Very Imp (Stockton)

Overview

The Very Imp is the particular creature who meets the Bee-Man and the Languid Youth shortly after they enter the monster-filled mountain. He is about two feet tall, extremely lively, and the colour of freshly polished boots. Asked whether he blacks and shines himself every morning, he says the finish is waterproof varnish. The opening description establishes a glossy appearance; the explanation of its material comes from his own answer. The story gives him ears, hands and legs but does not specify horns, wings, a tail, clothing or an animal species.

He takes charge of the visitor who wants his energies stimulated, while allowing the Bee-Man to continue searching for a former identity. His proposals escalate through unpleasant or threatening experiences: torment involving bees, an encounter with the King of the Snap-dragons, and watching a demon supposedly restrained by its tail. The Youth repeatedly asks for a safer, less demanding version. The Imp finally offers the Ghastly Griffin, which he claims is enchanted and unable to move for a thousand years. He suggests that imagining its eventual awakening will provide all the excitement the visitor needs.

When the Bee-Man returns carrying the rescued child, he finds the Very Imp hopping on one leg and rubbing his back and shoulders. The Imp says the griffin opened its eyes and raised its head as the Youth approached, contradicting the promised immobility. He reports that the furious Youth seized his ears, kicked and beat him. The Bee-Man dryly observes that the desired increase in energy seems to have occurred. The Imp also says a Scissor-jawed Clipper pursued the fleeing visitor without catching him. These events are chiefly his aggrieved report, supported by the Bee-Man’s direct observation of the sore, hopping creature.

The Imp remains behind as the Bee-Man overtakes the Youth outside. His episode reverses the apparent arrangement: the little guide expects to frighten or torment his charge, but the charge’s newly active anger is turned on him. The story does not give the Imp a later transformation, redemption or death. Nor does his boast about an enchanted griffin establish a general magical rule after the encounter itself has contradicted it.

First appearances & development

An individual creature in Stockton’s The Bee-Man of Orn.

Canon & continuity

Complete primary story; the creature’s promises and later complaint are distinguished from directly narrated observation.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Fanciful Tales — The Bee-Man of Orn

   Frank R. Stockton · 1922

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Primary literary textFanciful Tales — The Bee-Man of Orn, complete retained storyResearch access: 2026-10-18

Image credits

AI interpretation; independently composed.

Text-led interpretation; unspecified details imagined.