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. They are usually, but not invariably, assigned male gender.

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.

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.

The Ancient Greek demi-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 classical 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.

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.

Notable imps

• The Lincoln Imp at the cathedral in Lincoln, England is a famous sculpture of an imp.

• The Imp is one of the enemies in Doom. In the game, they shoot out fire balls at long range and scratch enemies at close range.

• The Japanese Kappa is often considered to be a type of water dwelling imp.

• Imps are commonly featured in the Final Fantasy series of RPGs and were synonymous with goblins early in the series (most likely the result of a mistranslation). They are also featured in other RPGs by Square-Enix as well, such as Chrono Trigger and the Seiken Densetsu (Secret of Mana) series.

• Imps are also featured in World Of Warcraft as warlock's pets.

• 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), although his ability to interfere with electronic equipment is more akin to the nature of a gremlin.

See also

• Gremlin
• Puck
• Kallikantzaros

External link

• Children's animation set in the realm of Dante's Inferno: Imps!

Legendary creatures