Many games in the Ace Combat series make allusions towards Nordic mythology, mostly through names.
Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies
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 is named after Ægir, a sea giant and god of the ocean. Many ships in the fleet are named after Norse deities:
- The Geofon is named after Gefjon, the goddes of ploughing, foreknowledge and virginity.
- The Fenris cruiser is named after Fenrir, a legendary wolf mentioned in the Poetic Edda.
- The destroyer Kolga is named after Kolga, a daughter of Aegir and sea goddess Rán.
- The Cassard class frigate Thiassi is named after Þjazi, a giant eagle similar to Hresvelgr.
- The Los Angeles submarines Beowulf Pi and Nu are named after the warrior Beowulf.
Farbanti
Fárbauti ("cruel striker", alternatively spelled "Farbauti" or "Farbanti") was the name of a giant who ferried the souls of the deceased to the Nordic realm of the dead, Hel. Mentioned in the Prose Edda, he gave birth to the god Loki when he struck the female Nál (or Laufey) with a lightning bolt.
Farbanti is the namesake of the Erusea's capital city. Interestingly, a link can be made between Laufey and Farbanti's name: the ISAF invasion of the city was named "Operation Autumn Thunder", while Nál's name can be translated to "full of leaves". Farbanti gave birth to Loki by hitting her with a lightning bolt, hence the name "Autumn Thunder".
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
Razgriz
In Norse mythology, Rathgrith (anglicisation of Old Norse Ráðgríðr, "plan-breaker") was a valkyrie mentioned only in the poem Grímnismál, wherein she is described as one of the many valkyries serving beverages to the Einherjar, the deceased warriors in Valhalla: "Randgrith and Rathgrith, and Reginleif; Beer to the warriors bring."
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 displays a pale-skinned lady wearing black armor, itself a common depiction of valkyries.
Scinfaxi and Hrimfaxi
In Nordic mythology, Skinfaxi and Hrimfaxi are a pair of supernatural horses, which are respectively tasked with pulling the chariots of Dagr, the personification of day and Nott, 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/Nidhogg
In Norse mythology, Nidhogg (Old Norse: Níðhöggr, "Malice Striker") was a serpent who constantly chewed on one of the roots of the world tree, Yggdrasil, which presumably kept it from escaping to the outside. The serpent was accompanied by many other kin, who also chewed away at Yggdrasil's roots, which include Goin, Svafnir, Grabak and Ofnir.
The Grabacr and Ofnir Squadrons are two Belkan Air Force squadrons, who respectively infiltrate the Osean Air Defense Force and Yuktobanian Air Force as aggressor teams as members of the nationalistic Grey Men, who sought for revenge against Osea after their country's defeat in the Belkan War. Fitting in with their namesake, Grabacr's emblem depicts a snake.
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
Garmr/Galm
In Nordic mythology, Garmr (alternatively "Garm") is a demonic dog whose role was to watch over the gates of Hel, the Nordic afterlife. Hence, it can be compared to Cerberus, the three-headed hellhound guarding the entrance to Hades in Greek mythology.
The protagonist squadron 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 mistranslation of Garm, originated from the lack of L/R diphthongs in the Japanese dialect.
Hresvelgr
In Norse mythology, Hræsvelgr ("corpse swallower") was a giant who took the shape of an eagle. In 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 as part of their national defense project, Project Pendragon.
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Gleipnir
In the Norse mythos, Gleipnir ("open one" in Old Norse) was a chain used to bind the wolf Fenrir (or Fenrisulfr) in place. The gods attempted twice to bind Fenrir with massive chains, only for the wolf to free itself without much hassle. In response, the deities commissioned the dwarves to forge an unbreakable chain.
The Gleipnir is a heavy command cruiser 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
In Norse mythology, Fenrir (also spelled "Fenrirsúlfr") is a gigantic wolf, 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, silk 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, Vioarr was characterized by his permanent silence.
One of the storyline-related medals is named "Mark of the Vioarr", earned after completing either mission #15A or #15B. Fittingly enough, it's description states that the player must "defeat the Fenrir".
Ace Combat: Northern Wings
Grendel
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
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
In Norse mythology, Arvakr ("early waker") was one of two legendary horses who drew the Sun's chariot across the sky, bearing a similar rol to Hrimfaxi and Skinfaxi. He was always accompanied by the horse Allsvinn.
There is an aircraft manufacturer brand called "Arvakr".
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
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:
- Aegis vessel Freyr is named after Freyr, the twin brother of Freya and the god of virility and prosperity.
- Aegis vessel Hœnir is named after Hœnir, a member of the Æsir who is said to have helped Odin to create humans.
- Missile cruiser Skaði is named after Skaði, a jötunn and goddess associated with bowhunting, skiing, the mountains and the winter season.
- Aircraft carrier Njörðr (also spelled as Njord) 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
In Norse mythology, Sól ("Sunna" in Old High German) is the Sun personified as a goddess.
Sol Squadron is an experimental unit serving with the Erusean Air and Space Administration. The squadron saw deployment during the Lighthouse War. It was featured as the main antagonist squadron for most of the campaign of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
Skoll
In Norse mythology, Sköll (meaning "Treachery" or "Mockery") is a legendary wolf who chases the Sun.
The Skoll Squadron was an Erusean Air Force squadron that saw deployment in the Lighthouse War.
Gram
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
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
In Norse mythology, Huginn and Muninn are a pair of ravens that fly around the world to deliver information to the god Odin.
Tthe two ADF-11F Raven aircraft that appear in the game are named after the two ravens, albeit being spelled as Hugin and Munin, missing a single 'N'.