10 Best Harry Potter Chapters
8. The Third Task
Book: The Goblet of Fire
Chapter Synopsis: Harry ventures into a maze full of dangerous creatures and enchantments for the final task of the Triwizard Tournament.
The third task of the Triwizard Tournament was one of Rowling’s best ideas. By placing Harry in a locked environment crammed with magical obstacles, she created a terrific atmosphere brimming with tension.
As well as competing against the other champions, Harry encountered a boggart, a blast-ended skrewt, a giant spider, and enchanted mist that forced the world to turn upside down. Yet the highlight of Harry’s time in the maze would have to be his encounter with the sphinx. Her riddle offered a nice change of pace, as well as giving the reader something to try and figure out alongside Harry.
It’s unfortunate that this chapter was simplified for the adaptation. Though the movie captured the atmosphere of the book, the maze itself was the main obstacle, which felt rather lacklustre after the variety presented in the novel.