil spirits, and they were put on the outsides of buildings to do just that.