The Chronicles of Beltain

"Several fables speak of ancient swords."

- Geoffrey to Merlin

The Chronicles of Beltain is a book of fables kept in the Royal Library.

History
When Prince Arthur challenged the wraith of Tristan de Bois to a duel, Merlin searched the Library for information on weapons that could kill the undead. He was discovered by Geoffrey, who informed him that a number of ancient fables contained stories of such weapons and showed him The Chronicles of Beltain.

Reading from Chronicles, Geoffrey told Merlin part of a fable about the knight Sir Marhaus, who owned a sword that was begotten in a dragon's breath. This story inspired Merlin to ask the Great Dragon to burnish a sword for Arthur (Excalibur).

Trivia

 * The name of these chronicles, Beltain, may be a reference to the Old Irish word Beltene, which means "bright fire".
 * It may also be a reference to the festival of Beltane, which is traditionally celebrated with bonfires.