Many looked to gods and goddesses, spirits and ghosts, or other supernatural entities for guidance, fundamental answers to life's problems, and for protection. In Medieval times religion and superstition sometimes walked hand in hand and were very important to the people. Whether they are actually valid, no one knows for sure. No one truly knows the origins and reasoning behind the gargoyles although many theories and legends have arisen in recent times. Some gargoyles date back to ancient Greece and Rome and were constructed out of terra cotta. The stone carvings served as illustrations and books for those that were illiterate, documenting stories and life and recording it in an indestructable image that all could see and understand with ease. Among these are the gargoyles that decorated their churches and important buildings. The Medieval period held many superstitious stories and legends and produced great works of structural art. Still gargoyle has become the all encompassing term used to define the creatures carved on architecture and guarding the gardens of those who love the hideous creatures. Many gargoyles and grotesques are anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, and very monsterous. The other creatures that adorn a building but do not serve as a water spout are known as grotesques. These were the early rain gutters and served to direct water away from buildings.

The name Gargoyle comes from the Old French 'gargouille' and the Late Latin 'gurgulio', both meaning throat.

While all such creatures are termed gargoyles a true gargoyle is one that serves as a water spout. Serving as spiritual guardians these stone monsters watch over the city by night and observe all that pass below them. Gargoyles are usually lumped into one category as the strange and horrific carvings and statuary on buildings.

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