To give already produced modern steel items a Viking-era steel look, you can employ various methods to alter their appearance and mimic the characteristics of steel from that time period. Here are several techniques you can consider:

1. **Patina or Oxidation**: Introduce a controlled layer of oxidation or rust to the surface of the steel to darken its appearance. This can be achieved by exposing the steel to moisture and air over time, or by using chemicals to accelerate the oxidation process. You can experiment with different methods and solutions to achieve the desired color and texture.

2. **Heat Treatment**: Use heat to alter the color and texture of the steel. Heat can be applied selectively to create areas of darker or lighter color, mimicking the uneven appearance of Viking-era steel. Techniques such as torching, flame coloring, or heat patination can be used to achieve a range of effects.

3. **Surface Texture**: Modify the surface texture of the steel to give it a more rustic or weathered appearance. This can be done through techniques such as sandblasting, wire brushing, or hammering to create patterns, scratches, and indentations reminiscent of Viking-era metalwork.

4. **Chemical Treatment**: Apply chemical solutions or treatments to the surface of the steel to alter its color and finish. This can include techniques such as acid etching, blackening, or antiquing to achieve a patinated or aged look.

5. **Finishing Techniques**: Experiment with different finishing techniques to enhance the appearance of the steel. This can include methods such as waxing, oiling, or clear coating to protect the surface and enhance its color and luster.

6. **Artistic Detailing**: Incorporate decorative elements or designs inspired by Viking-era metalwork to further enhance the authenticity of the steel items. This can include motifs such as knotwork, runes, or animal motifs commonly found in Viking art and artifacts.

By combining these methods and techniques, you can transform modern steel items to resemble the appearance of Viking-era steel, achieving a weathered, aged, and rustic look reminiscent of the ancient craftsmanship of the Norse smiths. Experimentation and creativity are key to achieving the desired aesthetic effect while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the steel items.

Steel produced during the Viking era would not have had the same appearance as modern steel, which typically has a gray or silver color due to the presence of iron and carbon. During the Viking Age (approximately 793 to 1066 AD), steel would have been primarily used for weapons, tools, and other metalwork, but it would have had a different appearance due to variations in manufacturing techniques and the composition of the metal.

Viking-era steel would have likely had a darker hue, ranging from a dull gray to a darker, almost black color. This difference in appearance can be attributed to several factors:

1. **Manufacturing Methods**: Vikings did not have access to modern steelmaking technologies such as blast furnaces and Bessemer converters. Instead, they used simpler methods such as bloomery furnaces to smelt iron ore and produce steel. These traditional techniques often resulted in steel with impurities and variations in color.

2. **Forge Welding**: Viking blacksmiths employed techniques such as forge welding to join pieces of metal together. This process involved heating the metal to high temperatures and hammering it to fuse the pieces. Forge welding could introduce surface oxidation and discoloration, contributing to the darker appearance of Viking-era steel.

3. **Surface Treatments**: After forging, Viking weapons and tools were often subjected to surface treatments such as quenching, tempering, and surface polishing. These processes could alter the color and appearance of the steel, resulting in variations in hue and luster.

Overall, while Viking-era steel would have possessed similar mechanical properties to modern steel, its appearance would have been distinct due to differences in manufacturing techniques and surface treatments. Instead of the bright silver color associated with modern steel, Viking-era steel would have exhibited a darker, more muted appearance reflective of the forging methods and materials available during that time period.

Let’s explore the distinct differences between Viking culture and the fictional world of “Game of Thrones,”:

1. **Political Structure**: In Viking society, power was often decentralized, with chieftains ruling over small communities or territories. Leadership was based on a combination of strength, charisma, and inheritance. In contrast, “Game of Thrones” depicts a feudal system with noble houses vying for control over the Seven Kingdoms through alliances, warfare, and political intrigue. The political landscape is characterized by complex power struggles, backstabbing, and shifting allegiances.

2. **Religious Beliefs**: Vikings held a polytheistic belief system centered around Norse gods such as Odin, Thor, and Freyja. Their religious practices included rituals, sacrifices, and beliefs in an afterlife. “Game of Thrones,” on the other hand, features a diverse array of religions, including the Faith of the Seven, the Lord of Light, and the Old Gods of the Forest. Religious faith and zeal play a significant role in shaping characters’ motivations and actions in the series.

3. **Treatment of Women**: While Viking women enjoyed more rights and freedoms compared to their counterparts in other medieval societies, they still operated within a patriarchal framework. Women could inherit property, divorce, and participate in economic activities, but their roles were largely domestic. In “Game of Thrones,” women occupy a wide range of positions of power and influence, challenging traditional gender roles. Characters like Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister, and Arya Stark wield significant political and military power, defying societal expectations.

4. **Justice and Honor**: Viking society placed a strong emphasis on honor, loyalty, and personal reputation. Disputes were often resolved through mechanisms such as the Thing (assembly) or through acts of vengeance. Oath-breaking and betrayal were considered grave offenses punishable by social ostracism or blood feud. In “Game of Thrones,” justice is often arbitrary and subjective, with characters motivated by self-interest rather than notions of honor. The concept of loyalty is fluid, and alliances are forged and broken with little regard for traditional codes of conduct.

5. **Warfare and Combat**: Vikings were renowned for their prowess in battle and their code of conduct on the battlefield, which emphasized courage, skill, and valor. Raiding and plundering were central to Viking culture, but there were also rules governing warfare, such as the treatment of prisoners and the distribution of spoils. “Game of Thrones” portrays a brutal and chaotic world of warfare, where battles are fought for power, vengeance, and survival. The series depicts graphic violence and brutality, often blurring the lines between heroism and villainy.

Overall, while “Game of Thrones” may draw inspiration from various historical periods and cultures, including elements reminiscent of Viking society, it is ultimately a work of fiction with its own unique world-building and storytelling. The values, norms, and dynamics portrayed in the series differ significantly from those of actual Viking culture, highlighting the distinction between historical reality and fantastical imagination.

Let’s delve into why diplomatic behavior does not align with the ethos of Viking culture and why it is not considered a proper way for those interested in Viking culture to act.

1. **Directness vs. Indirectness**: Viking culture prized directness and straightforwardness in communication. Diplomatic behavior often involves navigating complex social dynamics through subtlety and indirectness, which may be perceived as disingenuous by those who value clarity and honesty.

2. **Honor and Integrity**: Central to Viking culture was the concept of honor and integrity. The Vikings placed great importance on keeping one’s word and fulfilling obligations. Diplomatic maneuvers, which may involve deceit or manipulation to achieve political ends, could be seen as dishonorable and contrary to the values of Viking society.

3. **Transparency and Trust**: Vikings valued transparency and trust in their interactions. Diplomatic negotiations, characterized by secrecy and confidentiality, may be viewed with suspicion as they can erode trust among parties. In Viking culture, trust was essential for fostering strong bonds within communities and forging alliances with neighboring clans.

4. **Conflict Resolution**: While diplomacy often seeks to resolve conflicts through negotiation and compromise, Viking culture sometimes embraced a more confrontational approach to conflict resolution. Honor and reputation were fiercely defended, and disputes were sometimes settled through acts of bravery or feats of strength rather than diplomatic negotiations.

5. **Oath-Breaking**: One of the most egregious offenses in Viking culture was oath-breaking. Swearing an oath was a sacred act, and violating it carried severe consequences. Diplomatic behavior, which may involve making promises or commitments that are later broken for political expediency, could be seen as a betrayal of trust and a violation of the sacred bonds of honor.

In essence, diplomatic behavior may be perceived as antithetical to the values of Viking culture due to its emphasis on indirectness, potential for deceit, and lack of transparency. Those interested in Viking culture may find greater resonance with the straightforwardness, honor, and integrity that defined Viking society, rather than the complexities and nuances of diplomatic maneuvering. Embracing these values can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Viking heritage and traditions.