In Glorantha, many of the great gods embody one of the elemental Runes (and usually include a Power Rune or two or even a condition rune). All of the elements have both benevolent and malevolent aspects for humans.
- Earth
. It enables life to exist, it is the ultimate source of food for humans and their livestocks, and our bodies are largely made out of Earth. But Earth is also the source of earthquakes, drought and other infertility, and when it denies its blessings, we die. - Air
. We need it to breathe, it brings the rain that the Earth needs for fertility, its winds and clouds keep heat bearable, brings rain and snow, etc. But when it rampages, it destroys with wind, hail, rain, snow, thunder and lightning, flash floods, you name it. Its clouds bring darkness and fear. - Fire/Sky
. We need it for light and for heat. We cook with it, make things with it, it is essential for social life and civilization. Without it we are blind, cold, and miserable. Deny it too long and the plants die, then the animals, and then us. But too much and the Earth withholds its blessings, the plants die, the animals die, and so do we. Unless we carefully control fire, it burns down our homes, our fields, and our forests, killing our plants, our animals, and us. Too much light and we are blinded. - Water
. We need it to drink, to water our fields, to keep our animals alive. Without it, we die. But if we are placed beneath it too long we die. When it rushes it destroys all in its path. The oceans are vast and hostile, we cannot drink the waters, and its depths are crushing and hostile. - Darkness
. It keeps the world from being burnt up by Fire/Sky. It lets us sleep and rest. But monsters reside within it. It is the source of death and terrors. It hungers to devour us. - And then there is Moon
. Which honestly, most humans can live with or without.