Yoba
Yoba is an ancient guardian deity in Stardew Valley. He/She is referenced multiple times throughout the game by different characters. There is also a shrine to Yoba found in the lower right corner of Pierre's General Store where you occasionally will find different characters paying their respects to the deity.
References to Yoba
The symbol of Yoba is the Anglo-Saxon rune called "ear" (ᛠ), which can mean "earth" or "grave." This could be taken to mean that the people of Pelican Town worship the Earth.
Altar of Yoba
Found on top of the "Altar of Yoba" (Pierre's Shop). It was originally intended to charge a wand that would allow unlimited teleportation back to the farm.[1]
Ring of Yoba
The Ring of Yoba has a chance to make you invulnerable after getting hit.
Journey of the Prairie King
In the third level of Journey of the Prairie King, when picking up a tombstone the symbol is reversed (upside-down), and using it will cast lightning upon you, turning you into an invulnerable zombie (for a limited amount of time).
Grandpa's wall
During the starting cutscene.
Harvey's clinic
Found in the top right room:
- The sign of the vessel. It's here to comfort those who believe in Yoba.
Mayor Lewis' Bedroom
Found above his bed.
Spirit's Eve Festival
Found at entrance of maze and on the Playground.
Adventurer's Bundle
The shield in the picture has the sign of Yoba on it.
Related dialogue
Shane
- How is that s... supposed to make me feel better? I don't even *hic* believe in Yoba... Just... go away. ...Ugh...
In Shane's six heart event, if the player chooses to respond with "It would be a sin.", Shane mentions that he doesn't believe in Yoba.
Caroline
- It was the previous owners who built the altar room. We aren't religious, but we let the other townsfolk use it if they want.
Abigail seems to have a poster of some sort of altar in her room. Though there seems to be no direct link between Yoba and the poster.
George
- I've never been religious, but hey... I'm old.
Observed entering the Yoba Shrine on Summer 28/Spring 21, at 11:10 AM. (happens any time George his at the shrine)
Jodi
Observed entering the Yoba Shrine on Summer 28, at 11:40 AM. Gives usual dialogue when interacted with.
Robin
- My husband almost set the house on fire last night with his science experiment. One of his beakers exploded and sent a fireball into the rafters! Thank Yoba I used a fire-resistant lacquer when I built the place.
Emily
- May Yoba bless you on this lovely day. Happens on Summer 2 when married.
Clara's Letter
- Don't be too upset, I'm with Yoba now.
Highlights From The Book of Yoba
- Before time there was only the endless golden light. The light called out to itself...'Yoba'. Yoba wanted more. Yoba swirled the golden light into a vortex. Yoba swirled and swirled until a hole formed in the eye of the vortex. From this hold sprung a seed. Yoba smoothed the golden light. Yoba smoothed and smoothed, and the light became soil. Into this soil, Yoba planted the seed. The seed sprouted, and behold! A vine sprung skyward, twisting and probing, casting a writhing shadow onto the golden void. After 11 days, the vine bore fruit. Yoba, with knowing wisdom, peeled the tough skin off the fruit and saw that the world was inside. And so that is how the world came to be.