Tattoo Gargoyles: Meaning and Medieval Legends

Tattoos have long ceased to be the attribute only sailors and robbers, in the modern world they decorate themselves and ordinary people to emphasize their individuality or to remind yourself of anything. In this case, the meaning of the gargoyle tattoo can serve its owner as a brake when he again decides to stumble.

Tattoos of demonic creatures has long been a rarity, and the presence of such a person does not indicate that he belongs to any sect. Yes, most likely, such people are not particularly religious at all.

One of the most popular images of demonic creatures among the tattoo is the gargoyle. This image has many meanings. From a religious point of view, a person who chooses this image for a tattoo is repenting of his sins.

Legends say that gargoyles are the souls of repentant sinners. In this case, the tattoo will be a reminder to the person that sooner or later will have to answer for their actions. Although it is possible that the tattoo was chosen because of the beautiful picture, and the bearer of the image is simply interested in medieval culture and mysticism.

Below you can see some examples of gargoyle tattoo photos.

Gargoyle in other sources

In the beliefs of some peoples of the European part of our continent, the gargoyle is an amulet symbol. Sculptures of gargoyles can often be found on cathedrals and churches in the Gothic style.

The most famous gargoyle statues in the world can be seen on the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Only in Gothic cathedrals were they used as metal or stone decorations that adorned the gutters. Ordinary gutters were decorated with scary muzzles to give the building an aesthetic appearance.

If you look closely at photos of Gothic cathedrals, you can see pieces of pipe sticking out of the mouths of some sculptures. Gargoyles were believed to protect against the invasion of evil spirits and demons. They have a strange notion of a holy place, that is, a temple: it is guarded by demons from the forces of evil? Why would a temple need such protection when it has other protection? It is a temple.

The most common demon tattoos

  • Azrael - bleeding poisonous multi-eyed angel of death with a sword, which helps people to make the transition to the other world;
  • Balthazar - insidious and cruel demon, the son of an ordinary mortal and a demoness;
  • Beelzebub - the devil's own handmaiden, an evil spirit of gluttony;
  • Mephistopheles is a powerful fallen angel with pronounced angular features, a sharp nose, and an espagnolo beard;
  • Ronwe and the oracle Orobas are learned demons. The first rewards a person with an understanding of any language; the second provides reliable information about any historical event and predicts the future.


Of course, quality work often does not dispose to reflect on the meaning of the tattoo and just makes you admire the work of art. But still, what do you think, is the demon or the devil depicted in the photo?

Important! Do not confuse the sketches of demons with the devil, because they have very different meanings. Demon "giving wisdom" is, first of all, temptation, the main purpose of which is to awaken sinfulness even the most innocent person, as well as the patronage of evil spirits, seduction and cunning. Images of demons for the most part suitable for people seized by a forbidden passion that literally eats them from the inside. Demon tattoo photo in such cases helps to overcome temptation, and the tattoo serves as a reminder of this struggle. Before you make a tattoo with a similar image, study demonology more deeply, make sure that the sketch you have chosen belongs to a demon, learn its name and all its inherent attributes!


Demon tattoo sketch is classic, also looks beautiful in color

Meaning for women

Women's tattoos tend to have mostly aesthetic significance. And the gargoyle tattoo is no exception. Various styles of tattoos allow you to make an original decoration from any image. However, the gargoyle is not a very popular sketch among the female half of society.

Ladies mostly prefer tattoos of modest size, and complex, realistic images require more space. The meaning of the gargoyle tattoo does not change depending on the gender of its bearer.

Analyzing foreign literature we can distinguish three main meanings of the gargoyle tattoo, according to the Basurmanic worldview:

  • Talisman,
  • A talisman to ward off negative influences from the outside,
  • A reminder of one's sins.

In Slavic culture, such images were not used, monsters as amulets were not chosen, therefore, nothing but a reminder of sins, this image does not cause.

Testimonials from people who have stuffed a demon

Recently I read a book where one of the main characters was the demoness Kitsune, who takes the form of a beautiful, sophisticated, wise and seductive woman. Almost immediately I got a tattoo of the fox girl, not really thinking about the meaning, because I just really liked the heroine. When I read scientific and mythological articles about this character, I became doubly pleased with my new tattoo)

Svetlana, Tyumen

From an early age I was fascinated by Japanese culture and mythology, always liking the militancy, wisdom and mystery of the East. My parents did not approve of my hobbies and even tried to forbid me to read this kind of literature, so I did not even talk about tattoos in such topics in front of them. As soon as I turned 18 years old, immediately ran to the tattoo parlor with a long-time selected and prepared sketch. The master created a stunning image of the demon Rokurokubi. I'm madly happy!

Vyacheslav, Moscow

For a long time I wanted to make a huge demonic-themed tattoo on my back, but I could not decide on the final sketch, because I wanted to depict the confrontation and unity of good and evil. The picture of an angel and a demon seemed to me too banal, common, and even hackneyed. When I went to the salon for advice, the master showed me a stunning, hand-drawn sketch of a demon and a gargoyle. My relatives, of course, are not thrilled, but all my friends admire this work of art on my body.

Kolya, Rostov-on-Don

Meaning for men

Europeans much more often choose this image in the classic black and white version. Less often you can meet the image of the gargoyle in color.

The most popular place for tattoos are shoulders, especially colorful look demonic entities in complex, realistic techniques. And the male half usually puts into their tattoos a deeper meaning than just aesthetics.

Tattoos depicting gargoyles can often be found on the arms. If the tattoo is made not only for aesthetics, but it is invested with meaning, then such an image means that these hands will not be committed evil.

Men, as a rule, choose bright, catchy subjects using black and gray shades. Colored options are less common.

In Greek mythology, it is a supernatural entity that determines a person's fate. A mediator between their gods and men.

However, the most common meaning of the gargoyle tattoo - demonic origin in man, the tendency to vices and awareness of this. Also, the gargoyle symbolizes the forces of chaos, curbed by the divine beginning, and its intimidating wings and claws are designed to protect its wearer. If we turn to mythology in architecture we can often see these creatures on the shoulders of sinful people.

Tattoo of the demon of the underworld.

When tattooing a certain representative of the demon world, a person often wants to identify with the qualities or vices with which he associates a particular demon. Most often in tattoos, demons, identifying the opposite of the deity, are depicted with torn wings, split tail and horns, and the sketch is made in black and white or red version, in various shades of gray and brown.


Gorgeous glowing multi-faced demon.

How to choose a style?

Below we look at the most appropriate styles for such a tattoo:

  • Blackwork. Tattoos with a predominance of black. Black color in such tattoos takes a really big part, small tattoos in black color do not belong to blackwork.
  • Realism. The most expensive and at the same time incredible tattoos. Implying the finest detail work and look like a photo on the skin.

In good salons, the client is always ready to offer a huge database of ready-made sketches. If you put such a "amulet" on your body, then let it be in excellent execution.

Technique

Monochrome tattoo sketches look spectacular in the technique of blackwork (see photo in the gallery). This sought-after style combines elements of minimalism and geometry. The essence of the work is to apply a drawing in black on a large area of the body. It is necessary to make not just an outline, but also a fill, sometimes adding red or white elements. The gargoyle will look original on the arm, back or leg. For colored tattoos suit the style of realism.

Interesting video

Tattoo pictures with gargoyles

Sketches of demon tattoos

A mythical creature, quite intimidating looking, with fangs, claws and huge wings. If you have been or will be, in the heart of Paris, you know its main attraction.

Notre Dame de Paris - this Catholic temple is located in the heart of the French capital and is one of the symbols of Paris. On the columns of this temple, you can see huge statues of Gargoyles. The images of these mystical creatures can also be seen on the temple of St. Vitus. It was believed that gargoyles are supposed to protect temples from evil spirits and demons.

Who is suited to it?

Suitable for someone with a penchant for mysticism. If you believe in the existence of evil forces and seek protection from their influence, the gargoyle can become a reliable talisman for you. Such a tattoo, rarely encountered in the beautiful half of humanity. At the same time we can not say that the tattoo is unequivocally men's.

Place and style of the tattoo.

Most often, such a tattoo is performed in black and white. More effectively, the Gargoyle will look on large parts of the body: chest, back. Often, such tattoos are accompanied by an image of a Catholic church.

Variants, styles, compositions

For the novice tattoo master many pictures and photos will be a guide for creating a sketch of the gargoyle tattoo. The image will be recognizable if there are distinctive features: humanoid body, short muzzle, spiky bat-like wings, gray skin.

The tattoo looks good in styles:

Traditionally, the gargoyle is depicted sitting in a waiting pose. If the picture want to give the grotesque, the position of the body create a sense of preparation before the jump. The muzzle is supplemented with a beak, mane and fangs.

Create associations with immortality and not having control over time owner creates serenely sleeping gargoyle. It looks like it froze in anticipation of the night, ready to wake up in the darkness.

Application Locations

The gargoyle has its own location map on the body. Tattoo masters recommend men to stuff the monster on the chest, shoulder, leg. Girls are offered to place the composition on the back, hip or shin. Otherwise, the position of the figure depends on the manner of performance and the wishes of the owner.

Nature

For women

For men