Often when the staff of Old Red ask people to describe the creatures on top of the roof, we hear "Gargoyle!" Well, before I begin any other posts about Old Red, I first need to clear up this gargoyle issue! Those dragon-like, winged creatures (i.e. me) that you see on top of the Old Red County Courthouse are Wyverns NOT Gargoyles. "What the heck is a Wyvern?" you may ask. Well, the main differences are as such:
Gargoyles are grotesquely carved creatures often functioning as drain spouts to divert water away from roofs, often medieval/gothic architectural features, from the Old French "gargouille" and the Late Latin "gurgulio", both meaning throat.
Wyverns, on the other hand, are reptilian heraldic creatures often resembling dragons, from the Saxon word "Wivere", which means "serpent".
1. I'm a magnificently-crafted beast, but FAR from grotesque.
2. Besides my clear aesthetic contribution to Old Red, I am also an important member of Security. As a heraldic dragon, I ward off evil spirits--much more romantic than a rain gutter!
Vindicated at last! I feel SO much better getting this off of my chest!
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Hi Wyvern,
ReplyDeleteDo you ward off pigeons as well from your lofty post? I hear they can cause quite a racket.
If I warded off pigeons, who would I chat with during the day? Lofty perches are lonely!
ReplyDeleteGreat perspective for a blog. And I know the difference now. Thanks, Wyvern! Although, I would say that serpents and dragons can be kind of grotesque? Sorry, I'm just saying...
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