The Age of White Walkers in 'Game of Thrones'

The White Walkers or the Others, a mystical and enigmatic race from the A Song of Ice and Fire series and its adaptation, Game of Thrones, have intrigued fans for years. Despite their significance, the question of their age remains a mystery, much like the ancient history of Westeros. This article delves into the lore and possible ages of these formidable soldiers of winter, exploring both ages determined by myth and those derived from character development in the series.

The Myths and Myths Behind the White Walkers

The origin and age of the White Walkers are as elusive as their attacks. According to the lore, the White Walkers were created by the Children of the Forest to counter the threat posed by the First Men. This chilling event is believed to have occurred during the Age of Heroes, estimated to be around 8000 years before the events of the main series. This indicates that the White Walkers could be thousands of years old, though their exact age remains ambiguous in the canon of the series.

Craster and the Sons of Winter

Craster, a mountain clansman who raised baby boys for the White Walkers, has become a significant figure in the discussion of the White Walkers' age. If all the White Walkers are sons of Craster, or at least derived from his lineage, then their age can be roughly determined by Craster's age and the timeline of his child givings.

Craster, known for his dark and secretive nature, is believed to be in his 50s or 60s. Assuming he started giving his sons to the White Walkers decades ago, with him having 19 wives and 99 sons in total, the age range of these sons can be estimated as follows:

The oldest son could be around 40 years old. The youngest would be just a few months or years old, such as Gilly's son who was born shortly before the main events of the series.

Thus, the White Walkers created by Craster could potentially range from a few months to about 40 years old, with the majority being younger members of the pack.

Clues from Character Dialogue

The White Walkers' interest in baby boys and Craster's supposed connection to their lineage have been explored through various character discussions. For instance, Dywen's ability to sense cold and death hints at a possible supernatural presence associated with the White Walkers. Here is a famous exchange:

Dywen: What is it you smell, Dywen?

Another key moment is a conversation between Jon and Lord Commander Mormont:

One of Craster's older wives: I can feel the cold and smell it, too, when the Others come for another son.

These clues suggest that Craster might be related to the White Walkers, possibly being half-Other. This theory is supported by the rationale that if Craster is part-Other, he would be a perfect target for the White Walkers' interest in baby boys, making him a part of their lineage.

Conclusion

The age of the White Walkers remains an enigma within the world of Game of Thrones. While the lore suggests they are thousands of years old, the specific timeline is not clear. However, if all White Walkers are sons of Craster or derived from his lineage, their age could be estimated based on Craster's age and the timeline of his child givings, potentially ranging from a few months to around 40 years. These theories, supported by Dialogue and character interactions, offer fascinating insights into the mysterious and ancient race that threatens the world of Westeros.