The word Gargoyle originates from the old French word Gargouille meaning “throat” or “pipe”, and also from the root word Gar “to swallow” which represents the sound of gurgling water. These figures contain a water spout to direct water from the masonry of a building and are the purpose for which these creepy little dudes exist.
Erosion of mortar between the stones of high buildings such as cathedrals and churches could cause architectural collapse. Times were hard enough without having blocks of stone rain down from above although it was perfectly acceptable to be showered with rain water expelled from the gaping mouth of a carved monster.
Expelling rainwater from roofs through a disguised pipe required Gargoyles to have long necks and open mouths (the length of the neck determined how far water was directed from the wall). Multiple gargoyles on one building hastened the flow of rainwater from the roof and minimized potential damage to the masonry.
While gargoyles appear to cling to the exterior of the Cathedral, they are actually carved from large stones that extend far back into the walls. Gargoyle blocks typically weigh several hundred pounds.
Introduction over.
Gargoyle Hunter 