Jaskier is one of The Witcher‘s most beloved characters, but it’s hard to decipher just how old he’s supposed to be throughout the Netflix series. Many of the show’s main characters, in particular Geralt and Yennefer, possess magical alterations and mutations that slow their aging process. Jaskier, by contrast, does not, which should make his age easy to track. Yet, his age is actually one of the series’ biggest head-scratchers.
One of The Witcher season 1’s biggest criticisms was how its three distinct yet interconnected timelines caused a lot of confusion. Once it becomes clear midway through the season that there are three different stories happening, the show becomes easier to follow, but it still leaves lingering questions of how far apart in time the various events are set. In fact, in a hilarious meta moment during The Witcher season 2, the timeline complaints are addressed by Jaskier himself. Because the bard is currently the keeper of Geralt’s epic story through his songs, in some way he’s also the narrator of the series as well.
Perhaps because of his crucial role in softening Geralt’s hard heart and telling the Witcher’s story throughout the land, Jaskier hasn’t visibly aged in The Witcher and continues to keep up during adventures. Because Geralt’s season 1 timeline spans 20 years and continues on into the show’s present, this has led to confusion over how old Jaskier is actually supposed to be. The short answer, based on the show’s official timeline, is that Jaskier is 18 when he meets Geralt, and that about 23 years have passed between then and where the show is currently, meaning he should now be 41.
Because he inexplicably looks the same in his early 40s as he did at 18, there are some Witcher theories that Jaskier is immortal, either through a stroke of accidental magic or a yet-unknown parentage. Alternatively, he could simply be a regular human with uncommon youthfulness. The Witcher occasionally nods to the passage of time on Jaskier’s appearance, most notably in season 1 episode 6 when Yennefer quips, “the crow’s feet are new,” but for the most part his mysterious lack of aging goes unquestioned. Since actor Joey Batey is 33, roughly halfway between the far ends of Jaskier’s age during The Witcher‘s two seasons, the show is mostly getting away with it, but that could change if another significant time jump takes place and Jaskier still looks no different.
Of course, Jaskier makes an important addition to The Witcher as Geralt’s companion and comic relief, so hopefully, he will continue to accompany the main cast on their adventures and not grow too old for traveling and dangerous escapades. With such musical hits as “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher” and “Burn Butcher Burn” to his name, Jaskier has certainly proven himself one of The Witcher‘s most iconic figures. The mystery of how old he’s supposed to be is just one more aspect of his interesting character.
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