How old is Damon Salvatore?

Answered by Tom Adger

Damon Salvatore, a central character in the TV show The Vampire Diaries, is indeed an intriguing character with a complex history. In terms of his age, when Damon was first turned into a vampire, he was 25 years old. This transformation occurred during the American Civil War, placing his turning around the year 1864. As the show seemingly takes place in real time, starting in 2009, we can calculate Damon’s age throughout the series.

When the series begins, Damon is already 170 years old. This is because he spent 145 years in a self-imposed coffin-induced slumber after being desiccated by a witch named Emily Bennett. During this time, he missed out on significant events and cultural changes, awakening in the present day to find a world vastly different from the one he knew.

Throughout the course of The Vampire Diaries, Damon’s age continues to increase. By the time the show ends, he is 178 years old. This means that he has witnessed and experienced nearly two centuries of history, adapting to various societal changes and technological advancements.

Damon’s long life as a vampire has undoubtedly shaped his character and perspective. He has had the opportunity to accumulate vast knowledge, witnessing both the best and worst of humanity. This extensive lifespan has also allowed him to develop a unique perspective on love, loss, and redemption.

It is worth noting that age is not just a number for vampires in The Vampire Diaries universe. The longer they live, the more they experience the weight of their immortality. Damon, like other vampires in the show, struggles with the ethical implications of his actions and the toll it takes on his psyche.

Damon Salvatore was 25 years old when he was turned into a vampire, marking the year 1864. By the time The Vampire Diaries begins in 2009, he is 170 years old. Throughout the series, his age steadily increases, reaching 178 years old by the show’s end. This extensive lifespan has undoubtedly shaped Damon’s character and provides a unique lens through which he views the world.