the.com/elder
the original tree that hollows out so witches can plant their secrets inside
means An older person, especially one respected for age, wisdom, or authority within a family, community, or church.
from From Old English 'eldra,' the comparative of 'eald' meaning 'old' — so an elder is literally an 'older one.' It shares deep Germanic roots with words like German 'alt' and the English 'old' itself. The tree called the elder is a separate word entirely: that one comes from Old English 'ellærn,' of murkier origin, and only happens to look like its age-related cousin.
- witch tree
- Folklore said cutting one without permission invited curses
- hollow stems
- Soft pith pushes out to make flutes and blowpipes
- raw danger
- Uncooked berries and leaves contain cyanide-producing compounds
- flower power
- Blossoms become cordial, fritters, and famous sparkling wine
- wand wood
- The Elder Wand legend grew from real death associations
elderflower cordial — traditional british drink made from elder flowers, consumed for centuries in the uk
elder scrolls — video game series by bethesda, first released in 1994
elder tree — sambucus nigra species native to europe, produces berries and flowers used in medicine and cuisine