Elemental

This article is about alchemic elementals. For other uses of the term, see elemental (disambiguation).

"Undine Rising From the Waters" by Chauncey Bradley Ives

An elemental is a mythological being first appearing in the alchemical works of Paracelsus in the 16th century. Traditionally, there are four types: gnomes, undines (also known as nymphs), sylphs, and salamanders. These correspond to the Classical elements of antiquity: earth (solid), water (liquid), wind (gas), and fire (heat). Aether (quintessence) was not assigned an elemental.

The exact term for each legendary creature varies somewhat from source to source, though these four are now the most usual. Paracelsus used the names of mythological creatures from earlier traditions; their names are often used interchangeably with similar beings from folklore. The sylph, however, is rarely encountered outside of alchemical contexts and fan media.

History

The Paracelsian concept of elementals draws from several much older traditions in mythology and religion. Common threads can be found in folklore, animism, and anthropomorphism. Examples of creatures such as the Pygmy were taken from Greek mythology.

The elements of earth, water, air, and fire, were classed as the fundamental building blocks of nature. This system prevailed in the Classical world and was highly influential in Medieval natural philosophy. Although Paracelsus uses these foundations and the popular preexisting names of elemental creatures, he is doing so in order to present new ideas which expand on his own philosophical system. The homunculus is another example of a Paracelsian idea with roots in earlier alchemical, scientific, and folklore traditions.

Paracelsus

In his 16th century alchemical work Liber de Nymphis, sylphis, pygmaeis et salamandris et de caeteris spiritibus, Paracelsus identified mythological beings as belonging to one of the four elements. This book was first printed in 1566 after Paracelsus' death and may be pseudepigraphical. He wrote the book to "describe the creatures that are outside the cognizance of the light of nature, how they are to be understood, what marvellous works God has created". He states that there is more bliss in describing these "divine objects" than in describing fencing, court etiquette, cavalry, and other worldly pursuits. The following is his archetypal spirit for each of the four elements:

• Gnome, spirit of earth
• Undine (also known as a nymph or mermaid), spirit of water
• Sylph, spirit of wind (also known as spirit of air)
• Salamander, spirit of fire

Twentieth century

In contemporary times there are those who study and practice rituals to invoke elementals. These include Wiccans, esoteric Freemasons, and followers of nature based religions.

Art and entertainment

Further information: Alchemy in art and entertainment and Classical elements in popular culture

Elementals began to make an appearance in twentieth century fantasy fiction. One notable example is the DC Comics superhero team, The Elementals, composed of the characters Gnome, Sylph, Salamander, and Undine. Elementals also appeared in the 1970's Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. The concept has since been expanded on in numerous other fantasy, computer and trading card games.

See also

• Aether
• Classical elements
• Sigil
• Tattva

References

• "Undine." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2006. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 16 November 2006 <http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9125706>.
• Theophrast von Hohenheim a.k.a. Paracelsus, Sämtliche Werke: Abt. 1, v. 14, sec. 7, Liber de nymphis, sylphis, pygmaeis et salamandris et de caeteris spiritibus. Karl Sudhoff and Wilh. Matthießen, eds. Munich:Oldenbourg, 1933.

External links

• Collected Works of Paracelsus V. 14 at the University of Braunschweig (German)