Legend names Tintagel Castle as home of Igerna, Duchess of Cornwall and mother of King Arthur; certainly the site was occupied in the 5th and 6th centuries. The 1998 discovery of a 6th century slate engraved with the word ‘Artognov’ might be thought to give some credence to Arthurian claims. Legend has it that once a year the ruins of the castle vanish and in their place returns the complete castle in all its former glory. Just below the castle is the cavern known as Merlin's Cave which is said to be haunted by the ghost of Merlin himself.