The term ‘gargoyle’ likely derives from the French word ‘gargouille,’ which could loosely be translated to mean ‘throat’ or ‘gullet’ and refers to the fact that these stone fixtures were used to divert water away from the roof of the cathedral as far away as possible so as to limit water damage. Another type of statue is that of the wyvern, a two footed dragon, though we won’t get further into that here! During the Middle Ages, the term ‘babewyn’ was used to refer to both gargoyles and chimerae, which has perhaps aided in the confusion of the two terms ever since. In mythology, a Chimera is a fantastical beast which is grotesque in its appearance. You see, whereas a gargoyle, in the strictest sense of the word, is a statue which spouts out water, a Chimera (also referred to as a Grotesque) is a statue which is formed of various monstrous body parts but is there purely for decorative purposes. Those with a particular penchant for architectural terms would be remiss to inform you that there are actually two different kinds of statues crowning atop the roof of Notre Dame. Elsewhere on Île de la Cité (one of only two natural Seine River Islands which remain to this day), Hôtel Dieu is the oldest hospital in Paris and is alleged to have been in operation in some form or another since the 7th-century! But… Gargoyle or Chimera… or Grotesque? For example, the Crown of Thorns relic (which was actually in Notre Dame until the fire in April 2019) was actually originally housed within the walls of Saint Chapelle.Ī staggering feat of Medieval engineering, the sumptuous Sainte Chapelle features literal walls of glass depicting biblical scenes. Nearby, there are many other establishments which were created during the Middle Ages. where the Romans established the settlement which would one day become the Paris we all know today, the Notre Dame Cathedral has stood in pride of place for well over eight centuries and was one of the first great Gothic Stone Cathedrals of the Middle Ages. Located in the very heart of what was once Lutetia, i.e. Enjoyed reading about the chimerae and gargoyles of Notre Dame de Paris cathedral? Pin this article now, read it again later:.Stryge, the ‘spitting Gargoyle’ of Notre Dame de Paris.The 19th-century gargoyles and chimera of Notre Dame.

When were the gargoyles of Notre Dame added?.

But… Gargoyle or Chimera… or Grotesque?.

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