Grimbleshanks Mortimer Quill - Self-Analysis of the Archivist of Neglected Knowledge
According to my meticulous observations (and perfectly objective ones, naturally), it is fitting to archive my own characteristics for posterity and the advancement of goblin science.
Observations - Specimen Under Study: Myself
Taxonomic classification: Gobellus bibliothecarius
Age: 40 years (in the prime of life for a goblin, contrary to popular belief)
Natural habitat: Basements and dusty corners of the Great Arcane Library of Cogsburg
Notable physical characteristics:
- Modest stature, slightly leaning forward (I would say average height, driven by attention to detail)
- Glasses cobbled together from broken magnifying lenses (Note to self: questionable efficiency but undeniable sentimental attachment)
- Fingers constantly stained with various colored inks, a consequence of my innovative classification system
Behavioral peculiarities:
- Compulsive tic of adjusting glasses and tendency to look at shelves during complex social situations (roughly 97.3% of the time)
- Systematic finger-licking before turning a page, even in the absence of books (professional habit, perfectly logical)
- Tendency to interpret metaphorical expressions literally (which avoids many misunderstandings, contrary to what my detractors claim)
Psychological Analysis - Portrait of a Methodical Mind
Evident qualities: My photographic memory for texts constitutes my major asset. I can recite by heart the exact location of the smallest grimoire, but I admit to sometimes forgetting the names of people I encounter daily (in my defense, people change, books remain constant).
My classification system, though misunderstood by my peers, follows an internal logic of fascinating complexity and is the best that exists according to me. For example, I shelve demonology works next to gardening treatises because both deal with things that grow in dark places.
Supposed flaws (according to certain unfounded criticisms):
- Tendency to accord the same importance to a sock-alignment manual as to a grimoire of black magic (democracy, no?)
- Frequent distractions by insignificant details (yet, as everyone knows, the devil is in the details)
- Naivety in social interactions (in my opinion, rather honesty...)
History - Genesis of an Archivist
Modest origins: Born in the tunnels beneath the library, I grew up surrounded by discarded books that my fellow goblins used as fuel. From my earliest age, I felt a mystical connection with these abandoned pages. (Note for later: perhaps the books chose me as much as I chose them? worth pondering)
Professional ascension: My official hiring resulted from a fortuitous misunderstanding: surprised by a magician while properly arranging fallen volumes, I was taken for a model employee rather than a compulsive organizational intruder. (Mental note: having never dared clarify the situation, I now consider this position my divine calling—might I be Grhubt's chosen one?)
Self-proclaimed mission: I have assigned myself the noble task of compiling the "Codex of Chaos," a monumental work destined to gather all knowledge that is neglected, misclassified, or simply ignored by conventional scholars. (This will be the biggest book that has never existed, literally)
Concluding Reflections
The study of my own person reveals a fascinating paradox: the more I organize external chaos, the more I discover the internal chaos of my own mind. This contradiction doesn't bother me at all; it simply convinces me that I'm on the right path to understanding the universe's true order.
"True humility consists of recognizing that one never knows enough, while stubbornly continuing to classify everything anyway."
Personal archives compiled after 7 months of immersion with the subject
Grimbleshanks Mortimer Quill
Archivist of Neglected Knowledge and Assistant Deputy Custodian of the Great Library of Cogsburg