The Maker of Gargoyles by Clark Ashton Smith: A Dark Fantasy Audiobook from Averoigne

Introduction

Among the many gargoyles that frown or leer from the roof of the newly built Cathedral of Vion, two stand out by virtue of their fine workmanship and supreme grotesquery. These two were sculpted by the stone carver Blaise Renard, who had recently returned from a long sojourn in the cities of Provence and secured employment on the cathedral as its three-year construction and ornamentation approached completion.

Despite the admiration from Ambrosus, the Archbishop, for Renard’s artistry, there were naysayers among the people. The artist’s dark appearance, characterized by an unnatural bluish-black hair and beard, alongside slanting eyes, had made him the subject of public scorn since childhood. Some even harbored superstitions about Renard’s alleged connections to necromancy and the devil, and the two gargoyles were often cited as proof of his alleged league with Satan.

The gargoyles perched atop the cathedral represented two extremes of evil. One was a snarling, murderous cat-headed monster with fearsome fangs and claws, poised as if ready to swoop down on the city. Its companion, a horned satyr with bat-like wings, emanated a satanic lust, gloating over an unseen victim. Both figures embodied the malevolence perceived by the townsfolk, leading to debates over whether the gargoyles reflected the artist's own vices to the glory of blasphemy.

Although their frightful qualities earned them adverse criticism initially, familiarity dulled the scandal, and Blaise Renard continued to find work. He was enamored of Nicolet, the daughter of a tavern keeper, but she showed little interest in him.

As autumn approached in the year 1138, the Cathedral of Vion stood as a beacon of holiness against the backdrop of the shadowy, haunted forest nearby. However, the town’s prosperity would soon be eclipsed by a series of horrific events linked to the cathedral. Accounts of a black flying monster began to circulate, as residents described it as a creature from hell, descending upon unsuspecting townsfolk, leaving a wake of terror and destruction. An abbot was slain, and the demon invaded the cathedral itself amidst the ongoing masses, leading to further chaos and fear.

In the midst of this turmoil, it was rumored that a second demon, this one driven by lechery, was stalking the town, terrifying women without causing physical harm. Blaise Renard's tortured soul, driven by an unrequited love for Nicolet, now faced new terrors as the demons appeared more blatantly in the tavern one evening.

On a night filled with dread, it was in this tavern that the dark prophecy was fulfilled. The monsters descended upon Renard and the people surrounding him, leading to a horrifying massacre. Surviving amidst the chaos, Renard found himself wandering the streets until dawn, filled with remorse and horror.

Arriving at the cathedral, he climbed its heights and was haunted by the realization of the connection between his cursed creations and the evil that had befallen the town. In a frantic attempt to destroy his work, he was met with a dreadful fate as he attempted to strike at the gargoyle. Ultimately, he lost control and fell, leaving behind a scene of devastation and echoing tragedies.

When Archbishop Ambrosus later found Renard’s mangled body, he noticed an unnatural change in the gargoyle’s form clinging to the deceased artist, suggesting that the creations were somehow alive and actively participated in the horrors unleashed upon the population.

Keyword

• Gargoyles
• Blaise Renard
• Cathedral of Vion
• Dark Fantasy
• Averoigne
• Ambrosus
• Demons
• Nicolet
• Horror
• Superstition

FAQ

Who is the author of "The Maker of Gargoyles"?

The author is Clark Ashton Smith, a prominent figure in dark fantasy literature.

What is the setting of the story?

The story takes place in the fictional medieval town of Vion, located in the province of Averoigne.

Who is Blaise Renard?

Blaise Renard is a stone carver known for creating grotesque gargoyles that attract both admiration and scorn from the residents of Vion.

What role do the gargoyles play in the story?

The gargoyles embody the darker aspects of human nature and are connected to a series of horrifying events in the town, suggesting a supernatural influence.

What is the main conflict of "The Maker of Gargoyles"?

The conflict revolves around Renard’s struggles with his dark artistry, societal disdain, and the emergence of demonic forces that terrorize the town.