A sylph is a mythical creature often associated with the element of air. In various traditions, sylphs are depicted as graceful beings that embody the qualities of the wind, such as lightness and agility. They are sometimes described as ethereal, resembling humans but with a more delicate and airy appearance. In literature and alchemical texts, sylphs are part of a broader classification of elemental spirits, which also includes gnomes for earth, undines for water, and salamanders for fire. These elemental beings are often used to symbolize different aspects of nature and the human experience.