The Temple of Elemental Evil is primarily known as a classic fantasy role-playing adventure module for the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game. It was originally written by Gary Gygax and Frank Mentzer, published in 1985 by TSR, Inc. The module is set in the fictional World of Greyhawk campaign setting, presenting players with a detailed and intricate location called the Temple of Elemental Evil.
In the context of the game, the Temple of Elemental Evil is a malevolent and foreboding structure dedicated to the worship of the forces of chaos and destruction. Serving as a sanctuary for evil cultists and their dark gods, it is a place of immense power and danger. The temple is organized into four elemental cults, each representing one of the primordial forces: earth, air, fire, and water.
As players delve into the Temple of Elemental Evil, they encounter numerous challenges and adversaries, including monstrous creatures, traps, and treacherous cultists. The ultimate goal is to eradicate the evil influence from the temple and restore balance to the region.
The concept of the Temple of Elemental Evil has become iconic in the world of fantasy gaming, often used to reference any epic or sinister location associated with dark rituals, forbidden knowledge, and malevolence. It has also inspired subsequent adaptations and references in various media, including video games and novels.
