Summary
Stardew Valley’s lore is filled with secrets and hidden meanings, with the Wizard and the Community Center’s Junimos being the first few mysteries that players could uncover. They glean from their experience with him and the Forest Spirits that the world ofStadew Valleyis a magical place — and the mysteries don’t stop there. Upon visiting Pierre’s General Store, they’ll notice a shrine to what the game calls “Yoba.” Some characters pay respects to it and even reference Yoba during conversations without much elaboration, which can pique one’s imagination as to who this possible god or deity is.
Instead of being a straightforward farming simulator,Stardew Valleyspices up its story and gameplay by adding magic and religion. Players can also find statues scattered around the map. Some of them provide rare items likeStardrops, while others are just there to further the mystery behind the game’s lore. The mines are filled with monsters like Stone Golems and Ghosts. This concept could be inspired byStory of Seasons(formerly known asHarvest Moon), which has fantasy elements like the Great Goddess, as well as wizards and witches. After all, ConcernedApe, the game’s developer, mentions this game as one of his main influences for the gameplay and design ofStardew Valley.
Yoba is Everywhere in Stardew Valley
When players first see thealtar of Yoba, the part that sticks out the most is the “T”-looking symbol at the top. One could mistake it for some kind of crucifix, which is an important sign in Christian religion. However, its appearance is based on the Anglo-Saxon rune called “Ear” or “ᛠ.” Players soon learn that this symbol is everywhere in the game. Apart from Pierre’s store, here are some common scenes and locations where they can find the symbol of Yoba.
Characters likeCarolineacknowledge that the symbol of Yoba is something that the townsfolk pray to. She isn’t religious herself, but the previous owners of their building had the altar made, so they let people come in and use it. Emily, Jodi, and Krobus all mention their devotion to Yoba when you talk to them. Some even say “Thank Yoba” or “Sweet Yoba,” as expressions when they’re surprised or relieved, like how some people would say “Thank God” or “Thank Goodness.”
Who is Yoba in Stadew Valley?
Some speculate that Yoba is the guardian deity ofStardew Valley. Highlights from the Book of Yoba is one ofStardew Valley’s lost booksthat one can donate to the museum. It is a creation story about Yoba swirling and smoothing light until it became soil, and planting a seed that bore fruit after 11 days. Within that fruit was the world. Despite being credited for the creation of life, Yoba’s symbol could also be interpreted as a symbol of death. According to some rough translations of the Anglo-Saxon Runic Poem, ᛠ could mean the grave, earth, or soil in which humankind will eventually lie and cease to be. This rune is the final one mentioned in the poem.
The fact that the symbol of Yoba can be found on gravestones and Grandpa’s deathbed could be a nod to the ancient text’s grim ending line. It’s indeed profound and poetic that ConcernedApe used a symbol that translates to “soil” to refer toStardew Valley’s most significant deity. After all, the earth is where everything was created, where everything is grown, and where everything will someday return to.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
