This is a study for Malmström’s initial version of the painting of the Battle of Bråvalla. The subject is taken from mediaeval Icelandic sagas. The battle took place between Sigurd Ring’s Svea forces and Harald Hildetand’s Danes in the 8th century. Harald is supposed to have been killed in the battle by Odin. Sigurd Ring won the battle and became ruler of Denmark. During the 19th century the mythical battle could become part of a nationalistic narrative about victorious Swedish history.