Gladion, the brooding and mysterious character from Pokémon Sun and Moon, has captured the hearts (and maybe a few grudges) of many trainers. But one question frequently pops up amongst fans: how old is Gladion? While the games don't explicitly state his age, we can make a pretty good estimate based on several clues.
Estimating Gladion's Age: Clues from the Games
The Pokémon games themselves are fairly vague on specific character ages, preferring to focus on personality and storyline. However, we can gather some useful information to narrow down Gladion’s age:
His Maturity and Role
Gladion's serious demeanor, tactical skills in battle, and independent nature strongly suggest he's not a young child. He's clearly capable of complex reasoning, strategic thinking, and handling himself in challenging situations. This suggests an age beyond early adolescence.
Comparison to Other Characters
Comparing Gladion to other characters in Alola, particularly his sister Lillie, who is explicitly shown to be younger, further points towards him being older. While exact ages remain unstated, the contrast in their maturity levels helps illustrate a significant age difference.
His Pokémon Team and Battling Skills
Gladion's Pokémon team reflects a more experienced trainer. He doesn't just rely on brute strength; his strategic choices and team composition show a degree of planning and understanding of Pokémon battles rarely seen in younger trainers. This implies a considerable amount of time spent training and battling.
The Likely Age Range
Considering all these factors, a reasonable estimate would place Gladion's age between 15 and 17 years old. This range aligns well with his maturity, his role within the story, and his interactions with other characters in the Alola region. He’s certainly not a young child, but he also doesn't exhibit the full maturity of a young adult.
Why the Mystery?
The creators of Pokémon often leave character ages ambiguous, allowing players to project their own interpretations. This approach lets the players focus on the story and the character's personality rather than getting bogged down in specifics. The mystery surrounding Gladion's age adds to his enigmatic appeal.
Conclusion: A Brooding Teenager
While we can't definitively answer "How old is Gladion?" with a precise number, the evidence strongly suggests he's a teenager, likely somewhere between 15 and 17. This age perfectly suits his character arc, his skills as a trainer, and his role in the captivating narrative of Pokémon Sun and Moon. The mystery, however, remains part of what makes Gladion such a memorable and intriguing character.
