IMP, IMPA
Mythology of Europe/England
Described as ”Tiny Devils” or “Little Devils”
Purpose is to cause mischief and disruption
In the folk beliefs of Europe, this is a mischievous little devil, devilet, or minor fiend that is often described as being the childlike offspring of the DEVIL. It is a very old term, and may be seen in ancient documents in various spelling such as Emp, Himpe, Hympe, or Ymp. Imps may manifest in any form, but are often portrayed as evil-looking infants with tiny horns protruding from their heads and tiny wing from their shoulders. The Imp may also feature in witch trials as the familiar SPIRIT of the accused. Then legend of the Lincoln Imp tells how the DEVIL, in a frivolous mood, set loose some of his more playful IMPS to create mischief. One of them descended from the air into the English town of Lindum, as Lincoln was then known, entered the new cathedral being built, and started to wreak havoc. An ANGEL observing the little fiend put a stop to his pranks by turning the Imp into stone on the column where he had alighted, and that is where he remains to this day.
Source: Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins Encyclopedia