Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was published in 2000 and is the fourth and middle book in the Harry Potter series. It is considered the turning point of the series, as the reader finds in the book a more adult Harry and a much more serious tone. The Goblet of Fire is the central book of the Harry Potter series, as the quest for the Holy Grail is a central theme in Arthurian literature. This is one of the many similarities found between the fourth Harry Potter book and the Arthurian legend. There are also many plot similarities between the two stories. These similarities are shown consistently throughout the book and are important to the story as a whole because they allow readers a deeper understanding of the story itself. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a significant book in the Harry Potter series that bears many similarities to the quest for the Holy Grail of Arthurian legend. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Triwizard Tournament and the quest for the Holy Grail have many similarities that are tied together. The Triwizard Tournament is a magical competition held between the three largest wizarding schools in Europe: Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. A "champion" is chosen to represent each school and they compete against each other in a series of three tests. In the end, the true winner and the one who is "worthy" receives the Triwizard Cup, 1,000 Galleons, and eternal glory. This is similar to the quest for the Holy Grail, which is a expedition to the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper, and was also used by Joseph of Arimathea to collect the blood of Jesus on the cross. The Holy Grail was lost, but it was prophesied that a descendant of St. Joseph would one day rediscover the Grail. This knight would be named the best knight in the land and given the honor of eternal glory. Each mission concluded with glories sought by many, but were only awarded to those who were "worthy" of the rewards. Before the missions began, however, each person's champions had to be chosen. The Triwizard tournament began with the Goblet of Fire, which is a simple wooden cup kept in "a great wooden chest studded with jewels." The Chalice chooses champions, spitting their names in a rush of red flames. Cedric Diggory is chosen as Hogwarts champion, Fleur Delacour as Beauxbatons, and Viktor Krum as Durmstrang champion. Once you choose the champion name, there is no going back. This becomes problematic for Harry Potter, when his name is mysteriously chosen as a champion. He is forced to participate and Harry begins his quest along with three others for the Triwizard Cup. Likewise, the quest for the Holy Grail began with a cup. There are a multitude of stories describing different Holy Grails, but in some the Holy Grail was believed to be a simple wooden cup housed in a casket of gold and precious stones. The connection between the Goblet of Fire and the Holy Grail goes beyond the meaning of the beginning of the quest. They are both magical objects that seem to have minds of their own. The Goblet of Fire can identify who is worthy of being a champion, just as the Grail reveals itself only to a worthy knight. In the ancient Arthurian legend of the quest, all the knights of Camelot met at the round table and were joined by Sir Galahad, Lancelot's son. As Sir Galahad took his seat, an image of the Holy Grail appeared floating on the table, signifying the beginning of the Grail quest. Sir Galahad, Sir Bors and Sir Perceval set out in search of eternal glory. The tasks of the Triwizard Tournament were considered strenuous, dangerous, and could be.