The Lincoln Imp
A Mischievous Demon Immortalized in A Church
According to legend, Satan sent two imps to Earth to cause mischief. (For those dear readers who may not be familiar with this term, an imp is a small, mischievous devil or sprite, similar to a fairy or demon.)
This pair of imps marauded throughout the countryside until they happened upon a church in Lincoln, UK. They were raising a ruckus inside — breaking windows, knocking people down, etc. And then an angel appeared and told them in no uncertain terms to quit it.
One of the imps was appropriately chastened and cowered under a table in fear. But the other imp STARTED THROWING EGGS AT THE ANGEL. The angel was having none of it, and promptly turned the imp to stone. He is immortalized until this day in the Lincoln Cathedral, where he is known as the Lincoln Imp.
The imp is a curious looking creature in a distinctive pose — right leg crossed atop left, hands on his ankle and mouth slightly open, like he is saying “wait, wait…don’t turn me to stone.”
Perhaps his distinctive and curious appearance explains how the imp became Lincoln’s mascot over time. He is featured on a variety of souvenirs and other memorabilia, such as door knockers, bookends. keychains, charms, and coffee mugs.
The Lincoln Imp (in situ)
In his current form, the Lincoln Imp is what is known as a “grotesque.” In architectural terms, a grotesque is a carved figure with an unusual or fantastical appearance used as a decorative motif. A gargoyle is a type of “grotesque” with a water spout running through its mouth.
Devoted readers will recall that the concept of the “grotesque” also arose in the context of The House’s discussions of the evil eye. Strange or unusual-looking objects were used as amulets that could catch the evil eye’s attention, drawing it away from the wearer of the amulet and absorbing its negative rays. The gobbo, or hunchback, charm was often used for such apotropaic purposes, as was the Gorgoneion, or head of the Gorgon. Figures such as these are not limited to appearances on buildings. They were incorporated into amulets, statuettes and coins.
A Grotesque, Ely Cathedral. J.P. Getty Museum
Coin of Populonia with Head of a Gorgon. Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
Grotesque figure with phallus emerging from head. Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
The House notices a strong resemblance between the specific rendition of the Lincoln Imp depicted on the old horse brass below and Bibo, the God-Monster with Intelligence popularized by the Seattle-based retailer Archie McPhee.
According to Who Would Buy This?: The Archie McPhee Story, “Bibo is a god-monster with intelligence. He has two big eyes and he knows very well what people want to do. He cannot speak, but only “Bi-bo.” When there is any danger happened, he will speak. The top of his head will light up and his hip will makes many colorful smoke to help him survive because this smoke is stinking and can hinder the sight of his enemies. We love this Bi-bo very much because he always survive by using some funny ways.”
(above) Lincoln Imp on old Horse Brass. House of Good Fortune Collection.
Bibo figurine from Archie McPhee (right)
The House notes striking similarities between the Lincoln Imp and Bibo, including the proportion of head to body; the prominent ears; the wide, toothy grimace; and the overall body shape. Could Bibo be related to the imp? Or maybe Bibo himself is an imp, sent to cause mischief and mayhem here on Earth?