Final answer:
Phosphorus is named for a fire-bringer due to its properties of glowing in the dark and burning when exposed to air. It exists in multiple forms like white and red phosphorus, with white phosphorus being highly reactive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The element named for a fire-bringer is Phosphorus. The name derives from Greek words meaning "light bringing". This association comes from phosphorus's unique properties, including its ability to glow in the dark and burn when exposed to air. Intriguingly, phosphorus does not occur in an uncombined state naturally and exists in several allotropic forms, among which white phosphorus and red phosphorus are significant. White phosphorus is known for bursting into flame in air and thus is stored in water, while red phosphorus is much less reactive and does not have the same volatile characteristics.