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The play is based on the folk song "The Song of the Shandar". It has three versions. One of them was recorded by Franko's friend Mykhailyna Roshkevych in 1878 from a peasant woman Yavdokha Chyhur in the village of Lolyn, Dolyna district. This song, which was distinguished by its tragic resolution of the conflict, more expressive individualisation of the characters, and a clear desire for the just freedom of the peasants, became the plot basis of Franko's dramatic work. The play's wide saturation with Ukrainian folklore is one of the playwright's most important artistic devices, thanks to which the author created a realistic folk drama.