Imps (Myth)

Imps
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Real Name	Imps
First Appearance	European Myth
Created by	European Myth

Origin[]

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. The attendants of the devil are sometimes described as imps. They are usually described as lively and having small stature. Unlike the Christian folklore, demons in Germanic legends were not necessarily always evil. Imps were often mischievous rather than evil or harmful. In some religions, they were attendants of the gods.

Imps are often shown as small in stature and not very attractive. Their behavior is described as being wild and uncontrollable, much the same as fairies', and in some cultures they are considered the same beings, both sharing the same sense of free spirit and enjoyment of all things fun. It was later in history that people began to associate fairies as being good and imps as being malicious and evil. However, both creatures were fond of pranks and misleading people. Most of the time, these pranks were harmless fun, but some could be upsetting and harmful, such as the switching of babies or leading travelers astray in places unfamiliar to them. Although imps are often thought of as being immortal, they can be damaged or harmed by certain weapons and enchantments, or be kept out of people's homes by wards.

Imps were also portrayed as lonely little creatures in search of human attention, using jokes and pranks to attract human friendship. This often backfired when people became annoyed with the imp's endeavors, 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 trait led to using the word “impish” for someone who loves pranks and practical jokes. Eventually, it came to be believed that imps were the familiar spirit servants of witches and warlocks, where the little demons served as spies and informants. During the time 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.

Public Domain Appearances[]

All published appearances of Imps from before January 1, 1931 are public domain in the US.

Some notable appearances include:

Public Domain Literary Appearances[]

“The Spiritus Familiaris,” by the Brothers Grimm (1816) – source story for The Bottle Imp
Lives of the Necromancers, by William Godwin (1834)
Witch Stories, by E. Lynn Linton (1861)
“The Dancing Imps of the Wine,” by Angelo (1880)
The Confessions of an Imp (1886)
The Bottle Imp, by Robert Louis Stevenson (1891)
“The Devil and His Imps,” by Charles P. G. Scott (1895)
A Woman Tenderfoot, by Grace Gallatin Seton‐Thompson (1900)
The Legend of the Lincoln Imp, by H. J. Kesson (Ursus) (1904)
Duffy’s Apple Juice Imp (1909)
The Encyclopædia Britannica (1910)
Korean Folk Tales, by Im Bang and Yi Ryuk (1913)
The Shadow Witch, by Gertrude Crownfield (1922)
“The Creeper in Darkness,” by August Derleth and Mark Schorer (Apr. 1939)

Public Domain Theatrical and Musical Appearances[]

The Bottle Imp (play), by R. B. Peake (1828)
The Way of Life (play) by Jno. Jay Bailey (1867)
The Devil’s Kingdom!, by Simon M. Landis (1875) – unnamed imps, as well as four leading imps Putrid Air, Filthy Water, Gross Food and Artificial Light
Gambrinus, King of Lager Beer (burlesque), by Frank Dumont (1876) – four imps named Splutter, Flash, Sulphur and Brimstone
The Schoolroom Imps (play), by Elizabeth Blaine Jenkins (Oct. 1926)

Public Domain Comic Appearances[]

Adventures into the Unknown #8 - The Devil decides he is tired of losing power over mankind. To regain his lost control, he foments a plan to take over the body of a sculptor named Ted Harper. He goes to Earth. His Imps decide to follow and try to take over Ted for themselves.
Ha Ha Comics #44
Fairy Tale Parade #99

Public Domain Film Appearances[]

The Bottle Imp (1917)
Häxan (1922)
Santa Claus (1959)

Public Domain Animated Appearances[]

Hell's Bells (1929)
Ha! Ha! Ha! (1934)
Spies (1943)
90 Day Wondering (1956)
Drafty, Isn't It? (1957)