The artwork captures a fleeting, tragic moment inspired by a medieval Danish ballad translated by Burton’s friend, Whitley Stokes. It tells the story of Hellelil, a princess, and her bodyguard, the prince Hildebrand.
Hellelil’s father deemed their love a dishonor and ordered his seven sons to kill Hildebrand. In the brutal battle that followed, Hildebrand killed the father and six of the brothers before Hellelil begged him to spare the youngest. Hildebrand ultimately died of his wounds, and Hellelil died shortly after of a broken heart.
Burton chose not to paint the violent battle. Instead, he focuses on their final, stolen embrace on a narrow stone staircase just before the tragedy unfolds.