Why do people always use arrows on the elder? Once you learn how to parry, melee him to death! The fight is so easy! Quickly run over to him as he spawns in and quickly melee him 4 or 5 times for a few free hits, then stay super close to him (within 5-10 meters).
The name of the game is bait the stomp attack, parry, and then hit hit hit

Staying in melee range (about 10m) will prevent The Elder from NOT using his ranged attack. Instead, he will switch between 2 different attacks.

1. Stomp. This is the attack you're trying to bait. It's so easy to parry with a copper buckler and then hit him like 2 or 3 times for extra damage.

2. Vine summon. If he summons vines, carefully avoid them by moving to a the closest spot where a vine can't hit you but you're still within that 10m sweet spot. You don't want to run off too far because he will then switch to his ranged attack.

You need to be aggressive in this fight. Eat the best foods available and take stamina potions. I beat him without using any but if you're not confident you should take them and any other item that could save your life. I beat him in like 3 min using only a copper buckler and a copper ax

Trust me! Use this strategy and the next boss, Biomass will be just as easy!