The Elder is a giant tree and, as you would hope, he does not enjoy being set on fire. That single fact is most of the fight.
Boss fightThe Elder
- Summon with
- 3
Ancient seed burned at his altar - Weak to
- Fire. Fire arrows do serious work here, so bring more than you think you need.
- Take with you
- A finewood bow, 150 or more fire arrows, and bronze or troll armour
- Drops
- The swamp key, which unlocks sunken crypts and all your iron
What he does, and what you do
- Vine volleyTell: He rears back and his branches pull inwardGet a stone pillar between you and him. The pillars in his arena are indestructible and block this completely. This is the attack that kills people who fight in the open.
- StompTell: He lifts a foot when you are closeSimply do not be close. There is no reason to melee this boss.
- Root summonTell: Roots burst out of the ground around your feetMove. Do not stand and fight them, they are there to pin you in place for the vine volley. Reposition to a new pillar and keep shooting.
Finding him
His location comes from a vegvisir stone inside a Black Forest burial chamber. Once you have read it, his altar appears on your map. Summon him by burning 3 
Ancient seed, which drop from greydwarf brutes, shamans and spawners.
The loop
Stand at a pillar. Shoot fire arrows. When he winds up the vines, step behind the pillar. When roots spawn under you, walk to the next pillar and carry on. Repeat until he falls. It is a patient fight rather than a hard one.
Beat him and you get the swamp key, which is your ticket to iron. Read the Swamp guide before you go, because it is a serious step up.
