Labyrinth primarily takes place in a magical, ever-shifting fantasy world known simply as the Labyrinth, conjured into existence by the Goblin King. However, the film's story begins in the real world, grounding the narrative in familiar, earthly locations before Sarah's fantastical journey begins.
The Enchanted Realm: Inside the Labyrinth
The majority of the film's narrative unfolds within the eponymous Labyrinth, a complex, surreal, and dangerous maze designed to confuse and trap those who enter. This fantastical dimension is a creation of the enigmatic Goblin King Jareth and is populated by various creatures, puzzles, and optical illusions that challenge the protagonist, Sarah.
Key areas within this magical realm include:
- The Hedge Maze: The initial, twisting pathways that Sarah must navigate, often leading to unexpected encounters.
- The Bog of Eternal Stench: A treacherous, foul-smelling swamp where falling means eternal stink, guarded by grumpy denizens.
- The Goblin City: Jareth's bustling, chaotic, and often menacing domain, a sprawling metropolis at the heart of the Labyrinth where Sarah's baby brother, Toby, is held captive.
- The Escher-esque Staircase Room: A mind-bending architectural marvel inspired by M.C. Escher's impossible designs, leading directly to Jareth's castle.
- The Forest of the Fourways: A seemingly ordinary forest that quickly reveals its magical, deceptive nature, forcing Sarah to make difficult choices.
The Labyrinth itself acts as a dynamic character, constantly changing and presenting new challenges, making it a truly immersive and unforgettable setting for Sarah's quest to rescue Toby.
Back to Reality: Earthly Beginnings
Before Sarah enters the magical realm, Labyrinth establishes her life in the real world, primarily centered around her home and its surroundings. These initial scenes blend both English and American locations to create her environment and set the stage for her adventure.
The real-world settings that feature at the start of Labyrinth include:
- West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire, England: The picturesque park seen at the very beginning of the film, where Sarah practices her lines from a play and first encounters the fantastical elements that foreshadow her journey. This estate provided the backdrop for the idyllic yet slightly eerie opening sequences.
- New York State, USA: Scenes depicting Sarah running back home through suburban streets were filmed across several towns in New state. These include:
- Upper Nyack
- Piermont
- Haverstraw
This blend of distinct real-world locations effectively establishes the mundane reality that Sarah yearns to escape through her vivid imagination, creating a stark contrast with the fantastical adventure awaiting her.
Comparing the Worlds of Labyrinth
| Setting Type | Primary Location(s) | Characteristics | Purpose in Film |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasy World | The Labyrinth (Goblin City, Bog of Eternal Stench, Escher-esque Castle, Forest of the Fourways, etc.) | Magical, ever-changing, dangerous, populated by goblins and fantastical creatures | Sarah's main quest; testing her courage, wit, and growth |
| Real World | West Wycombe Park estate (Buckinghamshire, England); Upper Nyack, Piermont, Haverstraw (NY, USA) | Mundane, familiar, establishes Sarah's home life, responsibilities, and vivid imagination | Sets up the premise for her wish; grounds the fantasy in a relatable reality |
