Floki's capture and imprisonment is based on the capture and imprisonment of the Norse God, Loki. After having Odin's favorite son, Baldr, killed, Loki runs away and Thor is sent out to capture him. Loki tries to escape by transforming into a fish and hiding in a pool, but Thor catches him regardless. As punishment, Loki is tied up in a cave, his bindings made from the entrails of his son, Narfi, and has a snake hung over him, which constantly drips poison onto Loki's head, causing him great pain. Loki's wife, Sigyn, holds a bowl over her husband's head to catch the poison, but has to leave every now and then to empty the bowl, allowing the poison to land on Loki again. It was believed that when this happened, Loki's cries of agony were the cause of earthquakes.
Recent archeological evidence indicates women may have been more involved in illuminating manuscript than previously thought. A nun's remains showed traces of chemicals used in painting manuscripts.
The way Prudentius tastes the win is absolutely correct but at this time, the wine were not as they are now. Wines were quite different and generally drank heavily laced with spices.