A salamander is an amphibian believed to be a mythological fire elemental, first appearing in the alchemical works of Paracelsus. There are many families of salamanders, differentiating in size, appearance, strength, and dignity. Whether in electricity, firelight or the flame of a candle, the salamanders are agents for the transfer of the fires of the subtle world for mankind’s daily use.
As with many real creatures, pre-modern authors often ascribed fantastic qualities to it, believing salamanders were beings of fire spontaneously generated from burning logs. In recent times, some have come to identify a legendary salamander as a distinct concept separate from the real organism. This idea is mostly developed in the occult. Where the two concepts can be distinguished, the legendary salamander is most often depicted as a typical salamander in shape, with a lizard-like form, but is usually ascribed an affinity with fire.
Unlike other elementals, a salamander is typically seen as a violent and temperamental spirit much like a roaring fire, and yet it can be reduced to a wise and majestic being like how fire is capable of placing others in a trance due to its inherent beauty. The salamanders are considered the strongest and most powerful of all the elementals. It has also been said that salamanders can be mischievous at times.
"Origin: Worldwide. A fire spirit named by Paracelsus. It symbolizes the element of fire and has been depicted as a human or a lizard."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS Dictionary
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
"One of the four elemental spirits of Paracelsus, it is a fire spirit that looks like a lizard with black skin. They live in volcanos and lava, and are said to radiate fire. They get their name from the amphibious salamander."
—Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey compendium
Salamander is produced from a fusion of two demons of the same race; the candidates are Herald, Deity, Tyrant or Kunitsu demons. It is used to rank up Herald, Deity, Tyrant and Kunitsu demons, and ranks down Megami, Vile, Avatar and Genma demons.
Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse
Salamander can teach Nanashi the Panic Voice skill through its Demon Whisper. It benefits from learning Fire and ailment skills. As a member of the Element race, Salamander can only be fused by fusing two demons of the same race, with possible candidates being of the Deity, Herald, Kunitsu, and Tyrant races.
