It’s a common elemental theme we see across stories, fantasies, etc. It seems like it is an element that should be part of that pantheon but maybe there is a scientific explanation of why it isn’t? Or is it simply, they did not have enough understanding of it at the time those 4 were suggested.
Because ancient people are dumb.
In Avatar: The Last Airbender, Lightning is part of Firebending.
In Chinese culture its actually: 金木水火土
There is apparantly 5 elements. And Metal (金) and Earth (土) are separate elements. In this universe Toph Beifong is not an Earthbender, but can only do Metalbending. Lolol.
There should be a 电 （Electricity）
Funny how Air isn’t even in the Chinese version of the elements, so:
金木水火土电 and 气
Metal Wood Water Fire Earth Electricity Air
7 Elements to conquer the world?
Might as well just pull up the periodic table lmao.