Stardew Valley is a quaint and cozy farming sim, filled with cute animals and relatable NPCs. Throughout the course of the game, you will realize that there is more to this experience than meets the eye. From witchcraft to wars, the worldbuilding in Stardew Valley is quite complex.
While speaking with several of the NPCs, you will learn of Yoba, who seems to be a god worshipped by some of the villagers. Who is Yoba though? Let's take a look at this mysterious god, as well as his role in the Stardew Valley world.
Who Is Yoba?
Yoba is an important deity, who is thought to have brought life into the world. Through a book at the museum, we find out that before time itself existed, an 'endless golden light' was present, which was Yoba.
While in light form, Yoba created soil and planted a seed that took 11 full days to grow. Once the seed was fully grown into a fruit, Yoba then peeled back its skin to reveal the world.
Because of this, Yoba is worshipped by people throughout the valley.
The Symbol Of Yoba
Yoba is associated with the Anglo-Saxon rune for 'ear'. It's thought that 'ear' is in reference to 'harvest', as well as 'grave', which can symbolize life and death.
Interestingly though, Jacob Grimm (of the Brothers Grimm) gave this symbol a different meaning. The rune is used in an Anglo-Saxon rune poem that Jacob Grimm linked with Ares, the Greek god of War. With this in mind, Jacob Grimm went on to suggest that the rune symbolizes Tyr, a Germanic god of war. This god is also known as Ziu, so this rune represents both names with each 'branch' coming from the top.
What does this mean though? In the bottom right corner of Pierre's General Store, we can find a large golden Altar of Yoba that seemingly serves no purpose. If the symbol on top can mean 'grave', then what could be within?
References To Yoba
There are several references to Yoba within Stardew Valley in addition to the Altar of Yoba in Pierre's General Store.
Below, you can check out each additional reference to Yoba.
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Location |
Description |
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Spirit's Eve Gravestones |
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Grandpa's Wall |
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Harvey's Clinic |
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Ring of Yoba |
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The Mayor's Bedroom |
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Abigail's 14-Heart Event |
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Journey of the Prairie King |
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Yoba Shirt |
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Sign of the Vessel |
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Do The Villagers Worship Yoba?
Evidence of Yoba can also be found while talking to NPCs. For example, if you marry Emily, she may greet you in the morning by saying, "May Yoba bless you on this lovely day".
Below, you can check out the NPCs who are confirmed to believe in Yoba.
- Demetrius
- Emily
- Jodi
- Krobus
- Robin
Some NPCs have a more complex relationship with Yoba, which we will look at below.
Shane
During the six-heart event with Shane, you will have the option to tell him that 'rolling off the cliff' is a sin. If you choose this option, Shane will say that he is an atheist, and doesn't believe in Yoba.
Interestingly, if you choose to marry Shane, he will tell you that his name means 'Gift from Yoba'.
Not much is known about Shane's parents, who gave him this name. However, we do know that Shane and Jas aren't directly related; Jas' parents were close friends with Shane, so when they passed away, Shane became Jas' godfather. Maybe the trauma from this has led him to not believe in Yoba.
George And Evelyn
On Sundays, George can be found going to the Altar of Yoba in Pierre's General Store. If you speak with him, George will tell you that he has never been religious, but "hey... I'm old".
In their bedroom though, you can find a note from Clara, the mother of Alex. Clara is George and Evelyn's daughter, who passed away 12 years ago. In the note, Clara says, "Don't be too upset, I'm with Yoba now".
Overall, Yoba is a god that the people of Pelican Town associate with life and death. Yoba brings comfort to many of the NPCs, helping them through tough times.