35 Iconic Labyrinth Movie Quotes for Life's Challenges

Few films capture the magic, mystery, and deep psychological journey of growing up quite like Jim Henson's Labyrinth (1986). More than just a fantasy adventure, its dialogue—particularly the enigmatic lines delivered by Jareth, the Goblin King—offers surprisingly potent lessons about choice, consequence, and embracing change. Dive into the wisdom hidden within the maze with these essential quotes.

The Enigmatic Wisdom of Jareth, The Goblin King

"You have fourteen hours to solve the labyrinth, before your brother becomes one of us... forever."

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: Establishes the high stakes and the finite nature of critical decisions, emphasizing urgency and focus.

"Look, Sarah, look what I've done for you. I have pulled the stars from the sky... and I have delivered them to you."

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: Illustrates the allure of temptation and the false promises often presented when facing difficult realities.

"Where's the love you promised me? Where's the devotion that I craved?"

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: A powerful reflection on unfulfilled expectations and the emotional risks involved in forming deep connections.

"Go back to your world, Sarah. Live your life, but remember. Remember me."

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: Acknowledges the transformative power of experiences, even challenging ones, that leave a lasting mark on identity.

"Everything that you wanted I have done. You asked that the child be taken away. I took him."

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: A sharp reminder that we must be cautious of our fleeting wishes, as they often come with unexpected and severe consequences.

"Just fear me, love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave."

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: Highlights the paradoxical nature of control and submission, showing that true freedom lies outside the confines of a power dynamic.

"I don't ask for your pity, but I demand your obedience!"

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: Defines the nature of tyranny and the necessity of standing up to unreasonable demands.

"It's only a few more hours! I can stand it! I can stand it!"

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: Demonstrates the pressure and desperation faced when time is running out on a major goal or deadline.

"She's wasting time!"

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: A concise warning against procrastination and the perils of being distracted during critical tasks.

Quotes on Courage, Friendship, and Determination

"Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way to the castle beyond the Goblin City to take back the child you have stolen... for my will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom as great."

Author: Sarah

Benefit: The defining moment of self-realization, illustrating the strength required to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

"It’s so dreadfully hot in here."

Author: Sarah

Benefit: Simple acknowledgement of discomfort, useful for recognizing when environment or circumstances are hindering progress.

"You have no power over me!"

Author: Sarah

Benefit: The ultimate declaration of independence and mental strength, crucial for breaking free from manipulation or self-doubt.

"Smell bad!"

Author: Ludo

Benefit: A straightforward expression of dislike or repulsion, representing the instinctual rejection of negativity.

"Sarah friend!"

Author: Ludo

Benefit: Emphasizes the power and simplicity of genuine connection and loyalty.

"Don't you think it's lonely down here?"

Author: Hoggle

Benefit: Captures the feeling of isolation and the need for connection, even in the midst of a journey.

"I'm not brave! I'm just a coward, that's all!"

Author: Hoggle

Benefit: A reflection on imposter syndrome and the realization that acknowledging fear is often the first step toward bravery.

"Hup! Don't you try any of your tricks on me, you foul creature!"

Author: Sir Didymus

Benefit: Shows unwavering dedication to duty and the refusal to be duped by illusions or deceit.

"If she ever needed help, I'd be there for her. So would Ludo. And Sir Didymus."

Author: Hoggle

Benefit: Underlines the necessity of a reliable support system when tackling monumental tasks.

Iconic Lines and Moments of Revelation

"Things are not always what they seem in this place."

Author: Hoggle

Benefit: A universal truth about navigating complex situations where appearances can be deceiving, requiring deeper analysis.

"It’s a piece of cake."

Author: Sarah (sarcastically)

Benefit: Used ironically when facing a challenge that is anything but easy, providing comic relief or a moment of perspective.

"What a pity. What a shame. What a load of old rubbish!"

Author: Wiseman's Hat

Benefit: Dismissing negativity and focusing on moving past trivial distractions or bad advice.

"I say, is that you, noble steed? Come on then, there's no time to waste!"

Author: Sir Didymus

Benefit: An inspiring call to action, prioritizing the mission over hesitation or delay.

"Don't look back!"

Author: Voices in the Labyrinth

Benefit: Represents the mental commitment required to keep moving forward without dwelling on past mistakes or failures.

"That's not fair!"

Author: Sarah

Benefit: The initial outcry against unjust circumstances, highlighting the transition from childish expectation to adult realization of reality.

"A goblin. It's just a goblin."

Author: Sarah

Benefit: Minimizing an exaggerated threat through confrontation and observation, reducing fear.

"What did you say?"

Author: Guards (at the door)

Benefit: A perfect illustration of vague and contradictory advice, emphasizing the importance of clear communication.

"She is only a girl!"

Author: Goblin

Benefit: Underestimation of strength, serving as a motivator to prove doubters wrong through capability.

"It is a very long and complicated story."

Author: Hoggle

Benefit: Acknowledging the complexity of one's background or situation before diving into the details.

"What's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine!"

Author: Firey

Benefit: Represents the dangers of greed and entitlement encountered on the path to success.

"There is no exit."

Author: Walls of the Labyrinth

Benefit: The feeling of being trapped, requiring creative thinking and determination to find a way out.

"This is the place where the rubbish is collected."

Author: Junk Lady

Benefit: A cautionary note about getting bogged down by unnecessary emotional or physical baggage from the past.

"Hup! Come on, Ambrosius, there's no time for resting!"

Author: Sir Didymus

Benefit: Reinforcing the need for persistent effort and minimizing downtime during crucial operations.

"I can't go on!"

Author: Sarah

Benefit: The natural moment of exhaustion before a final burst of energy or finding unexpected reserve strength.

"I wish the goblins would come and take you away!"

Author: Sarah

Benefit: The regretted impulsive statement that sets the entire chain of events in motion, focusing on the weight of careless words.

"You remind me of the babe."

Author: Jareth, the Goblin King

Benefit: A touchstone quote from the iconic 'Magic Dance,' demonstrating the seductive power of distraction and spectacle.

The quotes from Labyrinth serve as powerful allegories for navigating personal mazes, whether they involve professional challenges or life-altering decisions. By remembering Sarah's final declaration—"You have no power over me!"—we reclaim our strength and ability to define our own destiny outside of the maze's control.