symbolism symbolism fire Among the four basic elements fire has been called the "ultra-living element." Traditionally, fire has represented the active and masculine or the Yang of Chinese symbolism. Its major symbolism is related to the sun and the powers of transformation and purification. Colors of fire are the advancing colors of red and orange and the aspects of fire are flames and rays. Whereas water has different states related to movement or rest fire is always moving and consuming. Now we all know that the color red and flames are associated with Dilandau but taking a closer look we can see how his love of fire is almost symbolic of his relationship with Celena. The Yang part is the negative part of the Yin-Yang symbol and is associated with male characteristics. So if Dilandau is obviously Yang then Celena is the Yin or the female part, which is the positive aspect. Celena is mostly dormant while her Yang counterpart, Dilandau, is the more dominant one who destroys anything in his way. So in a way, fire represents his negative destructive nature. Also I don't think I need to go into the whole transformation deal but the association of fire with purity delves into more with Celena. She is a person who is pure of heart and still childlike but only until Dilandau can be "burned" from her soul, can her purity shine through. It seems that people who watch fire seem to experience a type of reverie or a slightly hypnotized state of mind. Dilandau becomes delirious with glee at the sight of fire, it seems that it is the only thing that makes him truly happy. Fire is also symbolic for change and Dilandau does change some in Esca. He starts out only slightly crazy to going over the deep end with all the traumatic experiences that he goes through. Finally the last symbolic use of fire that relates to Dilandau is how fire attributes the opposing values of good and evil. Dilandau is not good but he is not pure evil. He was created to be the way he is and given the chance, I think he would have been a better person if not for the manipulation of Zaibach.