Flames and the warmth of the sun
Lightning and the signals that flow through nerves
Chemicals and the medicines found in plants
Mighty trees and the dirt which grows them
Tornadoes and the gentle zephyrs
Oceans and the substance needed to live
Shade of an oak and the night sky
Atmosphere and the spirits of all

Awe of the One that made everything.

~Ancient Elemental Poem

on the Elements in Nature

Elements

There are nine elements that make up the physical and spiritual world that Spyro and the others live in. Each element can be found in nature and has colors and qualities that are associated with it. When combined, the nine elements create Light, embodying innocence and purity. The nine elements are often symbolized by a triple triskelion in the nine corresponding colors, or a more simple triskelion resembling a tricolored yin-yang symbol. One of the duties of the Dragon Guardians is to protect the elements from misuse. Although not an element proper, Time abilities can sometimes be accessed via Æther-wielding creatures, such as Purple Dragons. The use of elements can also be corrupted by Darkness, resulting in Dark forms, or "anti-elements", which are inferior and dangerous compared with their original elemental counterparts.

A Dragon diagram of the Elements.

Elemental Magic

Elemental Magic—like other magics—can be used as a creative tool or a weapon. It can be natural or learned, and is a staple of many kinds of creatures.

Internal Elemental Manipulation

Internal elemental manipulation is defined as the ability to control one's element(s) from the inside of one's body. This includes various phenomena, including the Dragon's hallmark: element breath.

Element Breath

Besides Dragons, other Groops creatures such as Griffins and Opinici are also able to use elemental breaths, as well as some Wild Beasts (e.g. Dreadwings). For Dragons, pyrogenesis is the most common, so many are able to exhale Fire, as are Phoenices.

External Elemental Manipulation

Conversely, external elemental manipulation is when one controls elemental magic from outside the body. This can range from manipulating the element with extremities such as the hand, head, tail, or wings, to kinetic effects from afar. Pyrokinesis—the external manipulation of Fire—is a notable example.