References to Nordic mythology in the Ace Combat series

Many games in the Ace Combat series make allusions towards Nordic mythology, mostly through names.

Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies

Aegir Fleet

Main article: Aegir Fleet

The Aegir Fleet is a massive naval fleet of the Erusean Navy, feared by the Independent State Allied Forces during the early stages of the Continental War. The fleet's name is the anglicization of Ægir, a sea giant and god of the ocean. Many ships in the fleet are named after Norse deities:

• The carrier Geofon is named after Gefjon, the goddess of ploughing, foreknowledge and virginity.
• The cruiser Fenris is named after Fenrisúlfr ("Fenris-Wolf," also known as Fenrir), a legendary wolf and son of Loki mentioned in the Poetic Edda.
• The cruiser Kolga is named after Kólga, one of nine daughters of Ægir and the sea goddess Rán.
• The destroyer Thiassi is named after Þjazi, a jötunn who took the form of a giant eagle.
• The submarines Beowulf π and Beowulf ν are named after the warrior Beowulf.

Farbanti

Main article: Farbanti

Fárbauti ("cruel striker") was the name of a jötunn who, as mentioned in the Prose Edda, was the father of Loki, together with Loki's mother Laufey. Fárbauti is the namesake of the Erusea's capital city, Farbanti.

A reference to this etymology can be found in the name of Operation Autumn Thunder, the ISAF invasion of the city. Fárbauti's name means "cruel striker," while Laufey's name is commonly accepted to be derived from "lauf" (meaning leaves). A theory proposed by scholars for the poetic origins of Loki is that his mythological creation was symbolic of a lightning bolt (a "cruel striker") striking foliage (Laufey) to give birth to a wildfire.

Another reference to the origin of Farbanti's name is found in the name of Operation Giant's Step, the Osean invasion seen in Ace Combat 7. The Norse term "jötunn" is often translated as "giant."

Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War

Razgriz

Main article: Razgriz Squadron

In Norse mythology, Ráðgríðr (Old Norse "council-truce," "plan-breaker," or "the bossy") was a valkyrie mentioned in the poem Grímnismál, wherein she is described as one of the many valkyries serving beverages to the Einherjar, the deceased warriors in Valhalla.

The Demon of Razgriz is a mythological figure who died after raining death upon the earth, later reincarnating as a hero. The Razgriz Air Command Squadron's insignia and artwork from A Blue Dove for the Princess depicts Razgriz as a pale-skinned woman wearing black armor, a common depiction of valkyries.

Scinfaxi and Hrimfaxi

Main article: Scinfaxi, or Hrimfaxi

In Norse myth, Skinfaxi and Hrímfaxi are a pair of supernatural horses, which are respectively tasked with pulling the chariots of Dagr, the personification of day, and Nótt, the personification of night, across the sky.

In the plot of Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War, Scinfaxi and Hrimfaxi are two submersible aircraft carries designed by the Union of Yuktobanian Republics.

Grabacr and Ofnir

Main article: Grabacr Squadron, or Ofnir Squadron

In Norse myth, Grabakr (Old Norse "grey back") and Ofnir (Old Norse "inciter") are a pair of serpents that, according to the poem Grímnismál, chew on the roots of the World Tree Yggdrasil alongside several other serpents, chief among them the dragon Níðhöggr.

The Grabacr and Ofnir Squadrons are Belkan Air Force units who respectively infiltrate the Osean Air Defense Force and Yuktobanian Air Force as aggressor teams while secretly being members of the nationalistic Grey Men secret society, who sought for revenge against Osea after their country's defeat in the Belkan War. Fitting in with their namesake, Grabacr and Ofnir's emblems both depict snakes.

Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War

Garm/Galm

Main article: Galm Team

In Nordic mythology, Garmr (alternatively "Garm") is a demonic dog whose role was to watch over the gates of Hel, one of the Nordic afterlives. Hence, it can be compared to Cerberus, the three-headed hellhound of Greek mythology's Underworld.

The protagonist squadron of Ace Combat Zero is the 66th Air Force Unit "Galm". The squadron's emblem portrayed a crimson-furred hound biting a long chain; this is supposed to allude to the Nordic Garmr. The name "Galm" itself is a misspelling of the proper name; this is reflected in the "Ace of Aces" bonus mission from Ace Combat: Joint Assault, in which Cipher appears under the name "Garm 1."

Hresvelgr

Main article: XB-0 Hresvelgr

In Norse mythology, Hræsvelgr ("corpse swallower") was a jötunn who took the shape of an eagle. According to the Poetic Edda, he sits at the end of the world and causes wind to blow when he flaps his wings.

The XB-0 Hresvelgr is a large heavy command cruiser and airborne aircraft carrier developed by the Belkan Federation.

Ragnarök

In myth, Ragnarök ("fate of the gods") is a prophesized event that is foreshadowed by a winter to span three summers, and will bring an end and eventual rebirth to the world. During this event, it is foretold that the one-handed god Týr and the aforementioned hound Garm will do battle and kill each other.

In Ace Combat Zero, the medal for destroying the XB-0 is called "Ragnarok."

Additionally in Zero, the final battle—in which a V2 nuclear missile is launched—takes place during light snowfall. Cipher, who uses the emblem and callsign of Garm, does battle with Solo Wing Pixy, who once lost his right wing and painted the replacement crimson—much like how Týr lost his right hand. At the end of the battle, Cipher emerges victorious over his former wingman, but later disappears into myth, while Pixy disappears into obscurity as he recuperates and later becomes a volunteer soldier in the Usean Continental War while no longer harboring his extremist beliefs, both henceforth suffering symbolic "deaths."

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception

Gleipnir

Main article: Gleipnir

In the Norse mythos, Gleipnir ("open one" in Old Norse) was the third and final chain used to bind the wolf Fenrir. The gods attempted twice to bind Fenrir with massive chains, only for the wolf to free itself easily. In response, the gods commissioned the dwarves to forge an unbreakable chain out of ingredients that are—due to being used in the creation of the chain—no longer found in the world: the sound of a cat's footfall, the beards of women, the roots of mountains, the sinews of bears, the breath of fish, and the spittle of birds.

The Gleipnir is an airborne fortress developed by the Democratic Republic of Leasath. No links are found between the Gleipnir and its Nordic namesake, other than the fact that it is technologically linked to Leasath's prototype fighter, the Fenrir.

Fenrir

Main article: XFA-33 Fenrir

In Norse mythology, Fenrir is a gigantic wolf and son of Loki, whose existence is first attested in the Poetic Edda. Foreseeing his uncontrollable growth and future power to cause great harm, the gods decided to bind Fenrir with chains. After the wolf broke the fetter Leyding, they constructed a second chain, which they named Dromi, and had him test his strength; ultimately, Fenrir also managed to free himself. Finally, the gods made a third fetter named Gleipnir, which he failed to shatter.

In the plot of Skies of Deception, the Fenrir is an experimental fighter jet manufactured by Leasath. The plane would not be deployed in combat until the heavy command cruiser Gleipnir gathered enough battle data to be employed in the craft's development, thus serving as a metaphorical "bind." Only when the Gleipnir was destroyed would the Fenrir enter active service.

Vioarr

In Nordic mythology, Víðarr was a deity linked with vengeance. He was prophesized as being the one responsible for the slaying of the wolf Fenrir at Ragnarok. As a god, Víðarr was characterized by his permanent silence.

One of the storyline-related medals is named "The Mark of Vioarr", earned after completing either mission 15A or mission 15B. Fittingly enough, its description states that the medal is "awarded to those who destroy the pack of wolves who would devour the world" (pre-unlock) or "awarded for destroying the advanced fighter Fenrir," (post-unlock).

Ace Combat: Northern Wings

Grendel

Main article: Grendel Squadron

In Norse mythology, Grendel is a monster and an antagonist in the epic poem "Beowulf". In said poem, Grendel is a towering humanoid who constantly raids the mead hall Heorot, killing and eating anybody within as result of the drinkers' loud noises. The warrior Beowulf engages in combat with Grendel and cuts off the beast's arm, fatally injuring him. After fighting and killing his mother, Beowulf decapitates Grendel's corpse and takes his head as a war trophy.

The Grendel Squadron is a Nordennavic Royal Air Force top secret fighter unit.

Mjollnir

Main article: Mjollnir R-20, Mjollnir R-30, or Mjollnir R-40

In Norse mythology, Mjölnir (also spelled "Mjolnir" or "Mjollnir") was the legendary hammer of Thor, the god of thunder. It was feared as one of the strongest weapons in Norse tales, being purportedly capable of leveling mountains with its blows.

There are a number of aircraft manufactured by a firm named "Mjollnir".

Arvakr

Main article: Arvakr V-50, or Arvakr V-55

In Norse mythology, Arvakr ("early waker") was one of two legendary horses who drew the Sun's chariot across the sky, bearing a similar role to Hrimfaxi and Skinfaxi. He was always accompanied by the horse Alsviðr, the other horse who pulled the Sun's chariot.

There is an aircraft manufacturer brand called "Arvakr."

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

Njord Fleet

Main article: Njord Fleet

The reformed Erusean Royal Navy operates a fleet of warships called the Njord Fleet; much like the previous Aegir Fleet, several vessels of the Njord Fleet are named after figures in Norse Mythology, all of whom bear connections to the Vanir pantheon:

• The aegis vessel Freyr is named after Freyr, the twin brother of Freyja and the god of virility and prosperity.
• The aegis vessel Hœnir is named after Hœnir, a member of the Æsir who is said to have helped Odin to create humans. He became a hostage of the Vanir to seal a truce between them and the Æsir during the Æsir-Vanir War.
• The cruiser Skaði is named after Skaði, a jötunn and goddess associated with bowhunting, skiing, the mountains and the winter season. She was at one point married to Njörðr.
• The aircraft carrier Njörðr is named after Njörðr, the father of Freya and Freyr, who had previously been married to Skaði, and is associated with the sea, wind, fishing, wealth and crop fertility.

Sol

Main article: Sol Squadron

In Norse mythology, Sól ("Sunna" in Old High German) is the Sun personified as a goddess. The word "Sol" also means "sun" in various languages, all deriving from Latin.

Sol Squadron is an experimental unit serving with the Erusean Air and Space Administration, and bears a prominent sun on their emblem. The squadron saw deployment during the Lighthouse War, and was featured as the main antagonist squadron for most of the story of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, before becoming allies to the player near the end of the campaign.

Skoll

Main article: Skoll Squadron

In Norse mythology, Sköll (meaning "Treachery" or "Mockery") is a legendary wolf who chases the chariot of Sól across the sky.

The Skoll Squadron was an Erusean Air Force squadron that saw deployment in the Lighthouse War.

Gram

Main article: Gram Squadron

In Norse mythology, Gram (also spelled Gramr, meaning "Wrath") is the name of a legendary sword. It was used by the hero Sigurd to kill the dragon Fafnir. It is also mentioned in other legends.

The Gram Squadron was an Erusean Air Force squadron that saw deployment in the Lighthouse War.

Refil

Main article: Refil Squadron

In Norse mythology, Refil is the name of the sword used by Regin, a legendary smith and the foster father of Sigurd.

The Refil Squadron is an Erusean Air Force squadron that saw deployment in the Lighthouse War.

Huginn and Muninn

Main article: ADF-11F Raven

In Norse mythology, Huginn and Muninn are a pair of ravens that fly around the world to deliver information to the god Odin.

The twin ADF-11F Ravens that serve as the game's final bosses are named are named after the two ravens, albeit being spelled in the anglicized forms, "Hugin" and "Munin."

Sigurd

Main article: Sigurd Squadron

In Norse myth, Sigurd or Siegfried is a legendary hero who slew the dragon Fafnir.

The Sigurd Squadron was an Erusean Air Force squadron that saw deployment in the Lighthouse War.

Hrotti

Main article: Hrotti Squadron

In Nordic mythology, Hrotti was a sword that was a part of the dragon Fafnir's treasure, which was claimed by Sigurd after he slew the beast.

The Hrotti Squadron was an Erusean Air Force squadron that saw deployment in the Lighthouse War.

Ask

Main article: Ask Squadron

In myth, the first humans were created by three gods, chief among them Odin, and were named Ask and Embla.

The Ask Squadron was an Erusean Air Force squadron that saw deployment in the Lighthouse War.

Egil

Main article: Egil Squadron

Many characters in Norse myth, including two heroes, a farmer, and a Swedish king, are named Egil.

The Egil Squadron was an Erusean Air Force squadron that saw deployment in the Lighthouse War.

An aggressor squadron is an allied squadron that pretends to be an enemy during training or exercises. Aggressor aircraft use liveries based on other countries' air forces.