Originally written in Russian during the First World War in 1916, and republished in Lithuanian in 1925, the play is based on the political, cultural, and religious problems of 14th century Lithuania.

[1] Due to its psychological depth and intricate characters, Skirgaila is considered one of the best plays in Lithuania, and one of its first historical dramas along with Šarūnas.

A strong dramatic tension is felt in the work - His style is bright, emotional, and suggestive, and the language is individualized according to the character of the affected persons.

"[4] The main character, Skirgaila, was described as a symbolic person of the era, in whose disappointment the reader feels the tragedy experienced by the whole of pagan Lithuania.

Meanwhile, Keller, a young German monk-knight, tries to seduce Ona Duonutė, duchess of Lida, who is married to a Mazovian duke.