How old was Endora on Bewitched?

Based on various statements made within the series, Endora was approximately 5,400 to 5,500 years old during the run of Bewitched. While her exact age is not explicitly stated as a single number, multiple clues provided by Endora and other characters allow for a close estimation.

The Enigmatic Age of Endora

Endora, Samantha's mother, is a powerful witch known for her ancient wisdom, sharp wit, and dramatic flair. Her magical abilities are vast, often surpassing even Samantha's, and her long lifespan is a recurring comedic and narrative element throughout the series. Her true age underscores her vast experience and knowledge of human and magical history.

Clues from the Series

The series offers several direct and indirect hints about Endora's incredible age, painting a picture of a being who has witnessed millennia of human history:

• Arthur's Estimation: It is mentioned that Arthur believes Endora is over 4000 years old, setting a significant minimum benchmark for her age.
• Maurice's Historical Connection: Endora's father, Maurice, states that he and Endora were acquainted with Attila the Hun, who lived around 450 AD. This confirms her existence far back in recorded history.
• Endora's Long-Term Perspective: Endora herself once casually remarked about changing her mind "many times in 3000 years," indicating a minimum active lifespan of several millennia.
• Dating Otzi the Iceman: Perhaps the most specific clue comes from Endora's claim that she dated Otzi the Iceman. Otzi, a mummified man discovered in the Alps, lived around 3500 BC.

Calculating Endora's Age

Using the most precise historical reference, Endora's relationship with Otzi the Iceman provides the strongest basis for calculating her approximate age. If Otzi lived around 3500 BC, and Bewitched aired in the mid-1960s (e.g., 1968 AD), then Endora's age would be calculated as:

3500 (years BC) + 1968 (years AD) ≈ 5468 years old

This calculation places her well over the "4000 years" mentioned by Arthur and significantly beyond the "3000 years" she herself referenced, demonstrating a consistent narrative of extreme longevity.

Summary of Age Clues

To provide a clearer overview, here's a breakdown of the information pointing to Endora's age:

While Endora's exact birth year is never pinpointed, the cumulative evidence strongly suggests she is a being of immense antiquity, effortlessly bridging several millennia.