The book contains two ballads inspired by Scandinavian history and myths: 'The Tale of Brynhild' and 'King Valdemar and His Sister'. The name "Brynhild" likely refers to Brunhild, a legendary figure from Norse mythology who is often depicted as a shieldmaiden or valkyrie. She is a central character in the Völsunga saga and several Eddic poems. In the continental Germanic tradition, she also appears as a powerful queen in the Nibelungenlied.