This article is part of a directory: Stardew Valley: A Complete Guide and Walkthrough
Table of contents

Highlights

  • Stardew Valley's lore is filled with mysteries like the shrine to Yoba, a possible deity mentioned by characters in the game.
  • Magic, religion, and fantasy elements spice up the gameplay of Stardew Valley, with hidden symbols and rare items waiting to be discovered.
  • Yoba, the guardian deity of Stardew Valley, is symbolized by an Anglo-Saxon rune that represents creation, life, and the inevitability of death.

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 of Stadew Valley is 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 Valley spices 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 like Stardrops, 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 by Story of Seasons (formerly known as Harvest 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 of Stardew Valley.

Stardew Valley farm with Haunted Chocolatier Logo
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Yoba is Everywhere in Stardew Valley

RingOfYobaStardewValley

When players first see the altar 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 “á› .” 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.

  • Opening Cutscene — Players with sharp memories will remember that there’s a Yoba symbol attached to the wall of Grandpa’s room during the opening scene.
  • Adventurer’s Bundle — The shield on the Community Center Adventurer’s Bundle has the symbol of Yoba on it.
  • Tombstones — One can find Yoba etched onto the Grave Stone decoration that players can see during the Spirit’s Eve festival. Players can also unlock a monster’s grave marked by a Yoba symbol after Abigail’s 14-hearts event.

Characters like Caroline acknowledge 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 of Stardew Valley. Highlights from the Book of Yoba is one of Stardew Valley’s lost books that 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, á›  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 to Stardew 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.