Shadow

~Ancient Elemental Poem on the Elements in Nature

Overview

Shadow, also known as Umbra, or Dark*(see note below), is one of the nine elements which make up Spyro’s world. It is found in the night sky and a cool refreshing shade. and used by Dragons and other creatures. An important bioindicator species is the common Nightshade plant. The color used to represent Shadow is indigo gray, or else black, or blue. Kindness and wonder are the qualities associated with this element. As with Alchemy and Fear, Shadow is an element which is frequently misunderstood, and because it is rare to wield naturally—but its Dark form a common element to obtain by corruption—its users are often pre-judged. The apogee of Shadow is during the Season of Shade. The Dark form of Shadow is called Blind, or Shadowblind, because instead of protecting the senses, it destroys them; those who have turned to the Dark to obtain use of Shadow are said to have "gone Shadowblind". Shadow's complementing opposite is Electricity.

*Light Shadow is sometimes confusingly also called Dark. See Darkness for the negative use of the term.

Interplay With the Other Elements

~Book of Elements: Fire and Water, page 9

The element of Shadow is strong against Earth and certain Life creations, but weak against all forms of Fire and Electricity, as well as certain Tech creations. Additionally, while Dark Shadow is strong against Light Fear, Light Shadow is weak against Dark Fear. It is on roughly equal terms against Wind, Ice, and Alchemy.

Terminology

• Skiakinesis—external manipulation of Shadows.

• Skiagenesis—the creation of Shadows from within; the ability to make Shadows.

• Skiagenetic—referring to the ability to create Shadows.

• Umbravomous—Shadow-spewing; the quality of being able to throw out Shadows.

Gallery