Art homework help? Gargoyles?

Question:

Art homework help? Gargoyles?

I need some info. about gargoyles such as
1) why were they originally created?
2)when did they 1st appear
3)what are they made of
4)where do you find them
If you know the answer to any of the questions that would be really helpful

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Gargoyles have always fascinated me. They were originally created around the middle ages and their grotesqueness is symbolic of pagan (pre christian) creatures. The green man appears frequently in amongst gargoyles and he is symbolic of the synergy between man and nature. They were also made to look so grotesque to ward off demons and bad spirits. They are usually made of the same stone that the churches they reside on are made of and their functional use is to drain away rainwater. Water usually spouts out of their open throats - the name 'gargoyle' means 'to gurgle' in French. I seem to remember a particular church where the gargoyles were depictions of animals from the 'new world' - Chichester Cathedral I think but can't be certain. The best gargoyles by far come from Normandy in France such as the ones at Bayeux and Notre Dame Cathedrals. The next best in the UK are the ones at Rosslin Chapel in Scotland.