Light is the Elven name given to the elemental force that also represents concepts including hope, freedom, inspiration, vision, language, purity, and loneliness. In the Elven model, Light is bordered by Wood to deosil and Air to widdershins, and sits nearly opposite Darkness and Metal.

Above: The Elven symbol for Light, often interpreted as a bird in flight or as the head of a dragon.

In many models across various worlds, Light is viewed as having come into existence in some primordial age, following a period of Darkness and Chaos]. The arrival of Light is often seen as the beginning of the universe in a meaningful way. This can even be seen in the origin stories of cultures who have not recognized the eleven elements.

In ancient Elven culture, the Elves worshipped a version of Li based around solar cycles, believing themselves to be protected and given life and freedom by this solar deity. They view Light as the source of inspiration, truth, and all that is natural.

As Ulshar is a dark ocean world hidden under a crust of ice, many near-surface species developed powerful eyes for seeing in the gloom, and nearly every species on the planet has developed some form of bioluminescence. In Ulsharri culture, light is frequently seen both as a guide for inspiration and as a lure. Those who have lost their way or become distracted by trivialities are said to have “followed the light.” The Ulsharri do, however, recognize the power of Light and its importance for life in most places, and although they are most comfortable in the darkness of their own oceans, the Ulsharri have learned to tolerate Light in order to have dealings with other species, some of which the Ulsharri created themselves.

The Valposh are creatures of twilight, having evolved in the deep, narrow canyons that cover the surface of Sivvos, where light rarely reaches. The Valposhi words for “Light” and “Darkness” are the same as their words for “up” and “down,” respectively, and literally mean “Revelation” and “All That Is Hidden.” The Valposh have historically avoided getting too near the deadly conditions on their world's surface, but since their near-catastrophic encounter with the Chimera of Fear, many of their settlements have relocated up the chasm walls to be nearer the light.

In Avian culture, light is considered a “rising” element, closely related to Air (which they call “Lifewind”) and Water (which they call “The Egg”). It is associated with gentle skies and sure navigation. Hourok actually orbits the smaller star (a sunlike star) in a binary system whose primary is a red giant. In Avian culture, Light is associated with both stars, but the color and qualities of the light changes as the orbit of Hourok takes it either between the two stars or positions them on a single side of the planet. As such, Avians have many names for Light, both conceptually and as pertaining to the physical/visual qualities of light.

Humans traditionally have followed the ontological philosophy that Light = Good, especially on Earth. As is the case with Darkness, this belief likely stems from early contact between humans and Elves. Humans on other planets still tend toward positive associations with light, but not to such a degree as on Earth, and without the moral implications of “good” and “evil.”

Li of the Children
Parika of Mirachinest
Tofoo the Dragon
Avan the Brightling