Imps in fantasy novels

[OP1000]

Hello!!!!
So I was wondering what makes an imp unique as a creature in fantasy novels?

 

[ThrillingHuman]

nothing

 

[Bingbongzz]

Fairy equivalent of demons?

 

[CapitaoCaverna]

They're just demonic goblins.

I mean, I have read some novels where the demonic beings were different, but in general 'Imps' are just the weakest form of demon, equivalent to goblins for monsters.

Weak, small, red instead of green, have a tail and, sometimes, bat wings.

I guess, if demons evolve in the novel, you could make them unique by making them able to evolve into any other form of demon instead of being locked into a single evolution line.

Or, depending on the tipe of novel, you could make them unique by NOT making them goblins... make them the closest equivalent to a human amongs evil demons, capable of using all types of magic and being good.

 

[Le_ther]

Hello!!!!
So I was wondering what makes an imp unique as a creature in fantasy novels?

Counterpart of fairy/nymphs

 

[georgelee5786]

Glorified goblins

 

[CarburetorThompson]

What ever you want it to be. Don’t feel confined by the box built by Tolkien and D&D.

 

[LilRora]

Imps are one of the most varied monsters in general. The most common representations I remember are the weakest type of a demon, something of an equivalent of a skeleton before it evolves, or the antitype of a spirit, fairy, or something similar. Sometimes they are also a fairy equivalent of a demon, so basically a small demon with bat-like wings that is capable of using solid magic.

They are usually red and small, similar to goblins, but their looks tend to differ significantly across various stories. Also, they are mostly mischevious and annoying, which could be summed up into a fairy stripped of its innocence and instead with a pinch of evil.

As for what makes it unique, most of the time the same difference as between a fairy and a human is between an imp and a demon. Though again, it tends to differ in various settings.

 

[AiLovesToGrow]

Imps were classically seen as small creatures that lent themselves toward mischief. Some mythology links them to minor attendants to the Devil, while others see them as humanoid familiars for witches. Possibly derived etymologically from ympe or impa, both relating to young or small trees, which connects with their description as looking like small leafless bushes in shape. I would say if you go from those roots, an imp is a plant based creature similar to a gremlin in manner, but with a streak of servitude to either the arcane or demonic.

 

[ElijahRyne]

Hello!!!!
So I was wondering what makes an imp unique as a creature in fantasy novels?

Their existence implies the existence of some sort of hell, and other demons, which might mean world/plane travel.

 

[BearlyAlive]

Imps are either colour-swapped goblins or evil fairy-things.

Unless you mean the MSGK kind of imp, then they're either agents or enemies of the FBI.