The episode borrows from the old English epic "Beowulf". This story takes place in Denmark and Sweden, as well as tells the tale of the hero Beowulf fighting and killing three evil monsters: Grendel, who has been attacking a mead hall and those inside, Grendel's mother, as well as finally a dragon.
Although there is 35 years between Xena's appearance as a Valkyrie and her journey back to the Northlands, she does not appear older. This is a result of her 25 years in the iced coffin after she's fought the greek gods and has been burried by Ares, thinking she was dead.
Second episode in a row with a lot of underwater photography. They must have a new waterproof camera.
During the prologue we see Xena in an action scene, then the banner "35 years later", and then Xena again. She hasn't aged a day.
Brunhilda is a name that is reminiscent of the two names which Gabrielle and Aphrodite previously used to gain entrance into Castor and Pollux's twin party: Brune and Hilda