Flying Monkeys

The word comes from The Wizard of Oz, when the Wicked Witch sends flying monkeys after Dorothy and her dog. The monkeys follow her orders, teasing and torturing Dorothy as she attempts in vain to return home. Narcissists and their flying monkeys.

The narcissist’s attachment with their flying monkeys is one of undying commitment even in the face of peril. When a narcissist wishes to punish someone, they send in their minions (called flying monkeys). Sadly, this may involve abusive behavior including guilt-tripping, lying, gaslighting, assaults, threats, and violence. This keeps them safe and allows them to deny guilt if detected. True, not only narcissists can conjure a swarm of flying monkeys. Sociopaths and psychopaths are much better. The narcissist, on the other hand, is committed to their selfish goals. The target is voluntarily abandoned by a sociopath or psychopath to obtain a higher degree of devotion. However, a psychopath’s actual self may not be revealed for a lifetime.

And who are these flying monkeys and why do they surrender to him? It occurs often. Imagine a bully politician with a chief of staff, media director, and personal assistant ready to do anything is required. How about a famous athlete’s sports, PR, and financial managers? There’s also the executive leadership protecting and shielding the enterprise narcissistic CEO. Why do they do it? Ironically, many of them have a problem that the narcissist exploits. Here are a few instances of long-term commitment.

Summary

When a narcissist wishes to punish someone, they send in their minions (called flying monkeys) Sadly, this may involve abusive behavior including guilt-tripping, lying, gaslighting, assaults, threats, and violence. This keeps them safe and allows them to deny guilt if detected.