Summary
Stardew Valleytakes a lot of inspiration from different sources, like movies and other video games. ConcernedApe peppers in some of these influences through Easter eggs. For example, Sebastian’s bedroom has a poster of Pete from theStory of Seasons(formerly known asHarvest Moon)series. Other fantastical influences run deep, like the Dwarf, who shares a few similarities withSkyrim’s Dwemer. One could even argue that these depictions are primarily inspired by the writings of a legendary author.
One of the biggest appeals ofStardew Valleyis that it mixes fantasy elements into its story and gameplay. This is another aspect that’s undoubtedly inspired byStory of Seasons. New players will encounter these elements early in the game through the Wizard, the Community Center’s Junimos, and the mines’ monsters. As they gain experience, they’ll meet more peculiar characters like the Dwarf.
The Similarities of Stardew Valley’s Dwarf and Skyrim’s Dwemer
The player will encounter the Dwarf when they break the rock inside the mine’s entrance area. They won’t understand them at first because they’re speaking Dwarvish. They’ll need tofind four dwarvish scrollsand donate them to the museum to get a translation guide. The player will then learn all about the Dwarf through interactions and cutscenes. Those who have playedSkyrimbefore will notice that the Dwarf has a lot in common withThe Elder Scrolls’ Dwemer.
Living Underground
The Dwarf lives in the mine, which isolates them from society. This is also a common practice among theDwemer ofSkyrim, who lived in underground cities before they disappeared. The Dwarf inStardew Valleydoesn’t provide a reason as to why they live underground, but they do like collecting the precious rocks in the mine. Many Dwemer colonies are underground because some in-game scholars speculate that they were isolationists and kept their technology and culture to themselves.
A Long History of War
Stardew Valley’s Dwarf dislikes Krobus, the friendly shadow person. This is because their people had a thousand-year war, which caused the near extinction of the Dwarven race. The reason for the war hasn’t been stated yet.Skyrim’s Dwemer also had long-standing conflicts with other races, with the most significant one being theBattle of Red Mountain.
This was started by another race called the Chimer when they learned that the Dwemer were creating a powerful weapon that could level cities. The battle also led to the sudden disappearance of the Dwemer. The event still baffles scholars because the dwarves seemed to vanish without a trace.
An Affinity for Craftsmanship and Precious Stones
The Dwarf inStardew Valleylikes receiving precious stones like Ruby, Amethyst, and Topaz as gifts. They also have a shop featuring various crafts like Bombs and a Stone Chest. This is somewhat similar to the Dwemer, who were known to forge powerful and durable weapons from the best materials.
One Influential Author Ties Skyrim and Stardew Valley’s Dwarves Together
The depictions of Dwarves in video games are likely inspired byJ.R.R. Tolkien’s books. He popularized the qualities that fantasy authors and game developers use for their Dwarven archetypes, like their excellent smithing capabilities, underground cities, and love for technology and precious rocks. Tolkien’s Dwarves also liked to keep to themselves and often disliked associating with Elves and other races because of previous conflicts.
Of course, Tolkien based his characterization of Dwarves from older literature, particularly Norse mythology. However, his books brought mainstream attention to high-fantasy concepts like Dwarves, Wizards, and Orcs. Today’s high-fantasy writers and game designers draw inspiration from his work, whether they do it consciously or subconsciously. This is evident in the shared qualities ofSkyrimandStardew Valley’s Dwarves.
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!
