September 28, 2004

Darth Vader as a postmodern gargoyle? Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, a kid entered a contest for evil and put the Dark Force atop the National Cathedral.
posted by elykcooks 20 years ago
  • AHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHHAHH! That just made my day!
  • This has to be fake, but I really hope it's not.
  • middleclasstool, I find your lack of faith disturbing.
  • No, it's real... and it kicks ass!!!
  • It is real - I've seen it my own self.
  • Dang that's the greatest thing all day. ) elykcooks, )!
  • Point of clarification: The Washington National Cathedral is an Episcopal, not a Catholic cathedral. Do you really think the Catholic church would have this much of a sense of humor?
  • If you are ever in DC, the Cathedral it is worth a visit. They have amazing stone carvings, great stained glass (including one window with a piece of moon rock in it) and nice grounds and gardens surrounding. It took *83 years* to build the thing, and I doubt you'll find anything else in the US that matches it. (I went to elementry school on the grounds)
  • Pants, would that be Beavoir, STA, or NCS? I was a "lifer" myself, meaning I spent my whole education from nursery school through senior year of high school attending classes on the Cathedral grounds. An interesting experience for a nice Jewish boy like me! They were still building the Cathedral when I was going to school there, and I used to always enjoy walking through the yard where all the stones sat waiting to be carved. I agree with Pants that the Cathedral is well worth a visit. A little know fact: the top of the Cathedral is the highest point in Washington, DC. It therefore has a great view. The artisans who carved the stone and wood in the building had great senses of humor. In addition to Darth Vader, there's a Hippy gargoyle, a Crooked Politician gargoyle, and at least one (probably many) figure of a sculptor's favorite pet. My favorite, though, was a wooden carving of a dog chomping on a rat. It was carved during WWII, and if look closely, you will see that the defeated little rat has a Hitler moustache. Sadly, on my most recent visit, I wasn't able to remember where this is. I think it's in the Great Choir somewhere.
  • I like these gargoyles. *also like goyles*
  • And think this chap could be worth a trip to Chicago.