primeval
adj.relating to the very beginning of time, especially the time before people existed. It describes things that feel very old and natural, like ancient forests or the first animals.
adj.relating to the earliest times of the world, especially before the existence of mankind. Often used to describe landscapes or creatures that have remained largely unchanged since the dawn of life.
“The forest felt primeval and full of ancient trees.”
“The documentary explored primeval forests that have survived for thousands of years without human interference.”
“The cave paintings depicted primeval beasts that once roamed the earth, offering a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual life of our earliest ancestors.”
“Asked what makes the tournament so popular, Mathews said he felt it was a primeval connection with rock and water, coupled with misty-eyed childhood memories.”
From Latin primaevus (“in the first or earliest period of life”) + -al, from primus (“first”) + aevum (“time, age”); see prime and age.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.