S. W. Raine

“It’s a concept coined by some Swiss physician named Paracelcus in the sixteenth century, corresponding to the four elements of antiquity: earth, fire, air, and water. Apparently, elementals are beings who are half spirit and half person.” — Olivia Gillies from The Elemental’s Guardian

Sometimes we make assumptions about what others know. I’d known about elementals since my pre-teen years, thanks to the video game Secret of Mana, and I had learned a bunch more about them over the years. Even Ferenc knew the basics of what elementals were in earlier drafts of The Elemental’s Guardian. But what I thought was common knowledge wasn’t, according to a few of my alpha readers. So I had to switch things up a little and have Ferenc wonder as well.

What perfect time to explain elementals now that the Disney/Pixar movie Elemental is in theatres?

The concept of elementals dates back to ancient civilizations.

In various mythologies and folklore, elementals are the building blocks of the physical world. They’re often depicted as personifications or embodiments that represent the natural elements: earth, air, fire, and water. They have unique abilities based on their elements and are key to keeping the world in harmony.

Here’s an overview of the four primary types of elementals:

Earth:

Earth elementals are connected to the solid and grounded aspects of nature. They’re associated with the strength and stability of the earth, and their powers often include manipulation of rocks, soil, and plants. Gnomes are common depictions of earth elementals in folklore.

Air:

Air elementals embody the essence of air and wind. They’re associated with movement, intellect, and communication. Sylphs are common ethereal depictions of air elementals.

Fire:

Fire elementals represent the transformative and powerful force of fire. They’re associated with energy and passion. Salamanders are common depictions of fire elementals.

Water:

Water elementals are closely tied to the fluidity and emotions of water. They’re associated with healing and purification. Undines are common depictions of water elementals.

I took liberties with my elemental depictions in the Elementals Trilogy. While we do find out that the air elemental in The Elemental’s Guardian is a sylph, my other elementals are different creatures. The elemental concept is the same, but their forms are different. I introduce a few more elementals in PROJECT ELEMENTALS 2, and I can’t wait to reveal more to you!

Which elemental are you most excited to see in the trilogy?

Raine