The word "gargoyle" comes from the French legend of "La Gargouille," a dragon that terrorized the residents of Rouen. According to the story, for centuries the dragon had swallowed ships and flooded the town, until around 600 BC, when a priest agreed to kill the beast if the townspeople would convert to Christianity. Romanus tamed the dragon by making the sign of the cross, then led it into town where it was burned at the stake. Since the creature’s head would not burn, the townspeople cut it off and attached it to their church. The gargouille’s head became a ward against evil and a warning to other dragons.

Crochet your own Gargoyle Ornament to keep the evil spirits from your Christmas tree, or just as a fun decoration to delight the quirky members of your family. This adorable design is made with sport weight (or baby weight) yarn for a gargoyle measuring approximately 6" tall (including the hat).

Skill level: Easy

Materials you will need: Sport weight/baby weight yarn: 110 yards white 7 yards red 2 yards white pompadour yarn Crochet hook size E (3.5 mm) Yarn needle Polyfill 2 safety eyes 10 mm 7” chain