Gargoyles on the Lookout

During our study of Gothic cathedrals, we've talked about the difference between gargoyles and grotesques.

Whereas a gargoyle contains a spout for the disposal of water, a grotesque does not contain a spout and is merely for decoration. 

In the minds of medieval people, both kinds of sculpture had one additional purpose: warding off evil spirits.

And in both cases, these carvings are often unusual, ugly, extravagant -- and AWESOME!