An Elder Mother is a guardian being from English and Scandinavian folklore. The belief is that Elder trees are guarded by a female spirit and it is said to be unlucky to bring the wood into the house without asking her permission. She may cause sickness and even death.

Elder trees, their flowers and berries have many uses. The wood in particular has hollow stems which make it perfect to use as bellows to stoke fires. The many uses made these trees very useful and sacred to some cultures and so folklore grew around them.

Ejits’ ‘Elder Mother’ is a homage to this witch-like spirit but she also brings it up to date with her distinctive characterful style and cheeky sense of humour. Reimagining this woman as a kind but powerful modern witch.