How do you unlock the Elder Power for faster woodcutting?

Unlocking the Elder Power in Valheim is a crucial step for players looking to significantly speed up their woodcutting efforts. The Elder Power is one of the five Forsaken Powers in the game, and it grants a 60% increase in woodcutting speed when activated. To unlock this power, you must defeat The Elder, the second boss in Valheim, and interact with its Forsaken Altar.\n\nTo begin, you need to locate The Elder''s summoning altar. This altar is found in the Black Forest biome, but you must first discover its location by finding and reading Vegvisir runestones. These runestones are scattered throughout the Black Forest, often near stone structures or burial chambers. Once you interact with a Vegvisir, the location of The Elder''s altar will be marked on your map.\n\nPreparing for the fight with The Elder is essential. This boss is a formidable opponent, so you should craft a Finewood Bow and stock up on Fire Arrows, as The Elder is weak to fire damage. Additionally, ensure you have a full set of Troll Armor or better for increased mobility and defense. Bring plenty of healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey to sustain yourself during the battle.\n\nWhen you arrive at The Elder''s altar, you will need to offer three Ancient Seeds to summon the boss. Ancient Seeds are obtained by defeating Greydwarf Brutes or Shamans in the Black Forest, or by destroying Greydwarf Nests. Once you place the seeds on the altar, The Elder will spawn, and the battle will begin.\n\nThe Elder has two primary attacks: a ranged vine attack and a stomp attack if you get too close. To avoid these, maintain your distance and use the terrain to your advantage. Hide behind trees or rocks to block the vine attacks, and keep moving to avoid the stomp. Use your bow to deal consistent damage, and replenish your health as needed.\n\nAfter defeating The Elder, you will receive the Swamp Key, which unlocks access to Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome, and The Elder''s Trophy. Take the trophy back to the starting area and hang it on the corresponding Forsaken Altar to unlock the Elder Power. To activate the power, press F on the altar, and it will remain active for five minutes, providing the woodcutting speed boost.\n\nTo maximize the benefits of the Elder Power, plan your woodcutting sessions around its activation. For example, clear large areas of the Black Forest or Meadows biome to gather wood efficiently. The power is especially useful when harvesting Fine Wood or Core Wood, as these resources are essential for advanced crafting and building.\n\nOne common challenge players face is managing stamina during the fight with The Elder. To address this, bring stamina-boosting foods like Carrot Soup or Queens Jam. Additionally, consider building a small shelter near the altar to serve as a respawn point and storage area for supplies.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Elder Power requires locating The Elder''s altar, preparing for the battle, defeating the boss, and activating the power at the Forsaken Altar. This power is a game-changer for woodcutting, making it an essential upgrade for any Viking looking to streamline their resource gathering. Use it wisely to enhance your base-building and crafting efforts in Valheim.