An Introduction to the Elements of Harmony
The Elements of Harmony are ancient relics of unknown origin which hold great power but only a select few are able to wield them. They have been used to stop great evils, break up conflicts, and bring harmony to Equestria and our world, but it is unknown whether or not this was their original purpose. Originally held by our Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the elements are now wielded by six ponies who have saved our lives and Equestria multiple times in the past. The Element of Honesty is held by the mare Applejack, the Element of Kindness by the mare Fluttershy, the Element of Laughter by the mare Pinkamena Diane Pie better know as Pinkie Pie, the Element of Generosity by the mare Rarity, the Element of Loyalty by Captain Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts, and finally the Element of Magic by our Grand Scholar Twilight Sparkle. Each of these mares represent the spirit of their Element and it is believed this is what makes them able to wield these relics. This theory brings up an argument, if it is true how were Princess Celestia and Luna able to wield all of these Elements in the past, not even the Princesses themselves have an answer. Some say this was possible because of the Princesses' great knowledge of each spirit and their powerful magic abilities.
The Elements consist of a circlet holding the Element of Magic and five amulets each holding their respective Element. Each Element is crafted from the same unknown metal and holds a jewel or jewels which depict it's spirit. The metal from which they are crafted is virtually unbreakable and is unlike any known metal. This metal is colored as if it were gold or a form of brass but is stronger than any steel. This remarkable metal is what is thought to contain each of the Elements' power. It is believed by many that the power of the Elements is that of magic but some speculate that the power comes from a strange and unknown form of technology. This theory is countered by the fact that technology more advanced then our own today could not have existed so far in the past, but the history of the ancient world is very scarce and the origin of the Elements is still a mystery. Either way neither of these theories can be tested because of the unbreakable metal that protects the innards of each Element and the fear of tinkering with such powerful objects.
Another strange occurrence is that each of the Elements' depiction of their spirit is remarkably close to that of their holders' cutie mark. Discoveries of ancient carvings and writings on rocks and in caves throughout Equestria have revealed stories detailing many unknown heroes who wielded the Elements of Harmony to defeat evil and bring harmony to a chaotic world. These heroes' cutie marks too matched that of the Element they wielded. It seems as if these wielders have a spiritual or otherworldly connection to the Elements. It is not known whether the wielders are born into this destiny, are selected at a later age when their cutie marks are revealed to them, or if it is just a random set of events. It is also unknown what exactly creates this "connection". It could be of a magical nature, spiritual, or even technological but at the moment this strange connection is beyond us and unless new information is discovered may always be.
At the moment the Elements are locked away here in Canterlot with the security of magic, the latest technology, and a full staff of guards. The Elements are more secure now than they have been at anytime in the past and nopony is able to touch them unless authorized by the Royal council itself. In times of emergency though, the Elements can be quickly accessed by the six wielders and with this power they are a force to be reckoned with. In the recorded history of the Elements of Harmony there has never been a time were they have failed. Although there have been certain "close call" situations, the Elements and their wielders have always pulled through and have never let us down.