Animal Gargoyle
gargoyle in form of lion
cathedral saint-etienne de meaux
the ancient egyptians, greeks, etruscans , romans used animal-shaped waterspouts. during 12th century, when gargoyles appeared in europe, roman catholic church growing stronger , converting many new people. of population @ time illiterate, , therefore images important convey ideas. many gargoyles depicted version of dragon, in france. in addition serving spouts water, gaping mouths of these gargoyles evoked fearsome destructiveness of these legendary beasts, reminding laity of need church s protection.
human qualities ascribed specific animals—that is, animals anthropomorphized. common pagans, , using these ideas helped conversion catholicism. animals (such rhinoceros , hippopotamus) unknown in western europe during middle ages gargoyles of these species (such ones @ laon cathedral) modern gargoyles , therefore did not have symbolic meaning in medieval times.
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