Imp

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This article is about the mythical creature. For other uses see IMP.
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An imp is a mythological being similar to a fairy, frequently described in folklore and superstition.

Imps are usually described as mischievous more than seriously threatening, and as lesser beings rather than more important supernatural beings. The attendants of the devil are sometimes described as imps. They are usually described as lively and having small stature.

The Lincoln Imp (at the bottom of the upper V
The Lincoln Imp (at the bottom of the upper V

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[edit] Imps and other demons

Imps are the least evil of all demons, described as dark, shadowy creatures — while mischievous and somewhat destructive; they do not go to the extremes of, for example, gremlins or poltergeists. Imps are shape-shifters — preferring a shadow-form similar to either a weasel or a spider; they slink or skitter about, running from one pool of shadow to another. The trickery ascribed to them is, generally, confined to missing, misplaced, or moved articles (socks, keys, etc.) and stubbed toes. Some accounts of imps claim that they are desperately lonely, and always travel in pairs or in mobs.[citation needed]

[edit] Imps are seen as lonely

Some accounts of imps treat them as capable of being turned to good, because they are so desperately lonely they would do almost anything — even commit good deeds — to have a committed friend; however, it is regarded as almost impossible for any imp to fully forsake its "impish" ways.[citation needed]

[edit] Greek and Germanic mythology

The Ancient Greek semi-god Pan has some features in common with an imp, but this is unlikely to be a direct connection, since the imp concept probably belongs to Germanic rather than Hellenic tradition. However, imps are sometimes described as fond of music, and capable of being charmed into making a promise to aid, and "do good" in that manner through music — though there is always likely to be some mischievous trick to be attached to the barter.

[edit] Familiar spirits

Imps were the common name given to familiar spirits that served witches in the middle ages. Imps were usually kept inside artifacts such as gemstone pieces or vials and summoned for service by magics. An example of such an imp is one that was supposedly under the service of the Alchemist Paracelsus, who supposedly kept one locked inside a crystal in the pommel of his sword.

[edit] Other descriptions of imps

Imps are sometimes described as a subunit of a pack of Brownies, but also to describe certain children's behaviour. Furthermore, it has been adopted as a brand name for a variety of commodities where an image of small size, liveliness, and cheekiness was sought, for example the Hillman Imp car.

[edit] Notable imps

  • The Japanese Kappa is often considered to be a type of water dwelling imp.
  • The Imp is one of the enemies in Doom. In the game, they are not tiny but human-sized (though small compared to larger demons as the Hell Knight or Cyberdemon) and throw fire balls from their hands at long range and claw enemies at close range.
  • Imps are also featured in World of Warcraft as warlock's pets and NPCs. They mostly use fire spells to attack.
  • Imps are level 2 monsters in the RPG Runescape. They are kleptomaniacs and drop a variety of odd, worthless items when killed.
  • Impmon from the anime series, Digimon Tamers, is clearly based on the archetypal image of an imp in both appearance and attitude (i.e. causing mischief on humans and fellow digimons).
  • The cartoon series She-Ra had an imp, suitably named "Imp" as one of its main villains. Possessed of a mischievous nature and the ability to shape-change, Imp was an almost constant companion to the show's primary villain, Hordak. In the series Imp often used his abilities to either gather intel for the Evil Horde or cause mischief amongst The Great Rebellion. While he seemed to dislike his other teammates, he also seemed very attached to Hordak, even going so far as to defend him when Hordak was (very) briefly deposed by his former student, Skeletor. In the series, Imp was portrayed with a somewhat demonic appearance, possessing features such as bat-like wings, fanged teeth, and hooves for feet.
  • Guinan of Star Trek, The Next Generation is once referred to as an imp by Q in the episode Q Who, saying that wherever she goes, trouble always follows. However, most of the typical qualities of imps apply much more to Q than Guinan.
  • In the card game Magic: The Gathering, Imps are small, black-aligned creatures. They are usually depicted as small, ugly, humanoid creatures with bat wings and claws. Their most common characteristics are living in swamps, having a terrible odor, and being able to fly.

[edit] See also

[edit] External link

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