listen!
starring Dr. Hal !
ORIGINS OF THE IMPS--
October 18, 2024 10:00pm

 

Ask Dr Hal
ORIGINS OF THE IMPS--
AS CHERUBS ARE TO ANGELS, Imps are to full-grown Demons. It's all in the show. And as Imps create annoyances and exult in causing subject humans to lose their temper and commit the Sin of Wrath, studies show that their maximally developed adult stage, Demons, seek a recondite ecstasy in shepherding the torment of the highest developed humans: philosophers, saints and the like. Usually given a pass by most theologians, Imps tend to be described in the literature as mischievous pranksters more than a serious threat (tell that to Saint Anthony!)-- as lesser creatures, in essence, unimportant if supernatural beings. These small helpers who attend the Devil may properly be described as Imps. They are usually reported to be quite diminutive and very active. What of their classification? Imps were the common name given to familiar spirits that served witches in the Middle Ages, usually kept inside artifacts such as gemstone pieces or vials, and summoned for malevolent service by means of Magic. As a side note to the show, we mention in passing the work LES FARFADETS ("The Imps") in three volumes, printed 1818-1820, 1200 pages, by one Alexis-Vincent Berbiguier de Terre-Neuve du Thym (b. 1764, probably). The books are the most comprehensive volumes ever published on the Imps, their gestation, development and diuturnal longevity. Berbiguier, himself tormented continuously by these little devils, was considered a madman by some (most) people for his obsession. The date of his death is unknown, uncertain like his birthdate. What happened to Berbiguier? It is believed that in the end, the Imps got him.


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