How Old is Xehanort in BbS: Unraveling the Age of a Key Villain
For fans diving into the Kingdom Hearts universe, especially through the prequel Birth by Sleep (BbS), a common question arises: Just how old is Master Xehanort during the events of this pivotal game? The answer, while not a simple number, is deeply tied to the lore and the nature of Xehanort's existence.
Xehanort's Age in Birth by Sleep: A Complex Question
In Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, which takes place roughly a decade before the first Kingdom Hearts game, Xehanort appears as an old man. He is the mentor figure to Terra, Ventus, and Aqua, and the current holder of the Keyblade. However, pinpointing an exact age is tricky due to several factors:
- The Nature of Xehanort's Being: Xehanort is not just any aging individual. He is a being driven by an obsessive quest to recreate the χ-blade and bring about a second Keyblade War. This drive has influenced his actions and, indirectly, his perceived age.
- Time Distortion and Manipulation: The Kingdom Hearts universe often plays with time. Xehanort, being a master of the darkness and a powerful Keyblade wielder, has the capacity to influence and manipulate time to a degree.
- The "Old Man" Persona: While he appears as an elderly man in BbS, this is not necessarily his *original* birth age. It's the age he has attained through his long life and experiences, significantly shaped by his pursuit of power and his manipulation of events.
When Was Xehanort Born?
To understand Xehanort's age in BbS, we need to look at his earliest known appearances and historical context within the series. Xehanort's origins trace back to the Land of Departure, where he was an apprentice to the previous Keyblade Master. While an exact birth year is rarely given in the Kingdom Hearts series, we can infer a considerable lifespan.
Consider that Xehanort was already a full-fledged Keyblade Master and had taken on apprentices (Terra, Ventus, and Aqua) long before the events of BbS. This implies he had spent decades, if not centuries, honing his skills and developing his philosophies.
Estimating Xehanort's Age in BbS
Given the timeline of the series and the progression of Xehanort's story, it's safe to say that Master Xehanort in Birth by Sleep is likely somewhere in his **late 60s to 80s, if not older**, in terms of his physical appearance. However, the true "age" of Xehanort is less about the number of years he's lived and more about the accumulation of his dark knowledge and his long-standing plans.
He has been actively involved in the machinations of darkness for a very long time. His goal to manipulate the hearts of others and orchestrate events has spanned across generations. Therefore, while his physical form appears elderly, his mental and spiritual age, influenced by centuries of scheming, is considerably more profound.
Young Xehanort's Appearance
It's important to differentiate between the "Master Xehanort" we see in Birth by Sleep and his younger self, "Young Xehanort." Young Xehanort, who appears in Dream Drop Distance, is literally a younger version of Xehanort from a different point in time, brought forward by Xehanort's own machinations. This temporal anomaly is a key element of Xehanort's overarching plan and highlights the complex nature of his existence across the timeline.
In essence, Master Xehanort in BbS is the culmination of a long and dedicated life devoted to darkness and the pursuit of power. His "age" is a testament to his enduring, albeit sinister, legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Xehanort when he becomes a Keyblade Master?
The exact age at which Xehanort became a Keyblade Master is not explicitly stated. However, the process of becoming a Keyblade Master in the Kingdom Hearts lore generally requires significant training and experience. Given his role as a mentor in BbS and his advanced knowledge, it's implied he had been a Master for a considerable period before the game's events.
Why does Xehanort look so old in Birth by Sleep?
Xehanort appears old in Birth by Sleep because he has lived a long life. His age is a reflection of his experiences and the passage of time. Furthermore, his obsession with his goals and the darkness he wields likely contribute to his aged appearance. He is presented as a seasoned, experienced individual who has seen and done much.
Is Xehanort immortal?
While Xehanort has shown an incredible ability to endure and manipulate events across time, the series has not definitively stated he is immortal in the traditional sense. However, his plans often involve transferring his heart and consciousness, allowing his will and essence to persist through different vessels and eras. This gives the impression of a nearly unending existence.
