In
Western tradition[?] a
familiar spirit, commonly called
familiar (from Middle English 'familiar', related to family) is a minor
demon who obeys a
witch,
conjurer[?], etc., and serves and helps that person. Familiars often perform domestic duties and help in farming, but also aid the person in bewitching people. These spirits are also said to be able of inspiring artists and writers (compare with
muses).
The familiar is given to the conjurer by another demon, higher in status, with whom the person has made a pact or, in other cases, having been the demon compelled by the conjurer.
There is no standard depiction of a familiar, but they are commonly considered to be dwarf and ugly.