Sylphs are mythical creatures often associated with the element of air. In various traditions, they are depicted as graceful beings that can be invisible or take on a delicate, ethereal form. Sylphs are believed to embody the qualities of lightness, agility, and freedom, often serving as messengers or guardians of the skies. The concept of sylphs originated in the 16th century, notably in the works of alchemists like Paracelsus, who categorized them as elemental spirits. They are commonly featured in literature and art, symbolizing the beauty and mystery of the air, and are sometimes linked to other elemental beings such as undines (water spirits) and gnomes (earth spirits).