Elders

Elders may refer to any number of individuals. It is almost always used to describe some venerable august authoritative power. The notion is that elders have maintained a long existence, and as such, have gained a measure of knowledge, skill, wisdom or power. A common lesson that parents teach their children is "Respect your elders".

In Marvel Comics continuity, there is a group of individuals known as the Elders of the Universe. They are ancient beings who evolved following the explosion of the Big Bang event. Each member of the Elders of the Universe represent the last of their respective races. Immortal beings, the Elders are not only the last of their own kind, but they have outlived the existence of the galaxies that birthed them.

On the WB Network television series Charmed, there is a group called the Council of Elders, who are angelic beings known as Whitelighters. They govern the forces of good on Earth, and supervise the actions of lesser Whitelighters and also guide the paths of white magic witches. The Council of Elders serve under the Angels of Destiny, who are the immortal protectors of the Grand Design.