Imps
An imp is a European mythological being similar to a fairy or demon, frequently described in folklore and superstition. The word may perhaps derive from the term ympe, used to denote a young grafted tree. Imps are often described as troublesome and mischievous more than seriously threatening or dangerous, and as lesser beings rather than more important supernatural beings. It was thought that imps were the familiar spirit servants of witches and warlocks, where the little demons served as spies and informants. In the period of the witch hunts, supernatural creatures such as imps were sought out as proof of witchcraft, though often the so-called imp was merely a black cat, a lizard, a toad or some other form of uncommon pet.
Imps were also portrayed as lonely little creatures craving attention, using jokes and pranks to attract human friendship. This often backfired when people became annoyed with the imp's undertakings, usually driving it away. Even if the imp was successful in getting the friendship it sought, it still often played pranks on its friend, either out of boredom or simply because this was the nature of the imp. This characteristic led to using the word “impish” for someone who loves pranks and practical jokes. Some folktales attribute Imps with magical power, but that these little creatures are minor in comparison to other magical beings.
The Imp does have a knack for shapeshifting, and many are good at conjuring up fire as well. They make excellent spies, as they can sneak along quietly and disguise themselves or disappear when necessary. Imps seem to simultaneously crave and loathe human attention. Their skin, ranging in color from purple to red-brown to gray, may be scaly or stone-like, and they walk with a distasteful hunch. Imps are talented pranksters. Switching babies in a cradle or leading someone astray in the wilderness is easy for them. They are small, bony, unattractive creatures. Their faces are like masks of thin stone, which are frequently twisted into a smirk or a grimace. Oversized ears and horns sprout from their heads, just as leathery, bat-like wings sprout from their shoulders.c
Imps were also portrayed as lonely little creatures craving attention, using jokes and pranks to attract human friendship. This often backfired when people became annoyed with the imp's undertakings, usually driving it away. Even if the imp was successful in getting the friendship it sought, it still often played pranks on its friend, either out of boredom or simply because this was the nature of the imp. This characteristic led to using the word “impish” for someone who loves pranks and practical jokes. Some folktales attribute Imps with magical power, but that these little creatures are minor in comparison to other magical beings.
The Imp does have a knack for shapeshifting, and many are good at conjuring up fire as well. They make excellent spies, as they can sneak along quietly and disguise themselves or disappear when necessary. Imps seem to simultaneously crave and loathe human attention. Their skin, ranging in color from purple to red-brown to gray, may be scaly or stone-like, and they walk with a distasteful hunch. Imps are talented pranksters. Switching babies in a cradle or leading someone astray in the wilderness is easy for them. They are small, bony, unattractive creatures. Their faces are like masks of thin stone, which are frequently twisted into a smirk or a grimace. Oversized ears and horns sprout from their heads, just as leathery, bat-like wings sprout from their shoulders.c
