u/Carpomom

Recently, I was going over the various in universe examples of creatures with the elder creature type. I couldn't help but notice the difference in some of the specimens shown, especially in the dragon cards.

It seems that the title of elder can both be inherent and earned. Bolas and his kin were born as elders, likely due to their direct lineage from the Ur-Dragon. While the tarkir dragon lords were able to earn the name by living long enough. I also originally thought that was the case for the strixhaven founders, but after learning about their origin, it seems clear they too were born as elders, though they don't seem to be connected to the Ur-Dragon at all. Notably, age doesn't always seem to be the factor here. Since Niv Mizzet has definitely lived long enough to earn the title of elder but has been explicitly not given it. It was likely to keep him separate from his dominarian cousins. He is a special ancient species and may be a second generation Ur, like the primordials, who also don't receive this typing.

We've also gotten examples of other species that may be of both types of elders. Valgavoth, Shilgengar, and Belzenlok are more than likely just old. Though it may be revealed later that Val could have elevated himself into that status after becoming powerful enough.

The dinos may have become old enough or may have been formed like this, I'm not sure. If anything, I can see Zacama being the special one born as an elder and the other five just aging and becoming more powerful over time. But the giants are definitely formed like that, being nyx creations like the gods and manifestations of primordial fears.

Just another ramble from me, what do you all think?

Do you think other types will get elders? Perhaps an elder leviathan or kraken. Or an elder God even?