How old can draenei be?

Answered by Frank Schwing

The age of the draenei is a subject of much speculation and debate among Warcraft lore enthusiasts. While it is true that Prophet Velen, the leader of the draenei, is indeed ancient, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that all draenei possess immortality.

The origins of the draenei can be traced back to the eredar, an ancient race of highly intelligent beings from the planet Argus. Velen, along with a faction of eredar who opposed the dark magic and corruption of their brethren, fled Argus aboard the dimensional ship known as the Exodar. This event, known as the Great Exodar, occurred over 25,000 years ago.

Velen’s longevity can be attributed to his connection with the naaru, benevolent beings of pure light that granted him visions of the future and bestowed upon him a form of immortality. However, it is important to note that Velen is a unique figure among the draenei, revered as a prophet and blessed with special powers.

While there is no definitive information on the average lifespan of a draenei, it is reasonable to assume that they have a significantly extended lifespan compared to other mortal races. The draenei possess a strong affinity for the Light, a powerful force that grants them longevity and resilience. This connection to the Light may contribute to their prolonged lifespans, but it is unlikely to grant them true immortality.

It is worth mentioning that the draenei, like any other race, can still die from physical injuries or other external causes. They are not impervious to death, but their extended lifespans may make them appear immortal to other mortal races.

Furthermore, the draenei have faced numerous hardships and conflicts throughout their history, including the corruption of their home planet Argus and their subsequent flight from the Burning Legion. These events have undoubtedly taken a toll on their population, leading to the decline and near-extinction of their race.

While Prophet Velen and other notable figures among the draenei may possess immortality or greatly extended lifespans, it is unlikely that all draenei share this characteristic. The average lifespan of a draenei remains a subject of speculation, but their connection to the Light and their resilience as a race suggest that they can live significantly longer than other mortal races in the Warcraft universe.