The word “imp” describes a mythological creature found in European folklore, generally understood as a minor spirit or demon. These beings are typically small in stature and known for their lively and troublesome nature. The concept has deep roots in the medieval period, where it was associated with mischief and minor supernatural annoyance. The term defines a lesser entity in the hierarchy of supernatural beings, existing between a fairy and a major demon.
Characteristics and Origin in Folklore
The linguistic origin of the word “imp” traces back to the Old English noun impa, which referred to a young shoot or graft of a plant or tree. This meaning later broadened to denote any offspring or child. By the late Middle Ages, the term was frequently used in pejorative phrases such as “imp of the devil,” cementing its association with evil. This evolution transformed the word from meaning a small growth to a minor demon or the offspring of a malevolent force by the 16th century.
In European folklore, imps are consistently described as small, sometimes grotesque figures, occasionally possessing features like wings, horns, or tails that link them visually to traditional depictions of the devil. In Germanic folklore, imps were often considered lesser demons, acting as pranksters and nuisances rather than sources of serious danger.
The behavior of the imp centers on causing minor chaos and annoyance, such as hiding objects, misleading travelers, or generally creating a disturbance. This mischievous nature sets them apart from greater demonic entities focused on grand corruption. During the era of witch hunts, imps gained notoriety as they became associated with witches’ familiars. These familiars were often believed to be imps shape-shifting into common pets like cats, toads, or insects, leading to the close inspection of accused witches for suspicious marks.
The most famous historical representation is the Lincoln Imp, a stone carving in the medieval Lincoln Cathedral, which recounts a local legend from the 14th century. The legend describes the devil visiting the cathedral with two imps who began to wreak havoc until an angel appeared and petrified one of them. This story illustrates the creature’s established role as a symbol of minor, chaotic evil in the medieval religious consciousness.
Imp vs. Other Mythical Beings and Modern Usage
The imp’s identity in folklore is best understood by contrasting it with other diminutive mythical beings, particularly goblins, fairies, and major demons. A defining distinction is the imp’s spiritual nature; they are generally considered a type of minor demon linked to the underworld. Goblins, by contrast, are typically portrayed as physical, living entities focused on physical malice or thievery.
Imps are also different from fairies, which are often portrayed as having a broader moral spectrum, sometimes being benevolent or neutral nature spirits. Fairies may engage in trickery, but imps, with their direct association with hell and the devil, carry an inherently darker spiritual origin. The most significant contrast is with major demons, who are powerful, inherently evil forces capable of widespread destruction or soul-corrupting malice. Imps are consistently presented as low-level operatives, possessing only minor magical abilities like shapeshifting or conjuring small amounts of fire.
Beyond folklore, the term has transitioned into contemporary usage, particularly in popular culture. In modern fantasy, imps are frequently depicted as low-level antagonists or comedic, nuisance-causing creatures. The most common colloquial use today applies the word “imp” to describe a mischievous or naughty child. This usage echoes the creature’s defining characteristic of creating minor trouble.