From the Golden Sun instruction book:

Nestled away at the foot of Mount Aleph, the most sacred peak on the continent of Angara, rests a quiet village called Vale. For ages, the elders of this remote community have been the caretakers of Sol Sanctum - an ancient temple on the mountain's slope that for eons has guarded the seal on the ancient science of Alchemy. Now, that seal has been broken. A mysterious figure is attempting to release the powers of Alchemy upon the world, a power so great that one who wields its full force can attain any of his heart's desires - countless riches, endless life, even the power to destroy the world. Once the combined power of the four elements - earth, water, wind, and fire, which together make up all matter - is unleashed, the world will fall to its knees before the one who wields it. If this horrible fate is to be avoided, a brave soul must now arise!