The world of Valheim is littered with whimsical Runestones, often telling the story of the world’s inhabitants before your Viking stepped foot in the mystical land. One of those is Ulf, the first Runestone in the starting biome, the Meadows, and it tells the player the very basics of Valheim. Collect stone, wood, build a house, that sort of thing.
Ulf is basically Mr. Tutorial, but there’s a bit more to him. Is he a legendary Viking? One of Odin’s summoned heroes? Here’s everything you didn’t know about this unseen Valheim character. If Ulf’s random mutterings aren’t getting you anywhere, you can always check out our Valheim beginner’s guide.
6 Ulf Has A Runestone In Each Biome
Though you’ve likely encountered the very first Ulf Runestone, there are messages from your predecessor dotted throughout the land. There’s one in the Black Forest, in the Swamp, and even half-way up a mountain.
These Runestones give you small directions and instructions, like not building a house in the Swamp, and trying to stay warm in the snow. Considering Valheim doesn’t really have a tutorial, this is about as close as new players get to any form of direction. That’s if you even find the Runestones.
It’s quite obvious that Ulf learned a few things the hard way, probably getting destroyed by the tough monsters in the Black Forest, and wants whoever comes next to have an easier time. Nice guy. Keep your eyes open for the Runestones next time you’re in each area, they’re pretty funny.
5 Ulf Goes Beyond The Plains
The plains are currently the last progression biome in Valheim, although the developers have already indicated that there are more biomes to come later in the game’s development. This area is full of tough enemies and the final boss, Yagluth.
Ulf’s Runestone in the Plains makes sense then, it’s the last one you can find about this mysterious character, and it suggests he has moved on from the Plains because it’s a bit too hot. Plus, those Deathsquitos were probably getting annoying. Where’s he gone next? We won’t find out until a new Valheim update.
4 Ulf Was Likely Recruited By Odin, Just Like Your Character
Valheim’s lore is pretty interesting (and a bit complicated) but in short, Odin has recruited a bunch of heroes to enter into Valheim. You are one of those, and it’s likely Ulf (and Astrid, another author on the Runes) have also been recruited by Odin.
Odin has summoned the heroes to take down The Forsaken, his enemies, and if you’re lucky you might set eyes on the mysterious stranger. Every single one of Odin’s soldiers is a fallen Viking who hasn’t made it to Valhalla, the Viking Hall of the Dead.
3 Ulf Is A Name From The Middle Ages
The first time Ulf is recorded in history is on a Runestone (yeah, makes sense) from the 11th century. Norse culture put a big emphasis on Runestones. They were used to record history, cultural events, and the successes of their lineage, as well as memorials.
Most Runestones date from the late Viking Age, when it seems people were really getting into decorating and writing on big stones. These Runestones were often constructed as memorials to dead warriors, although they might also include information about the man’s life and family. Is Ulf dead? Maybe.
2 Ulf Means “Wolf” In Old Norse
Even though Ulf in the Valheim universe seems to be a bit pathetic (he complains about his soggy clothes in the Swamp), the Old Norse word Ulf means “Wolf”. Say them quickly. It kind of sounds the same. Pair the heroic name with the feeble Ulf and you’ve got a nice developer joke.
Old Norse eventually got in a bit of a mix-up with early English when the Vikings came over to settle, and the Norse language developed into modern-day languages like Norweigan and Danish. That’s likely why Ulf sounds so much like the modern word Wolf. Funny how language works.
1 Ulf the Earl Is Probably The Most Historically-Famous Ulf
Is Ulf from Valheim Ulf the Earl? This real-life jarl (earl) was the father of King Sweyn the 2nd of Denmark. He married King Cnut’s sister and then eventually waged war against him for Denmark, and was later assassinated by Cnut.
Is our Valheim Ulf a reimagined Ulf the Earl stumbling through the 10th world? Considering most other famous Ulfs are from the 19th and 20th centuries, this is quite a nice idea. Plus, Ulf was unfortunately assassinated, so is quite a likely candidate for Odin to summon and hopefully be given the opportunity to redeem himself in the afterlife.
NEXT: The Hardest Part Of Valheim Is Finishing Your House
