The subjects of the hymns cover a wider spectrum than in the other books, dedicated not only to deities or natural phenomena, including deities that are not prominent enough to receive their own hymns in the other books (Nirrti 10.59, Asamati 10.60, Ratri 10.127, Aranyani 10.146, Indrani 10.159), but also to objects like dice (10.34), herbs (10.97), press-stones (for Soma, 10.94, 175) and abstract concepts like liberality (towards the rishi, 10.117), creation (10.129 (the Nasadiya Sukta), 130, 190), knowledge (10.71), speech, spirit (10.58), faith (10.151), a charm against evil dreams (10.164).
RV 10.121 (the Hiranyagarbha Sukta) is another hymn dealing with creation, containing elements of monotheism.
10.154 is a funeral hymn, asking for that the departed may join those who attained heaven through tapas.
Padas 1 cd is reminiscent of the Norse concept of Valhalla: 10.155 is against the "one-eyed limping hag" Arayi.
The rishis of the 10th Mandala are divided into Shudrasuktas and Mahasuktas, that is, sages who have composed "small" vs. "great" hymns.