How Old is Hawke in Dragon Age II: Act 1?
Hawke’s age during the events of Act 1 in Dragon Age II is a topic of frequent discussion and some debate within the Dragon Age community. Based on the established lore and timelines, Hawke is between 24 and 25 years old during Act 1 of Dragon Age II. This places them at a pivotal point in their life, having already endured significant hardship and now facing the challenges of establishing themselves in Kirkwall.
The Timeline of Hawke’s Life
To understand Hawke’s age, it’s crucial to examine the timeline presented in the Dragon Age universe and the specific clues provided in-game and through supplementary material.
The Meeting of Malcolm and Leandra
According to the World of Thedas Vol. 2, Malcolm Hawke and Leandra Amell met in 9:05 Dragon. Leandra became pregnant with Hawke several months later. This places Hawke’s birth likely in 9:06 or 9:07 Dragon. This information serves as the foundation for calculating their age.
The Prologue and the Escape from Lothering
The prologue of Dragon Age II is set during the events of the Fifth Blight and the fall of Lothering. The Fifth Blight began in 9:30 Dragon. Considering that Hawke was born in either 9:06 or 9:07 Dragon, this would make them roughly 23 or 24 years old during the initial flight from Lothering.
The Time Jump to Act 1
After escaping Lothering, the family spends a year on the road before arriving in Kirkwall and beginning Act 1. This passage of time brings us to the start of Act 1 in 9:31 or 9:32 Dragon, making Hawke between 24 and 25 years old. This is important to note, as the game’s narrative and Hawke’s character development unfold from this specific point in their life.
Understanding the Implications of Hawke’s Age
Knowing Hawke’s age in Act 1 provides context to the challenges they face. They are no longer a child, having witnessed the horrors of the Blight, but they are not yet fully established in their new lives. The responsibilities and difficult choices they make in Kirkwall are influenced by their age and the experiences they have already endured.
Establishing a New Life
At 24 or 25, Hawke is navigating the complexities of adulthood, familial responsibilities, and social dynamics in a new city. Their interactions with characters like Gamlen, Bethany, Carver, and others are shaped by their mature perspective and the weight of their prior experiences. This also includes trying to establish financial security, which is a huge concern at this point in their life.
Character Growth and Development
Hawke’s journey through Act 1 sets the stage for their continued growth and transformation throughout the rest of Dragon Age II. The conflicts and challenges they face at 24/25 are formative, laying the groundwork for the decisions and actions they take in later acts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much older is Hawke than Bethany and Carver?
Hawke is approximately four to five years older than their younger twin siblings, Bethany and Carver. The twins are canonically born in 9:11 Dragon.
2. Was Hawke born during the Fifth Blight?
No, Hawke was born several years before the Fifth Blight. The Fifth Blight officially starts in 9:30 Dragon, and Hawke was born between 9:06 and 9:07 Dragon.
3. Is Hawke always a human in Dragon Age II?
Yes, Hawke is always a human in Dragon Age II. Players can choose Hawke’s gender and class, but their race is fixed.
4. Is Hawke a mage in the canonical playthrough?
While players can choose Hawke’s class, it is heavily implied and widely accepted that the canonical Hawke is a mage. The opening cinematic features a male Hawke wielding magic, and later events and references also suggest a mage path as canonical.
5. How tall is Hawke in Dragon Age II?
Hawke stands around 6’0″ regardless of gender. They are noted to be shorter than their brother, Carver, who is around 6’2″-6’3″.
6. What does the name ‘Hawke’ mean?
The name “Hawke” means “wild,” stemming from the Old English name Hafoc. This name often signified someone with a wild and free spirit, fitting Hawke’s character.
7. Does the Arishok respect Hawke?
Yes, the Arishok does respect Hawke. He names Hawke basalit-an, which is a term indicating someone worthy of respect, regardless of them being a mage.
8. How old is Wynne during Dragon Age: Origins?
Wynne is 49 years old during the events of Dragon Age: Origins. The Fifth Blight occurs in 9:30 Dragon.
9. How old is Leliana in Dragon Age: Inquisition?
Leliana is 36 years old at the time of Dragon Age: Inquisition. She was chosen as Divine Victoria in 9:42 Dragon.
10. How old is Anders in Dragon Age II?
Anders is likely in his late twenties to early thirties during the events of Dragon Age II. His exact age isn’t specified, but it’s well established that he is a young adult during the game.
11. How old is Morrigan in Dragon Age: Inquisition?
Morrigan is likely in her late twenties to early thirties in Dragon Age: Inquisition. This is an extrapolation based on the time that has passed since Dragon Age: Origins and her appearance.
12. Who is Rhys in relation to Wynne?
Rhys is Wynne’s son. He appears as a main character in Dragon Age: Asunder. The fact is only truly expanded on in the novel, but it is mentioned briefly in the games.
13. How is the Warden related to Hawke?
The Warden Amell, is Leandra Amell’s first cousin once removed. This makes Hawke and the Warden second cousins.
14. Does Hawke appear in Dragon Age 4?
Hawke does not make a direct physical appearance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Hawke had an appearance in the game Dragon Age: Inquisition, where he aids the Inquisitor during a quest called Here Lies the Abyss.
15. How powerful is Hawke?
Hawke is considered very powerful, particularly as they face and overcome numerous formidable threats throughout the events of Dragon Age II. Their abilities are significantly greater than they often get credit for, allowing them to take on many challenges.
By understanding Hawke’s age during Act 1, players can appreciate the context of their character arc and the significance of their decisions in Dragon Age II. Hawke’s journey from refugee to Champion of Kirkwall is shaped by these formative years and the challenges that come with them.