Game of Thrones Character Ages: A Guide to the Years Every Main Character in the Books and Series Has
The ages of the characters in George R. R. Martin's epic work, "A Song of Ice and Fire," make for one of the intriguing features of Game Of Thrones, a gripping fantasy series. People live fast, die young, and in this world the results of their activities sometimes have a hefty price tag. But figuring the exact age of the characters has been a hot topic of discussion, particularly given the show and the books usually differ on these specifics.
Character Ages of Game of Thrones: Book Against Show
In the world of Westeros, where the Iron Throne rules with great might, the ages of the characters are absolutely vital for comprehending their motivations and behavior. The show doesn't always clearly state their ages, which lets viewers conjecture and argue. To highlight the variances between the books and the show, we have assembled a thorough guide to the ages of the key characters.
Jon Snow: Stark of the Night's Watch
Joining the Night's Watch, an order committed to defending the realm from the frigid horrors beyond the Wall, Jon Snow, the bastard son of Eddard Stark, starts his road into manhood. Jon is only 14 in the books while he is 16 years old when the show starts. Especially in the early seasons, Jon's character development is much shaped by this apparently little age difference. Although Jon finally rises to be a beloved hero, his petulant behavior in the first episodes can be ascribed to his adolescent years. When one considers his young viewpoint, his continuous complaints about his situation make more sense.
Daenerys Targaryen: The Dragon Mother
Last of her bloodline, Daenerys Targaryen starts her path as a young, naive woman but soon becomes a strong leader and a hope symbol. Daenerys is sixteen years old on the show (13 in the books), when we first meet her. This age difference reflects the way the show presents a more mature and capable Daenerys, so avoiding perhaps controversial depictions of a very young character in particular circumstances. She is 23 at the end of the series when Jon Snow kills her tragically; her beloved dragon Drogon carries away her body.
Tyrion Lannister: The Impressed
The youngest of the Lannister siblings, Tyrion Lannister is a brilliant strategist and wit master. He is shown in the show as starting the series 32 years old and approaching 40 by the end. But his book equivalent is 24, which results in a significant age difference. Older than his character, Peter Dinklage, the actor playing Tyrion, gives the part knowledge and experience. Nevertheless, Tyrion's younger age in the book offers a different dynamic inside the Lannister family, emphasizing his role as the underdog and so cultivating vulnerability.
Robbie Stark: The Young Wolf
After his father is executed, Eddard Stark's eldest son, Robb Stark, must grow up fast and become the King in the North leading the Northern army. The show presents him as sixteen years old—14 in the books. Though young, Robb shows himself to be a great military commander with natural leadership ability. But given his youth and emphasizes the terrible results of his decisions, the heartbreak of his premature death at the Red Wedding becomes even more moving.
Sansa, Arya, and Bran – The Stark Children
Sansa, Arya, Bran, and the Stark children go on a terrible trip marked with loss, trauma, and forced maturity. Their ages on the show vary from those in the books; Sansa is 13 (11 in the books), Arya is 11 (9), and Bran is 10 (7). The younger ages in the books may have accentuated their innocence and sensitivity, but the way the show presents their extraordinary resiliency and adaptation. Though obvious, the actors' aging throughout the series had no effect on the roles played by the younger Stark children.
Theon Greyjoy: The Redeemed
Raised as a Starks ward, Theon Greyjoy starts the series as a young man striving to prove his warrior credentials. In the show, he is sixteen (in the books eighteen). This disparity highlights Theon's immaturity and ill-directed search for approval. His younger age helps to explain his behavior even if it has tragic results. Given Theon's youth and the significant influence his events have had on him, his path through betrayal, torture, and atonement becomes even more significant.
The Twins, Jaime and Cersei Lannister
Starting Game Of Thrones, Jaime and Cersei Lannister, twins with a strong, forbidden love, are both 36 years old. The book equivalent of the Lannister twins were several years younger. Although their ages are not as troublesome as some others, the books explore more the consequences of aging. While Jaime struggles to come to terms with his approaching end of his career as a knight, Cersei becomes increasingly fixated over her fading beauty. This gives their characters an intriguing degree of vulnerability.
Tommen Baratheon: Name Only King in Name Only
Though he is really the illegitimate son of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, Tommen Baratheon, the youngest son of King Robert Baratheon, is thrown into the kingly role at a young age. The show features him as eight years old—six in the books. Tommen's arc is one of the most tragic in the series, as he struggles to navigate the treacherous world of power and ultimately takes his own life after his wife, Margaery Tyrell, is killed. Tommen's young age in the books highlights the ridiculousness of Westeros' line of succession and accentuates his story's heartbreaking nature.
Parents of Winterfell, Ned and Catelyn Stark
The Stark children are the offspring of honorable Lord of Winterfell Ned Stark and his wife Catelyn. Ned is 41 on the show; Catelyn is 40; in the books, they are 34 and 33. They are shown as parents who have made some critical mistakes even though they are older than their book counterparts. Their naive view of the world and their conviction in justice guide them to make decisions with terrible effects for their family and the domain.
Joffrey Baratheon: An Cruel King
Joffrey Baratheon, the eldest son of King Robert Baratheon, is a sadistic and tyrannical ruler. While he is depicted as being 16 years old in the show (12 in the books), his spoiled personality and immaturity often lead viewers to believe he is younger. The younger age in the books makes Joffrey's cruelty more disturbing, while his death at a young age also sparks a degree of sympathy. Joffrey's tragic downfall highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of his cruel actions.
Jorah Mormont: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Jorah Mormont, a seasoned warrior and a loyal knight, serves as Daenerys' protector and advisor. He is 44 years old in both the books and the show. This age reflects his vast experience and his history as a sellsword in Essos. While his love for Daenerys is often portrayed as being more respectful in the show, the books delve into the more disturbing aspects of their relationship, particularly due to Daenerys' younger age. Jorah's complicated relationship with Daenerys highlights the complexities of power, loyalty, and love.
The Brothers Clegane: The Mountain and the Hound
Gregor Clegane, known as "The Mountain," is a towering warrior known for his brutality and strength. His brother, Sandor Clegane, is known as "The Hound." In the show, Sandor is 35 and Gregor is 40; in the books, Sandor is 27 or 28, and Gregor is 35. The books portray Gregor as a seasoned man of war, highlighting the years of battles that have shaped his brutality. While the show captures the physical intimidation of Gregor, the books provide a deeper understanding of his psychology and the horrors he has inflicted.
Margaery Tyrell: The Queen of Thorns
Margaery Tyrell, a cunning and charming noblewoman, is introduced in season 2 of Game of Thrones but emerges as a formidable player in the game of power during season 3. She is 18 years old in the show (14 in the books). The show portrays her as a more intelligent and capable strategist, while the books focus less on her political acumen. Margaery's story underscores the dangers of political ambition and the consequences of playing the game of power.
Littlefinger: A Master of Deception
Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish, a master manipulator and a cunning schemer, is a character who thrives on intrigue and deception. He is 29 years old in the books, but 36 in the show. Littlefinger's age adds to his sinister nature and the creepiness of his relationship with Sansa Stark. His history with Catelyn Stark adds complexity to his motivations, as he seems to be vying for her approval even after her death.
Davos Seaworth: The Onion Knight
Davos Seaworth, known as "the Onion Knight," is a loyal and honorable man who serves as Stannis Baratheon's right-hand man. He is 49 years old in the show (37 in the books), closely mirroring the age of the actor, Liam Cunningham. While Davos is portrayed as a likable and empathetic character in the show, he is less warm and caring in the books. Cunningham's portrayal brings a paternal quality to the character, showcasing his wisdom and compassion.
Samwell Tarly: A Scholar of the Night's Watch
Samwell Tarly, a timid but kind-hearted scholar, joins the Night's Watch along with Jon Snow. He is 17 years old in the show (14 in the books). Despite his lack of confidence, Sam eventually proves to be a valuable asset to the Night's Watch. His older age in the show allows him to be more mature and capable than his book counterpart, making his journey of self-discovery even more compelling.
Varys: The Spider
Varys, a master of secrets and a shrewd manipulator, is one of the most enigmatic characters in Game of Thrones. His age is deliberately left ambiguous to maintain an aura of mystery. The only clue to his age is the actor who portrays him, Conleth Hill, who was 47 years old when he began playing Varys. His story highlights the dangers of playing the game of power and the consequences of seeking power at all costs.
Brienne of Tarth: The Knight of the Realm
Brienne of Tarth, a strong and skilled warrior, is a character who struggles to find her place in a world that often judges her for her strength and appearance. She is 32 years old in the show (17 in the books). The older Brienne in the show is a more capable and confident warrior, but the show also delves into her insecurities and her struggles with self-acceptance.
Melisandre: The Red Priestess
Melisandre, a mysterious Red Priestess who worships the Lord of Light, is a character whose age is shrouded in mystery. While most onlookers would probably guess that she is around 40, actress Carice van Houten, who portrays her, has confirmed that she is over 100 years old. Her story highlights the dangers of blind faith and the consequences of using magic for personal gain.
The Night King: The King of the White Walkers
The Night King, the leader of the White Walkers, is the ultimate antagonist in Game of Thrones. Created by the Children of the Forest, he is believed to be around 10,000 years old, making him the oldest character in the series. His story highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of unleashing ancient evils.
Shireen Baratheon: A Victim of Ambition
Shireen Baratheon, the daughter of Stannis Baratheon, is one of the youngest characters in Game of Thrones. She is 9 years old in the show (11 in the books), and her tragic death at the hands of her own father highlights the dangers of blind ambition and the consequences of making sacrifices for power.
Stannis Baratheon: The Mannis
Stannis Baratheon, a rigid and uncompromising king, is a character who struggles to find a balance between justice and power. He is 40 years old in the show (33 in the books). While Stannis is portrayed as a grizzled and experienced leader in the show, his younger age in the books suggests that his choices are not always a product of wisdom and experience but rather a result of his uncompromising nature.
Khal Drogo: The Dothraki Bloodrider
Khal Drogo, the leader of the Dothraki people, is a powerful and ruthless warrior. He is 30 years old in both the books and the show. His relationship with Daenerys is one of the most controversial aspects of the series, as she is a young girl married off to a powerful warrior. While the age difference is less in the show, it does not address the underlying issues of power imbalances and abuse.
Daario Naharis: The Sellsword
Daario Naharis, a sellsword who aligns himself with Daenerys Targaryen, is a charming and charismatic warrior. He is 30 years old in the books, but 37 in the show. His age is not as important as his personality and his relationship with Daenerys. While the show portrays him as more playful and charismatic, the books depict him as more serious and less prone to romance.
Daenerys' Dragons: Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion
Daenerys Targaryen has three dragons: Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. These magnificent creatures are born during the series and age throughout the story. Their ages are more easily determined, as we see them grow from hatchlings to formidable creatures. Drogon, the largest of the three, survives Daenerys and is last seen carrying her body to an unknown location. Viserion and Rhaegal are killed by the Night King and his army. The dragons' presence adds a powerful element of magic and danger to the series, showcasing the forces that are at play in Westeros.
Game of Thrones, a captivating series filled with political intrigue, complex characters, and epic battles, continues to enthrall audiences worldwide. As we navigate the intricate web of relationships and power struggles, it's essential to consider the ages of the characters. From the young and naive to the seasoned and wise, each character's age plays a significant role in shaping their decisions, motivations, and ultimately, their destinies.
