Jareth
Goblin king who challenges Sarah in the Labyrinth.
Jareth is a fictional character who serves as the primary antagonist in the 1986 musical fantasy film *Labyrinth*. Played by David Bowie, he is the formidable and enigmatic ruler of the goblins. The story begins when the protagonist, Sarah Williams, wishes away her infant brother Toby, and Jareth appears to claim him. He then presents Sarah with a challenge: she has thirteen hours to reach his castle at the center of a vast labyrinth and rescue Toby. Throughout her journey, Jareth places obstacles in her path and attempts to tempt her into abandoning her mission.
The character was conceived by director Jim Henson and writer Dennis Lee, with visual design by Brian Froud. Jareth was developed specifically with David Bowie in mind after Henson first approached him in 1983. Bowie was also brought on to write the film’s songs, performing three of them in character. Before Bowie was cast, several other contemporary musicians were considered, including Sting, Michael Jackson, and Prince.
Jareth was envisioned as a product of Sarah’s inner fantasy. His design drew inspiration from a wide range of sources: Heathcliff from *Wuthering Heights*, Rochester from *Jane Eyre*, the Scarlet Pimpernel, medieval knights, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, ballet dancers, contemporary rock stars, and “leather boys” such as Johnny Strabler from *The Wild One*.
Critical reception of Jareth has been generally favorable, with reviewers highlighting his magnetism and costume design. Bowie’s portrayal received mixed reactions at the time of the film’s release, but it has since become one of his most acclaimed film roles.
- field
- Film character
- known_for
- Antagonist of Labyrinth (1986)
- portrayed_by
- David Bowie
- created_by
- Jim Henson and Dennis Lee
- designed_by
- Brian Froud
Lore & Background
Jareth was conceptualised as the inner fantasy of Sarah, with his character design influenced by Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights, Rochester from Jane Eyre, the Scarlet Pimpernel, medieval knights, Grimm's Fairy Tales, ballet dancers, contemporary rock stars, and leather boys such as Johnny Strabler from The Wild One. In early development, Jareth was first conceived as a shapeshifting 'prince of darkness' who kidnaps a king's baby. Henson intended Jareth to represent elements of Sarah's world and her growing-up process, stating that Jareth 'has no reality except what Sarah gives him, which she can constantly change.'
Reader's Guide
Jareth's significance lies in his role as a complex antagonist in a coming-of-age fantasy. Henson described him as 'never completely evil' but rather an antagonist representing what Sarah is trying to figure out. The casting of David Bowie, who also wrote and performed three songs for the film as Jareth, led to script changes that increased the character's prominence. Reception to the character has been generally positive, with critics praising Jareth's magnetism and costuming. Bowie's performance, alternately lauded and derided by contemporary critics, has since become one of his most celebrated film appearances. The character remains a notable example of a rock star portraying a fantasy villain, blending musical performance with acting.
Did You Know?
- Several contemporary musicians were initially considered for the role besides David Bowie, including Sting, Michael Jackson and Prince.
- Jim Henson first approached David Bowie in 1983 to offer him the part of Jareth.
- Jareth's character design was influenced by Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights and Rochester from Jane Eyre.
- David Bowie performed three songs in the film as Jareth.
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