"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” ― G.K. Chesterton
As a kid I loved fantasy stories, particularly if they were a bit weird.
One favorie was the Jim Henson movie "The Labyrinth", staring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.
When it was released in 1986, critics were overwhelmingly negative and audiences seemed to agree as the movie only grossed $12.7 million domestically (hardly half of its budget). But despite its initial poor reception, it eventually became a cult favorite.
If you are unfamiliar with the film, it's helpful to know that it's not your standard Muppet fare. The plot line closely follows a classic fairy tale structure but with a darkness more similar to The Brothers Grimm than Disney.
It's about a teenage girl named Sarah (played by Connelly) who is frustrated that she's often stuck taking care of her baby brother, Toby. After one particularly frustrating evening, she summons the Goblin King Jareth (played by David Bowie) to take her brother away and free her of this burden. To her surprise, Jareth obliges and takes Toby captive. She is then given 13 hours to make her way through an elaborate maze and rescue her brother, or he'll be turned into a goblin forever.
The film is layered with symbolism and the internet is rife with in depth analyses (Google "Labyrinth movie analysis" if you're bored). But at it's heart is a coming of age story/hero's journey mash up that holds some important lessons for adults and children alike.
Sarah endures many hardships along her journey (complicated puzzles, physical danger and the betrayal of a friend) and within this fantasy world things aren't as they seem (doors appear then disappear, a giant monster is actually gentle and fairies are mean and bite). Yet despite adversity Sarah makes her way to the Goblin City to confront Jareth and save her brother.
In the final "battle" scene she chases after Toby through a series of stairways reminiscent of MC Escher's "Relativity" as Jareth tempts her one last time to abandon her mission. He offers her a crystal ball and promises to give Sarah her dreams, if she were to just relinquish her power to him.
But Sarah ignores his offer and instead begins reciting lines from a play she had been rehearsing at the opening of the movie.
Sarah: Through dangers untold. And hardships unnumbered. I have fought my way here to the castle; beyond the goblin city, to take back the child that you have stolen. My will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom as great...
Jareth: Stop! Wait. Look, Sarah, look what I'm offering. Your dreams...
Sarah: And my kingdom as great...
Jareth: I ask for so little. Just let me rule you, and you can have everything that you want.
Sarah: Kingdom as great... damn... I can never remember that line.
Jareth: Just fear me, love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave!
Sarah: My kingdom as great... my kingdom as great... You have no power over me! ...You have no power over me.
With these words, Sarah defeats the Goblin King. Check out the scene here. I remember watching as a child and not understanding how Sarah could forget such a simple line.
"You have no power over me." What's so complicated? It's just 6 simple words.
Yet as an adult, I understand Sarah's struggle.
I understand how easy it is to forgot your autonomy, especially when in the presence of temptation, power or influence.
I understand how something so simple, isn't always so easy.
But I also understand the true capacity of those 6 simple words.
If we reclaim our autonomy, the forces working against us lose their power and disintegrate before our eyes.
How often do we find ourselves with our hands tied, but neglect to see that we are the ones who've done the tying?
How often do we claim ourselves powerless, not because we are in the presence of a power truly greater than ourselves, but because we've forgotten these 6 simple words?
The next time someone or something tries to derail you on your journey, keep these words in mind.
You have no power over me.
You might just find that you can defeat the Goblin King.
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