Elder Mother

What it is

The Elder Mother is a spirit believed to inhabit elder trees across England and Scandinavia. She acts as a guardian of the plant, demanding courtesy from anyone who wishes to take its wood. In Danish tradition, she is known as Hyldemoer or Hyldequinde and is described as a wood-nymph-like figure. Stories suggest she can cause illness or bad luck if her permission is not sought before cutting branches.

Where it comes from

The figure appears in both English and Scandinavian folklore. In Denmark, she is linked to the idea of a dryad or nymph residing within the tree. English tales often cast her as a witch or an old woman who protects the elder bush. Some narratives connect her to legendary figures like Mother Shipton or explain the origins of stone circles like the Rollright Stones through her magic.

How it is done

Harvesters were expected to ask the Elder Mother for permission before taking wood. A traditional request involved promising to give some of one’s own wood back when the person grew into a tree. Refusing this courtesy was believed to result in immediate consequences, such as the tree bleeding or the harvester being chased by the spirit.

Tools and materials

Elder wood itself is central to the belief. It was used to make crosses placed on barns to protect livestock. In Denmark, an elder twig placed in the mouth was thought to cure toothache by driving out evil spirits. Ash wood was also mentioned in stories as a counter-measure against the Elder Mother's influence.

What it is for

The primary purpose of respecting the Elder Mother is to avoid harm. Ignoring her could lead to a child becoming ill or a woodsman facing bad luck. Conversely, using elder wood properly could offer protection. Farmers hung elder crosses on sheds to ward off evil, and carrying twigs was believed to prevent rheumatism.

Who does it

Ordinary people, particularly farmers and woodspeople, interacted with the Elder Mother. They were the ones who harvested wood or cared for livestock. The belief required them to perform specific rituals, like asking permission or placing protective charms, to maintain harmony with the spirit world.

Peoples and places

The belief is strongest in England and Denmark. In England, tales vary by region, with Lincolnshire naming her Old Lady or Old Girl. Somerset stories depict her as a witch milking cows, while Northamptonshire tales describe her bleeding when cut. Slavic regions, including Russia, also view the elder tree as a protector against evil.

What people believe

The worldview behind these stories sees nature as inhabited by conscious spirits. The elder tree is not just a plant but a home to a powerful entity. This reflects a broader folk belief that certain trees hold sacred power and require ritual respect. Disrespecting the tree is seen as offending the spirit living within it.

When it is done

Specific times are associated with seeing or interacting with these spirits. In Denmark, standing under an elder on Midsummer's Eve was said to reveal the Elf-king. A similar Scottish tradition occurred on All Hallows or Samhain. Harvesting wood generally required asking permission at any time.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Scholars view these beliefs as part of animistic folklore where natural objects are personified. The Elder Mother represents the human need to negotiate with nature for resources. These stories often serve as moral tales about respecting the environment and acknowledging unseen forces.

Compare and confuse

The Elder Mother is similar to other tree spirits like dryads or wood-nymphs found in various European myths. She shares traits with witches in English folklore who live in trees or forests. The concept of asking permission before harvesting is common in many woodland superstitions.

Days linked to Elder Mother

Questions people ask about Elder Mother

Good reading and sources

• Elder Mother on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data