Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), which ran from 1966 to 1969, modeled the conflict between the Federation and the Klingon Empire on the Cold War (1947–1991), a period of geopolitical tension between the Western countries and the Soviet Union.
However, they were typically portrayed with bronze skin and facial hair suggestive of North Asian peoples such as the Mongols (in fact, Gene L. Coon's only physical description of them in his Errand of Mercy script is "Oriental, hard-faced").
Gene Roddenberry said that the movie-era Klingons are closer to his original vision but could not be realized in a low-budget television show.
With the advent of Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994), as well as in subsequent series, the Klingons became allies of the Federation, and the portrayal of their culture changed to resemble the adoption of a warrior code similar to that of the samurai (or, rather, Western imaginations of them) and Vikings.
[5]Particularly emphasized in Star Trek[6] films and series after The Motion Picture, the Klingon culture is depicted as being centered on honor and combat.
The High Council, led by a Chancellor (in theory, a steward for the mythical office of Emperor), governs the Klingon Empire.
In the constructed Klingon language, parmaqqaypu' (singular parmaqqay) are chosen mates for dedicated recreational sexual congress.
During Worf's time as a member of the crew of Deep Space Nine, he and Jadzia Dax develop a romantic relationship and eventually marry.
This event is recounted in marriage ceremonies through the following singular passage: "With fire and steel did the gods forge the Klingon heart.
So fiercely did it beat, so loud was the sound, that the gods cried out, 'On this day, we have brought forth the strongest heart in all the heavens.
However, several sources from the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine universe have stated that space travel was one of the legacies left behind by the marauding Hur'q, who pillaged the Klingon home world of Qo'nos, taking with them the sacred treasures of the Klingons, including the Sword of Kahless.
Those who die with purpose and honor are said to join Kahless, who had been the first Klingon emperor and a messianic figure in the Way of the Warrior, in the Black Fleet in Sto'Vo'Kor, a paradise where battle and feasting can eternally be shared and won.
To be captured rather than killed in battle brings dishonor to not only the captive but to their descendants, who are considered "tainted" for two following generations.
The surviving mate and his or her companions might undertake a perilous quest in the name of a warrior who may be unsure of their eligibility to enter Sto'Vo'Kor because they did not pass away in valiant battle.
To die of natural causes is looked upon as a horrible way to end one's life (The Royale: Star Trek The Next Generation).
"[Once More into the Breach Deep Space Nine] Klingon beliefs were recorded in a series of scrolls collectively referred to as the paq'batlh, or Book of Honor.
Another example is the mother of B'Elanna Torres, who was initially sent to Gre'Thor due to her daughter's misdeeds but was eventually released.
The style is similar to tai chi and was invented for Star Trek by visual effects producer and martial artist Dan Curry.