Wilhan chapter two is up now.
To see the inspirations for the sword google 'beowulf ring sword,' and 'Migration period sword'
I saw that ring and knew that it had to be magic. And why have just one?
The Vendel Chieftain's sword shows the silver and gold fittings, and the Vendel sword from Valsgarde is of the same type but with no ring.
The Hurstwick website shows nice herringbone viking sword hilt inlay made with twisted copper and silver wire.
The sword in the story is a little more ergonomic than those squared off things, but you get the idea. It's not a bit Braveheart claymore.