“Flying monkeys” is a term used to describe people who are manipulated by an abusive person, such as a narcissist or sociopath. The term comes from The Wizard of Oz, where the Wicked Witch of the West used flying monkeys.
| Flying monkeys | |
|---|---|
| Who they are | People who are manipulated by an abusive person |
| What they do | Carry out the work of an abusive person, such as spreading rumors or gaslighting |
| Why they do it | To gain attention, material benefits, or to fulfill their own narcissistic desires |
| How they are recruited | By being convinced that it’s their duty or responsibility to defend the abusive person |
Psychology Today says that flying monkeys often have strong narcissistic traits themselves.
To protect yourself from flying monkeys, you can:
- Recognize manipulation
- Set clear boundaries
- Don’t engage in justification
- Focus on your support network
- Fact-check when necessary
- Ignore unnecessary communication
- Seek legal protection if necessary
