Valheim is filled with its fair share of creatures, but one of the most fascinating happens to be the game’s Leviathans. Since its launch, players have had to survive various encounters with beasts inspired by Norse mythology in Valheim, but the Leviathan’s non-violent role is a surprising route for the game’s developers to take.
Norse mythology is filled with fascinating creatures, and Valheim does a fantastic job of bringing these various beings to life. From giant Serpents to fearsome Trolls, Valheim‘s landscape is filled with danger and excitement seemingly around every corner. As a survival sandbox game, Valheim offers a fair amount of challenge with its diverse set of enemies, but the Leviathan, despite sounding like a creature to be feared, is completely different from how it is usually depicted in fantasy stories.
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Valheim’s Leviathans Pose No Threat
Leviathans are usually creatures to be feared. Historically depicted as sea serpents, Leviathans are oftentimes illustrated as the embodiment of chaos that brings about destruction and death. However, Valheim takes a completely different approach to the mythological sea creature, and it’s a fascinating change. Instead of being a deadly serpent that inhabits the waters, the Leviathans in Valheim are completely passive creatures.
Valheim Takes Creative Liberties With Its Leviathans
When it comes to the history of the Leviathan myth, they are more akin to the likes of the Serpents that are featured in Valheim. Valheim‘s Leviathans are based on a Norse myth, but the creatures go by a different name. The Leviathans found in the game are inspired by a mythological creature known as the Hafgufa.
According to legend, the Hafgufa are sea creatures that dwell in the waters of Iceland. These creatures have a shell on their backs that resembles an island while the rest of the creature’s body remains submerged under the water. When first starting Valheim, the game’s Leviathans can easily be mistaken as an island, but it soon becomes clear that the rocky surface one is standing on and exploring is actually a living being. It’s a great surprise at first, but it’s also a choice that many other developers wouldn’t have taken with the creature.
It is believed that the origins of the Hafgufa were first inspired by Vikings encountering whales while at sea.
Leviathans Could Be Seen As a Missed Opportunity By Some
Because of the historical writings and myths surrounding the Leviathan, most developers would choose to make an in-game creature of the same name a terrifying enemy. However, Valheim completely subverts those expectations, and it’s kind of charming. For a creature with such a strong name with a lot of notable history behind it, Valheim‘s Leviathans are seemingly peaceful beings that just enjoy floating around in the ocean. Valheim uniquely explores Norse mythology and its interpretation of Leviathans is a bold move.
There is always the possibility that Valheim‘s Leviathans could become more interactive in a future update that focuses on the game’s oceans, but something is compelling about allowing a large creature to act as part of the landscape instead of a threat. As Valheim continues to receive updates, there may be more to these Leviathans than meets the eye, but it would also be an intriguing choice to keep the creatures a passive part of the game’s world.