Last week we spent a couple of days on the wildflower run, and at Leda Reserve, apart from the stunning array of flowers I was enthralled with this gem as well, a gargoyle perched on a rock – can you see it too? This one was clearly sent to protect Leda.
The Dragon
La Gargouille, terror of Rouen,
you lost your head When Romanus made the sign,
and now you sit in judgement of your kin,
though, instead of fire, you spout water,
La Gargouille, protector of Rouen.
©Paul Vincent Cannon
Note: Gargoyles date back to ancient Egypt, but the term gargoyle comes from the dragon slaying story of c. 600 AD where the priest Romanus captures the Dragon – La Gargouille, which was terrorising the town of Rouen, and the villagers cut off its head and burn it at the stake. However the head wouldn’t burn, so instead they place Gargouille’s head on the church to ward off evil and warn other dragons to stay away.
Paul,
pvcann.com
The Spartan queen and the swan.
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Indeed, and thank you.
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Super photo, Paul! There areseveral faces in that one!
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Sue, spot on, I was so intrigued, and so few people had gone this far back, I certainly am still enthralled. Thank you for your insight.
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At many of the ancient sites here, we find that such stones, where the human eye can see these faces, have been chosen for prime positions in stone circles and tombs.
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I didn’t know that – thank you.
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There is much going on in that rock formation. It’s like gazing up into the clouds.
I wasn’t aware of the history of gargoyles….interesting.
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Yes, all these little details we never get to, so many of them out there. Thank you Sandy for sharing too.
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Water is such a strong element that it forms natural gargoyles on rocks. I saw very artistic gargoyles in Paris.
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Yes, Paris the home of many gargoyles, thank you Rupali
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Even for a gargoyle – beheaded, out in all kinds of weather, and having to maintain a stony silence – this fellow looks particularly grouchy! What a fun post!
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Many thanks Robert
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What a shot!❤
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Did not know about the story of gargoyles. Nature is really amazing, isn’t it?
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It sure is Winnie – thank you
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You’re welcome, Paul!
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it took a little while but then I saw the head. I didn’t know that about gargoyles — that it was a roman and french legend
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Yes, and has antecedents in Egypt too, a long history to tease out, amazing how things develop and pop again.
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Love those gnarled ugly faces, so beautiful!
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Yes, thank you, glad you liked my photo 🙂
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stunning bit of natures real art!
thanks for sharing 🙂
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I think it’s a good likeness 🙂
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absolutely and invites our imagination to run riot, love it!
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🙂
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Very nice photo and an educational post for me! Thank you so much for sharing!
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Pleasure
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That’s an amazing click Paul and thanks for the enlightening note!
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I see 2 faces, one single mouth and on the left a female body 🙂
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Yes, on the left, there’s another gargoyle face on the right directly facing. Thanks Gerard, you have a keen eye
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I like the idea of this protecting this site
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Yes, very special
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