The Labyrinth is a “piece of cake”
Through her journey in the labyrinth, Sarah has to surmount the obstacles set by the Goblin King. Although they become more complex and harder for her, she assures Jareth that the labyrinth is a piece of cake. This is an instant of verbal irony in the film, since Sarah wants to prove that the task is not overwhelming. With every encounter, she says it is easy, and Jareth makes the labyrinth much difficult with more adversities.
Hoggle is two-faced
Hoggle is hypocritical in nature therefore his actions and words are a basis of irony in the film. He acknowledges the friendship with Sarah yet he later asserts that he is not interested in friends. Though he indeed wants friends, he often betrays the friendship he forms. Once Jareth hands Hoggle the enchanted peach, he feeds it to Sarah shortly after admitting he would not harm her.
Don’t lose your head!”
As soon as Jareth ends his interaction with Hoggle he tells him to not lose his head. The statement seems metaphorical until Sarah and Hoggle encounter the Fireys, a gang of manic creatures that take off their heads and throw around. The phrase creates situational irony in the scene shortly after the audience is aware of its relevance. Moreover, the Fireys attempt to take off the girl’s head oblivious of the fact she is human is ironic.
The Fairies are spiteful
In the labyrinth, most creatures look menacing and some end up living up to their appearances. From their appearance and popular belief, the Labyrinth Fairies seem sweet and friendly but on the contrary. Sarah finds Hoggle exterminating the creatures and rushes to help a fairy but it bites her. The fairies are portrayed as deceitful and malicious which is an instance of situational irony in the film.
Irony of the siege
Initially, Sir Didymus guards the bridge refusing entry to Sarah and the group but later joins the team after Ludo saves Ambrosius. As such he exhibits a sense of authority for being the guard of the swamp at the bridge. Therefore their encounter with the goblins in a battle Didymus displays the same dominance. He utters to Ambrosius “I think we’ve got them surrounded,” yet they are the ones under siege.
