#ach smith

A.C.H. Smith's novelization of Jim Henson's Labyrinth is getting a graphic novel adaptation at BOOM! Studios. The graphic novel hails from writer Kyla Vanderklugt and artist Giorgio Spalletta.

"Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, join Sarah on her surreal adventure through the twisting and changing paths to the castle beyond the Goblin City as she sets out to save her baby brother from the Goblin King, Jareth." (BOOM! Studios)

Jim Henson's Labyrinth #1 goes on sale on September 18, 2024. The first issue sports a main cover by Miguel Mercado and variant covers by Elizabeth Torque, Veronica Fish, and David Mack.

‪THE DARK CRYSTAL ‬

Books Shania Read In 2019 – Labyrinth by Jim Henson and A.C.H. Smith

Mod G: We’ve both read it, and I think we have pretty similar opinions on it. I’ll go for blunt honesty and say that I didn’t like it. At all. Most of the fantiction I’ve read has been leagues better. Go fic writers!

I don’t think it captured the charm from the film, and I personally think it butchered Sarah’s character. There were a lot of negative little things that really added up and had me messaging Mod T so we could talk about them, so I can say that it certainly generated discussion! While it does offer a few new ways of looking at events in the film, the most valuable thing from the book, in my opinion, are Henson’s notes at the end of my copy.

14 

Jareth held a few crystals, one of them swirling in the air and flicking it away into a bubble. it drifted and the other three followed outside. The four bubbles approached Sarah, who stared at them entranced. hearing music, the first one had the dancer from her music box. Sarah swayed with the music inside the bubble, dressed in a ball gown, dancing with the others, each bubble had a dancer in it, approaching the other bubble, inside was a ballroom with Jareth waiting. Didymus and Ludo came to the edge of the forest, in the distance the walls of the castle. as Didymus turned to call Sarah she wasn't there, they didn't notice the bubble floating above their heads. 

The ballroom was full of opulence that hard worn away, (100 years of dripping wax candles making stalagmites and threadbare silk tapestries) and the thirteenth hour clock chimed. Sarah watched the bubble dancers and they watched her behind their masks moving in a ring lethargically as they did all night or they lounged against the wall or cushioned pits, (tended to by maids and footmen that had parchment skin so how long have these people been here at this fae party) smiling like knives at Sarah. “She was the picture of innocence in that setting, a picture that excited the dancers, who never took their masked eyes off her,”p.157 Sarah looked in a mirror and saw Jareth pass by dancing with a woman, as she turned he vanished and as she looked for him didn’t notice a young man leering at her. Jareth watched it all, following her in the corrupt ballroom. Sarah was self-conscious now among these strangers who acted like they knew something she didn't and she hurried looking for Jareth, not knowing what to say, just that it was important she found him. 

She saw him whispering to his partner and she looked away in embarrassment to another mirror and saw Jareth now alone (another My Immortal like description of his clothes) and he held out a hand for her. Sarah took it and her dizziness ceased as she spun around the ballroom, she knew she was the loveliest woman of all by the way Jareth smiled at her. She feels it’s like dream but she doesn't remember any dream like this. She saw in his face he was enjoying this moment with no mocking or secretiveness on the others. “And when you’ve found your way in, stay in your dream, Sarah.”-“Believe me. If you want to be truly free, wholly yourself-you do want that, don’t you?”p.159 Sarah did. “Then you will find what you want only as long as you stay in your dream. Once abandoned, and you are at the mercy of other people’s dreams.”p.160 

As she almost kissed him, she closed her eyes but the silence made open them, the music stopped and everyone else was watching, almost laughing. Sarah wrenched herself away from him as he tried to force a kiss, (he’s such a creeper I’m glad David Bowie adamantly refused to kiss the underaged Jennifer Connelly) the clock struck twelve. She ran through the crowd until she saw the membrane and hurled a chair at it bursting the bubble. (yes Sarah get out of that Weinstein Schneider Hollywood party) She was sucked through space and on the ground saw her friends looking up at her. Behind her the ballroom collapsed into junk she recognized from her room. “If this is the debris of the ballroom, she thought, then all my life must have been at that ball, in disguise.”p.161 (hmmm) The sea of junk stretched beyond the horizon spinning Sarah around with it, then it stopped and she was on the ground still holding the rotting peach, she flung it away and fainted. 

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Sarah woke up nowhere and could only remember being at the ball ashamed at almost falling for Jareth’s charm and feeling soiled. “Those men who pawed her, Jareth trying so rudely to force a kiss upon her-had she been truly innocent, they would not have behaved like that toward her, would they?”p.163 (Sarah Sarah normally I’d say you acted like a stupid child not thinking but this this you are a child and they are a bunch of creepy adults who took advantage of a child) She looked at the desolate landscape wondering what she was doing. “No one in sight. It was a place where you would soon forget your own name.”p.163 When she stood up the pile of rags she was on moved, the woman told her to get off her back. A little old goblin woman carried a pile of junk on her back, that’s what the other mounds of garbage were. 

Sarah doesn't know where she was going, “You can't look where you’re going if you don’t know where you’re going.”p.164 Sarah didn't argue she just knew she was looking for something, of course she was, they all are, she’s already found lots of things. She gave Sarah things to get started on her own pile, digging through she gave Sarah Lancelot bringing her childish joy like she was a little girl again. Is it what she was looking for, yes, she forgot about it and the old goblin points to her tent for Sarah to look through, inside was her room. 

Sarah woke up in her bed holding Lancelot, it was all a nightmare it was so real and she was still nervous, she opened the door and it led to the wasteland. The old woman asks if she likes the things as Sarah repeats that it’s just a dream, she opens the door again, this time the old woman barged in. She told Sarah it’s best to stay inside, nothing she wants is out there, as she looked around finding things and putting them in Sarah’s arms. She names Sarah things asking if she remembers, “something else was working at Sarah’s feelings, something grey and listless, like despair. She recognized it, but couldn't be sure of its cause.”p.167 (ah this old lady is Sarah’s depression and attachment disorder talking) 

The old woman piled things on her back as Sarah stared at herself in the mirror (she’s also smearing lipstick on her mouth) her shoulders were starting to bow. She starts to think of what she was looking for but the old woman tells her not to talk about it. “It’s all here, everything you’ve ever cared about.”p.168 Sarah stopped listening to the woman or she would have cried and looked for something to distract her off the condescension. On the dressing table was the Labyrinth book, she picked it up and recited the lines and remembered Toby then everything altered, the room was the same but Sarah looked at it with new eyes. “the whole room was a garbage heap, a dead shrine to a spirit that had fled.”p.169 (that spirit being her childhood self) She called it all junk and the woman was taken aback trying to find things and gave Sarah, the music box, (sounds like the ballroom) it’s also junk. “she knew what the grey despair had been. This room was a prison, and she was her own jailor. And so she had the key to release herself, to go and do the thing that mattered.”p.169 (yay she’s breaking out of her arrested development) She had to save Toby and heard her name being called, she stood up shrugging off the junk and the room fell apart. Two hands reached from above and Sarah grabbed on being pulled up to the ground to her friends, behind them was the castle. 

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They were at the gates of the Goblin City, Didymus asks if she’s sure she wants to go to the castle. she has to or she’ll lose her little brother. They move forward with Hoggle lingering behind, Didymus shouted at the sleeping goblin guard to open up (that let men in meme) until Sarah begged for him not to make so much noise. Ludo pushed the gate and it swung open (remember the beginning when Sarah was looking for the key to unlocked labyrinth) and it slammed shut as soon as they were in and another pair was open ahead of them but shut before they reached them. At each door was half a set of armor that now formed a titanic warrior called Humongous who wielded two axes. He missed his swing and it hit the wall sending sparks, they dodged his swings trying to take cover. Between a blow Didymus spotted something on the parapet, Hoggle running along toward the inner gate with a purpose. 

Hoggle jumped down on Humongous and kicked his helmet knocking it open revealing a tiny goblin working the controls. Hoggle grabbed him and tossed him out and took over the levers making Humongous go out of control and smoke as Hoggle jumped out. Humongous was on a rampage working his way back to the inner gates, swinging into the arch and breaking down as he overloaded. Sarah asks Hoggle if he’s alright, but Hoggle says he’s not asking to be forgiven. he doesn't care what she thinks, he said he was a coward and not interested in being friends. She forgives him and Didymus says what he did was courageous, Ludo calls him a friend. Sarah gives him back his jewels and Ludo opens the gates and the party heads into the Goblin City.     

The goblins watched Jareth play with Toby, wishing they could play with him, Jareth would tickle Toby and when in range, Toby would punch him in the face. Jareth laughs that he’s spirited, he’ll name him after himself, (is this just for Toby or does he rename all the stolen babies) he has his eyes, and as Toby smacks him in one says his disposition too. Goblins then came running in yelling that the girl who ate the peach is here with a monster, Sir Didymus and a gnome. (his wiki says he’s a dwarf) They got past Humongous and are on their way to the castle, Jareth commands them to stop her. He hands Toby (he calls him Jarethkin unsure if that means he’s now family or all the goblins are considered that) off to one of the goblins to take care of,  Sarah must not get him. As the goblins run off Jareth was left alone repeating she must be stopped from getting the baby. 

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Goblin City was a shantytown decorated in Goblin Grotesque style and rotting garbage littered the streets huddled in the shadows of the castle. In the dawn the city seemed asleep, and the party made their way through the marketplace as Sarah and Hoggle tell Didymus to keep quiet. Hoggle calls it a piece of cake as Sarah thinks they're going to make it. Hoggle should have known better the last time that phrase was said and now the danger was a bugle that sounded the goblin army they could only run back into town. (thanks a lot Hoggle you jinxed it) Jareth watched the chaos and winced as the four ran through the city as other goblins popped their heads out of windows to look. Sarah had them run into an abandoned house and bolted the door telling Didymus to guard it while she and Hoggle watched the windows and Ludo the roof. 

As a goblin smashed through a window Sarah brought a plate down on its head, one recognized Hoggle as he used to be with them, Hoggle hit him with a teapot. Sarah and Hoggle were overwhelmed and Didymus wondered if he should disobey orders when the door started to splinter by a battering ram he tried to fend them off with his staff but it wasn't in reach when the door burst open. Sarah and Hoggle were running out of crockery and the horde kept coming, they asked Hoggle what did they do to him, they stole Sarah’s brother, he knows they steal babies. Ludo was knocking down goblins on ladders when canons were called up that misfired. 

Inside Didymus heard the goblins talking about eating Sarah and he was infuriated and charged at the goblins in town, disarming the horde. Sarah saw him surrounded by goblins wielding spears and called for Ludo to summon rocks and for Hoggle to retreat up the stairs. As Ludo roared a distant rumbling followed as bits fell off the castle walls but, in the meantime, Didymus was cornered, and they were trapped on the roof. Sarah calls for Didymus to hold them back as she made a rope out of sheets for them to climb down. Didymus fought his way to the roof and while on the rope, cut it, so the goblins wouldn't follow and fell using the sheet to parachute down. Meanwhile the rocks filled the streets overtaking the army and walling them up allowing Sarah to lead her friends back to the castle and walk inside the throne room. “The chamber was deserted. In the middle of it was a cradle, empty. The clock showed three minutes to thirteen.”p.190 (gasp Jareth you cheating bastard) The vulture sitting above the throne laughed. 

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Toby was gone, but Sarah knew Jareth wouldn't abandoned his castle, the only other way was a set of stairs. Sarah ran for it and the others followed but she stopped them, she has to face them alone. “Because that’s the way it’s done.”p.192 All the stories do Sarah felt awful, but she was right and Didymus agreed. “But shouldst thou have need of us...”p.192 (hmm) She went up the stairs and found herself in a hall with many staircases, balconies doors and windows, inside out, backwards and upside down and went on alternating. (so an MC Esher painting Winchester Manor mix with Hogwarts physics) Sarah edged her way along when Jareth calls that he’s been expecting her, Toby is safe in his keep, he’s not keeping him because she’s here. Jareth tells her she’s answered none of the riddles and doesn't even know the questions, she understands nothing. (thank you for calling that out) “You are wrong. I have come to understand one thing very well. You are just putting on a show of confidence. It doesn’t take me in anymore. You are frightened Jareth.”p.193 (yes call his ass out too) They both are. 

They stared at each other for a few seconds then Jareth moved around the stairs calling Sarah cruel and they are evenly matched. “I need your cruelty, just as you need mine.”p.194 Sarah was losing balance watching him then she saw Toby, she had to reach him, Jareth mirroring everywhere she went, laughing. Jareth tossed a crystal ball, Toby followed it over the edge along a wall, defying laws of gravity. Sarah chased after him but he kept getting out of reach at risk of falling off a balcony or stairs. (safe in his keep my ass you don’t even have a single baby gate) Suddenly Jareth spun her around, “It has been a fine game, Sarah, and now it’s time to finish playing, because you cannot ever win.”p.195 Sarah saw Toby near a window, birds were outside, it wasn’t an illusion and she jumped to reach him, Jareth smiled triumphantly. “If he could not keep the baby, nor would she.”p.196  

Sarah opened her eyes and found herself in another part of the hall, something changed, a wing of the castle was in ruins, the stones were gone, grass in the cracks the turrets collapsed growing brambles. The sound around Jareth now had a forlorn ring to it. “Jareth stepped out from a shadowy archway, wearing a faded, threadbare cloak. His face looked older, drawn. In his blond mane was a trace of grey.”p.196 (so what does he really need baby youth to keep himself young and his kingdom running) She demanded Toby, he warns he’s been generous until now, but he can be cruel, he’s done everything she’s wanted. “You asked that the child be taken. I took him. You coward before me, I was frightening.”-”I have reordered time,”-”I have turned the world upside down.”-”And I have done it all for you,”-”I am exhausted from living up to your expectations. Isn’t that generous?”p.197 (he played the role of the villain in her story) 

Sarah starts to recite the lines from the play as Jareth yells at her to stay back and stop, offering another crystal to show her her dreams. She continues and he says he asks so little, just believe in him and she can have everything, when she fumbles the lines again. “Just fear me and love me, “-”and do as I say, and I...I will be your slave.”p.198 And Sarah finally recalled the words. “You have no power over me.”p.198 Jareth and the goblins shouted no as the clock struck, (there’s no way all that happened in three minutes) he tossed the bubble up his face distorted in it and when Sarah touched it it burst. Jareth disappeared, leaving his dusty cloak and at the twelfth chime a white owl flew out from under it, flying circles over her. 

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Sarah wiped her eyes saying she needs to get out of the habit of crying and going over the top, (finally some growth) then remembered she hadn't found Toby. The owl was still flying above her but she was on the staircase of her home. The owl flew out an open window and she ran up the stairs shouting for Toby, he was asleep in his crib, she woke him up cuddling him and gave him Lancelot. She watched him sleep for a long time before going back to her room, it was after midnight and her parents would be home soon. She looked around her room, at the old photographs and removed them one at a time, putting them in a drawer including the old family photo and music box. 

Downstairs, Irene called for her and Sarah held the Labyrinth book, “Wait,”-”I am closing a chapter of my life. Just wait.”p.202 And she put the playbook in the drawer and called back she’s there and welcome back, surprising Irene. Sarah thought once was enough for now and pushed the drawer shut, behind her in the window was a reflection of Ludo saying goodbye. When she spun around the room was empty then it was Sir Didymus. “And remember, sweetest damsel, shouldst thou ever have a need...” “I’ll call.”p.203 She told him goodbye and Hoggle appeared. “Yes, if you ever need us...for any reason at all...”p.203 Sarah says she needs them all then the Wise Man appeared. “Sometimes,”-”to need is...to let go.”p.203 Outside the owl watched and waited and flew away unseen. (growing up isn’t leaving childish things behind it’s carrying them with you in different ways)  

9 

Behind the tree Ludo was hung from were two high doors in a stone wall, both had iron knockers that were repulsive faces, one with the iron ring in his ears and the other his mouth, which to choose. “She always found choices hard to make; if there were two kinds of cake at a birthday party, she would contrive to take a bit of each, at a decent interval, naturally, and hoping that no one noticed.”p.103 (what party serves two kinds of cake also Sarah is it really that hard to choose between chocolate and vanilla) The knocker with the ring in his ears said it’s rude to stare she tried to apologize but the second knocker tried to say something. She took out the ring so he could speak and after the knockers had a fight Sarah asked which way to go, they don't know. they're just knockers. Since she spoke to the second door, she chose it or would that be rude since they might not like their doors opened. “If she weighed the implications of every alternative, would she ever get to make a choice at all? When one door opens, so does another one.”p.105 

She tried to open the second door but it wouldnt budge and so she asked how to get through, knock on the door. (Knock On Doors That’s What The Knocker’s For~) The second knocker refused to have the ring back in his mouth, so she used the first door. Through it she heard giggling and laughter, but Ludo refused to follow so Sarah went ahead. She followed the sound of merriment in the forest and found it was the forest that was laughing, and she joined in until she felt faint, and the forest pitched in hysterics. She couldn't stop and could see Ludo at the door encouraging her to come back. As she dropped herself close enough so he could pick her up and take her back inside. (so...what was the lesson here) 

After she recovered, she went to the second knocker and when he refused to open his mouth, she held his nose until he gasped for air. After knocking the door opened to a foreboding forest but there's no other way (you could try the maze again) and she’s not turning around, and Ludo reluctantly followed her. She didn't know which way to go now, “A path ran in front of her into the forest, but how could anyone take it for granted that a path was the way you wanted to go?’p.109 Sarah was so distracted she didn't notice the ground open up swallow Ludo and close again. As she tried to climb a tree it fell over, and she saw it was made of bone and now the whole forest was collapsing into a heap of bones. “And Sarah knew it was all her fault, the destruction of this delicate balance. And Sarah knew it was all her fault,”p.110 (well it’s about time) It was too much, and she broke down crying she couldn't do anything right and after a while noticed Ludo wasn't there with her. She couldn't stay and ran anywhere, the forest getting darker the deeper, she went until a bright savage creature leaped in front of her. 

10 

Hoggle was hoggling around the hedge maze, the girl had his jewels, he tried to please her and Jareth. “and that’s what you get for trying to please everyone.”p.113 He stopped when he heard a scream and with a second scream his rudimentary conscience came to a decision, and he ran to her. Around the corner there was Jareth asking where he is going, after some time Hoggle said Sarah gave him the slip but he heard her just now and he will take her to the beginning like he told him to, while wishing Jareth would do anything but smile at him. Jareth nods and for a moment he thought he would help her, but he wouldn't after his warning, that would be stupid. Jareth points out his missing jewels, Hoggle promises he’ll find them and the girl just like they planned. 

Jareth stops him, he has a better plan and tosses Hoggle a crystal that turns into a peach, it won't hurt her will it, why the concern, just curious. Jareth says all he has to know is to give it to her and Hoggle was torn between fearful obedience and unknown affection. He won't harm her and Jareth is surprised at him losing his head over a girl, how could she ever like someone as repulsive as him, (whatever Lord Farquaad) is he her friend, Hoggle says it doesn't matter. Jareth warns to give her the peach or he’ll be put in the Bog of Eternal Stench and if Sarah kisses him, he’ll turn him into a prince of the Land of Stench and walks off laughing. (that joke sucked) 

What leaped in front of Sarah was a Fiery and they are wild, and it told her to cut out her screaming it won’t do any good. (well it’s right crying might be an emotional release but what good will it do when you're in trouble to just sit there and bawl) Four more appear, they’re just having a good time here and they hooted and jumped around lighting a bonfire with sparks from their fingers. One used tree stumps as drums and the rest broke into a dance around Sarah, she couldn't have run if she wanted to. She was horrified by their antics as they dismembered themselves and tried to persuade her to join in. “But she thought she had their number now-just crazy good-times, out of their skulls and she was no longer frightened, not even when one tried to lift her head from her shoulders.”p.118 (I’m serious this could easily be a horror story) 

Then she remembered her predicament and started to cry again (she cries so much for a fifteen-year-old) and tells them she’s trying to get to the castle, is she sure she knows what she’s doing, yes. The drums pick up and the Fierys grinned at each other it's not a problem, they’ll take her there, they’re not that wild. She can't walk around here by herself, she did have a friend with her, Hoggle, they know Hoggle, and they pull her along into the wilderness. Meanwhile in the castle Jareth was watching from a crystal and held Toby up to it who recognized Sarah and reached for her. Jareth shook his head so much trouble for such a little thing, but soon she’ll forget everything once Hoggle gives her his present. 

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Sarah was hauled along reluctantly, she couldn't see the castle, time was ticking and tried to think of when she could have made a different choice. “How would she know? What evidence had she been given that any of her choices were the right ones? If there were right ones; if it wasn't all a cruel hoax by which Jareth tormented her with the illusion that Toby could be rescued.”p.123 Instead of crying again she focused on what she did right, she had to to have gotten this far, but it would mean nothing if she couldn't get away and save Toby. 

The Fierys were pointing at random things asking if that’s the castle and Sarah asks to be let go but the Fierys ignore her and continue their good time. They dragged Sarah further, as they were goofing around she tried to slip away but they quickly caught up to her. Not knowing where to go, Sarah wondered what the point was of doing anything. “Maybe just havin’ yourself a good time was the best anyone could hope for.”p127 But that’s besides the point, she couldn't do anything until she got rid of the Fierys. 

She got an idea and told them they don’t even know what the castle looks like as they goofed off. One showed how wild he is by taking his head off, Sarah grabbed it and threw it as far as she could, she did the same with the others and in the pandemonium she ran. The Fierys called back that it’s fun, to take her head off too, as she climbed a rock face to escape a rope hit her in the nose. Hoggle hauled her up as the Fierys were eager to dismember her for a good time. (ok so these guys are allegory for being wary of dangerous friends who put having a good time over safety and also going off with strangers) Sarah found she was atop a turret of the Great Goblin Wall after Hoggle beat off the heads he turned to Sarah who thanked him with a kiss then the earth moved beneath them. 

12 

The paving stones they were on tipped them into a chute, having gotten this far required Sarah to be persistent and solve paradoxes. (she hasn’t solved shit) “Jareth was King of the Castle, and he would tolerate no display of emotion here, no gesture of friendship or sentimentality.”p.131 With her kiss Hoggle became Prince of the Land of Stench. “Everyone in Jareth’s realm was an island. If you did something for someone else, it was never an act of kindness but a calculation, an investment that would return a percentage when you called on it.”p.131 The words, to give, were obscene and, to love, only was desire, you stand on your own feet and only on someone else's to get higher. Your success was measured of how you could commend others, this was why Jareth was envied, and he was gong to keep it that way.  

They skidded to the edge of the Great Goblin Wall and were made sick from the smell, Sarah didn't take Hoggle’s fear seriously, she did now. (evisceral glairy mucilaginous weren't enough to convey revulsion for the noise let alone smell) Their only path was now along the narrow wall of crumbling stones, but it was the only way. As they wondered which way to go the stones beneath them broke up and Hoggle was angry at Sarah for kissing him, Sarah tells him not to pretend, he came back for her because he’s her friend, he denies it saying he only came for his property and to give her something. More stones were crumbling away and Sarah tried to grab for him but lost her balance and also fell and landed on Ludo who howled at the smell. They were on a shoal a few feet from the mire and Hoggle was angry he wasn't Sarah’s only friend and Sarah calls him impossible, he’s as possible as she is. (dayum) Sarah moved on and Ludo pointed to a bridge and beyond a forest, better chances of getting to the castle so Sarah urged them on quickly. 

The bridge stood on a pier of stones and as they neared a little fox creature in military dress stopped them, no one without his permission may cross. Sarah says they only have a little time left and Hoggle and Ludo complain of the stench, Sir Didymus can’t smell, he detects nothing calling the air fragrant. (I suppose it is smart to have someone who can’t smell guard a bridge over a putrid swamp) Ludo howled and Hoggle tried to force his way pass and Didymus warns he swore to do his duty and points his staff at him. Ludo, seeing a friend of Sarah threatened, advanced and Didymus attacked him too and Hoggle took that opportunity to run but Didymus was quicker. Didymus enjoyed the exercise, few travelers passed this way and none tested his knightly skills and would gladly fight off a hundred Hoggles and Ludos. “How might a knight prove his valor, except it be tested?”p.137 

Sarah walked up and asked to cross but Didymus forced them back with finesse while he was distracted Hoggle scuttled to the bridge. (dammit Didymus you had one job) As Sarah watched him look out for himself again, she stood by Ludo for moral support. As Hoggle trampled to the bridge bits shook and fell off, when he reached the far bank he looked back, perhaps Sarah was getting through to him. The battle was at a stalemate, Ludo was fed up enough to beat at Didymus with a log and Didymus was bouncing around, both were nearing exhaustion when Didymus leaped back to his bridge and shouted enough. He’s impressed, never before has someone met him and come to a standstill and yields his staff, let them be brothers in arms. Sarah had enough and made for the bridge, but Didymus stopped her, she brought up Ludo is his new brother, but he’s taken an oath. He swore none without his permission may pass, Sarah asks for permission and Didymus was shocked into silence until he came to a decision to allow them to cross. (see how easy things can be Sarah when you ask for permission) 

13 

The moment Sarah stepped on the bridge it sank several inches, she immediately got off of it, Didymus told her there’s nothing to fear, it stood thousands of years. (and it hasn’t been maintained since) Sarah began walking on it holding the railing as the bridge swayed and bits fell off into the bog. Didymus was glowing with the prospect of a quest certain they must have one the damsel was urgent (I kinda want to see a Labyrinth D&D campaign) and would follow them and encouraged Ludo but with his weight the bridge started collapsing and Sarah ran for it. As the planks dropped beneath her she flung onto the branches of a dead tree. Didymus stood dumbfounded, the bridge was gone and so his purpose then he remembered he dedicated himself to this group’s quest and set out to rescue Sarah. His staff was much too short then Ludo howled louder than he ever did and from the far side of the bog came a rumbling noise, a large boulder rolled right under Sarah as she fell. 

Ludo wasn't done, he summoned rocks from beneath the mire creating a causeway for Sarah to cross. (so he could do this the entire time) In the reunion Didymus called for his steed Ambrosius, an Old English Sheepdog, (oh here’s Merlin but seriously do not ride big dogs like horses they aren't strong enough and it will hurt their backs) a flawless mount except when he sees a cat. He rode Ambrosius across the causeway to join them and they told him their perilous quest. Hoggle hesitated by the bog, if he did give Sarah the peach he’d be dumped into it, he almost dropped it in. “the peach might even slip accidentally from his fingers and relieve him of the responsibility of making the choice.”p.150 But he heard Jareth’s voice warning him not to do it so Hoggle put it back in his bag and miserably rejoined the others. 

Didymus took over the leadership and they all went in silence reflecting on their situations. Didymus on future perils with his brother Ludo, Ludo on how hungry he is, Sarah with how Toby was fairing and Hoggle with his choice and consequences but decided it’s all Jareth’s fault. “I’m just obeying an order that I can’t refuse.”p.151 (Hoggle no) Didymus knows the way to Jareth’s castle they’ll be there before dawn, Sarah thought how that would be too late. When Ludo complained of being hungry Hoggle offered Sarah the peach, ripe and juicy, it appeared to be glowing, and she realized Ludo wasn’t the only one hungry and thinks Hoggle is so kind. Hoggle looked at her expectantly, so she took a bite and was so regretful to spoil such a pretty thing. “Although that was the point, wasn't it? A peach made itself lovely just so that someone would spoil it.”p.152 (why is this giving me creep vibes) If that’s the case, then it’s clever to be repulsive, then rattlesnakes would rule the earth. Sarah mentions it tastes strange then sways and understands what Hoggle did, he damns himself and Jareth as Sarah totters and forgets everyone but Jareth mentioning how everything is dancing.