Stardew Valley draws inspiration from a variety of sources, incorporating influences from films and other video games. Through subtle nods and Easter eggs, ConcernedApe weaves these inspirations into the game world. For instance, a poster of Pete from the Story of Seasons series adorns Sebastian's bedroom, offering a glimpse into the game's diverse inspirations. Among these fantastical elements is the Dwarf character, who shares intriguing similarities with Skyrim's Dwemer, hinting at a possible common literary influence.
An enticing feature of Stardew Valley lies in its fusion of fantasy elements within its narrative and gameplay, a trait likely inherited from Story of Seasons. As players embark on their journey, they encounter mystical entities like the Wizard, the enigmatic Junimos of the Community Center, and the menacing denizens of the mines. Amidst these encounters, the enigmatic Dwarf stands out as a character shrouded in mystery.
Unveiling the Resemblances Between Stardew Valley's Dwarf and Skyrim's Dwemer
Players first encounter the Dwarf upon breaking a rock within the mine's entrance, only to be greeted by unintelligible Dwarvish speech. To decipher this cryptic language, players must locate four dwarvish scrolls and contribute them to the museum for a translation guide. Through subsequent interactions and engaging cutscenes, players gradually unravel the parallels between the Dwarf in Stardew Valley and The Elder Scrolls' Dwemer, offering a captivating exploration of shared traits.
Dwelling Underground
The Dwarf's subterranean abode mirrors the reclusive nature of the Dwemer in Skyrim, who resided in subterranean cities before vanishing mysteriously. While Stardew Valley does not explicitly elucidate the reasons behind the Dwarf's underground dwelling, their penchant for mining precious gems hints at a parallel with the Dwemer's secretive technological and cultural advancements.
Long-standing Conflicts
The Dwarf in Stardew Valley harbors animosity towards Krobus, a friendly shadow figure, owing to a millennium-long conflict that nearly decimated the Dwarven populace. Similarly, Skyrim's Dwemer engaged in enduring conflicts with other races, culminating in the infamous Battle of Red Mountain, which marked their abrupt disappearance, leaving behind a perplexing enigma for scholars to debate.
A Passion for Craftsmanship and Minerals
In Stardew Valley, the Dwarf exhibits a fondness for receiving gifts of precious stones like Rubies, Amethysts, and Topaz, alongside offering an array of crafted items in their shop, echoing the Dwemer's renowned craftsmanship in forging formidable weapons from superior materials.
Tracing the Influence of a Prolific Author on Skyrim and Stardew Valley's Dwarves
The portrayal of Dwarves in video games often traces its roots to J.R.R. Tolkien's seminal works, which popularized enduring fantasy archetypes like skilled smiths, subterranean civilizations, and a fixation on technology and minerals. Tolkien's influence, derived from Norse mythology and other ancient lore, continues to shape contemporary high-fantasy narratives, evident in the shared characteristics of Skyrim and Stardew Valley's Dwarves, underscoring the enduring legacy of classic literature in modern gaming landscapes.