| Gargoyles are most commonly associated with | | | | The history and lore of the gargoyle figures takes |
| medieval lore but their use as architectural figures | | | | many forms. Gargoyles and gargoyle bookends may |
| dates back to earlier times. Often seen as fierce | | | | represent combinations of human and animal forms |
| looking faces, gargoyles are also seen as full figure | | | | sometimes taking on the appearance of hooded |
| characters. Gargoyle bookends are a reflection of the | | | | monks and friars. Just as they may be used to ward |
| history and mythology that continues to fuel modern | | | | off evil, they were thought to have other uses. |
| interest in unique nature of these unusual figures. | | | | Avoiding the wages of sin can be a powerful force |
| Gargoyles have been part of architecture since the | | | | used to keep people from straying into a life of eternal |
| heyday of the ancient Greek and Egyptian empires. | | | | damnation. It is thought by some historians that |
| Though gargoyles often have a fearsome | | | | gargoyles may have been placed in prominent view to |
| appearance, their use is thought to be far more | | | | remind people that Satan, or other supposed forces of |
| benevolent. The power to ward off evil spirits is a | | | | evil, were all about and should be avoided. |
| significant part of the mythological explanation | | | | Since many gargoyles appear with wings, they may |
| surrounding gargoyles. Hellenic or Greek gargoyles are | | | | very well have been the inspiration for the flying |
| very often seen as happy or jolly characters and | | | | monkey characters seen in the movie the Wizard of |
| were a part of many public buildings. They could be | | | | Oz. Many dragons of myth were often depicted with |
| seen mounted on the parapets of buildings or spewing | | | | wings and were though to be capable of flight, |
| water as part of a public fountain. Outcroppings on the | | | | reflecting the myth of flying gargoyles. From the funny |
| facade of a building may have been used especially | | | | to the frightening, many other modern day film and |
| for gargoyles. | | | | cartoon monsters have been patterned from these |
| Many of these figures took the shape of animals, | | | | legendary winged figures. |
| especially reptiles. Often dragon like in appearance, | | | | Whether collectors of gargoyle bookends are seeking |
| their gaze was usually facing down from the structure. | | | | redemption is certainly open to debate. Gargoyles do |
| In mythology and lore, dragons were thought to be the | | | | appear in many pieces of medieval artwork. They can |
| guardians of sacred places or great treasure troves. | | | | often be quite scary in appearance and could be used |
| This contrasts with the more popular view of dragons | | | | to frighten away superstitious people. Given the wide |
| as fierce and fire breathing creatures. Other animals | | | | variety of gargoyle shapes, many collectors may have |
| such as birds of prey or the mythical Roc were the | | | | more of an artistic motivation to maintaining their |
| inspiration for many gargoyle figures. | | | | collections. |
| Many styles of gargoyle bookends replicate these | | | | In addition to collectible bookends, today gargoyle |
| unique creatures. Gargoyle replicas are one of the | | | | figures stand vigil as yard ornaments, water fountains |
| most collectible types of bookends and statuary. Fans | | | | and various types of outdoor statuary. Even though |
| of Gothic architecture and lore are particularly drawn | | | | warding off evil spirits may not be in your decorating |
| to gargoyle collecting. The history of the gargoyle even | | | | plans, some interior design schemes benefit from the |
| includes their use in religious settings, as adornments to | | | | addition of gargoyles. Gargoyle bookends make the |
| some of the worlds great churches and cathedrals. | | | | perfect the perfect gift for fans of medieval |
| The cathedral at Notre Dame in France is home to | | | | mythology and religious history. |
| many gargoyle figures. | | | | |