Elemental

Elementals are powerful physical embodiments of the four elemental spirits of earth, air, fire, and water. They reside within the Elemental Plane, but may be summoned by those with a connection to the elements, such as shaman. The elementals are ageless and sentient, but are typically loyal to those who summon them.

The elementals were the first "race" on Azeroth aeons ago. The four elemental factions were at constant war with each other until they banded together to triumph over the alien Old Gods, but we're ultimately enslaved by them. After the Pantheon of Titans arrived and defeated the Old Gods, the titans imprisoned the elementals to an "Elemental Plane" comprised of four elemental realms so that they would not war with each other again.

The elements are led by the four Elemental Lords: Therazane of earth, Al'Akir of wind, Ragnaros of fire, and Neptulon of water. Having reigned over their elementals since when the titans came, the Elemental Lords are the most powerful elementals and some have been summoned to the morta plane in the past with catastrophic results.