During The Reckoning it was revealed that some of the old gods are anthropomorphic interpretations of cosmic beings. Samua is the personification of Itoa and Kiral that of Kiriel, the archangel of protection, which once lived on Itoa's body before she was reborn.
Centuries before even Nightfall the humans living on Twilight World believed in a pantheon of gods, each representing a different aspect of the universe and magic. When Areth set his sights on Twilight World his church systematically eliminated and prohibited worship of any other god as the Arethian Empire spread. The gods of the pantheon became known as the old gods as their followers became all but extinct, the few who remained fled to the furthest corners of human civilization including Hadira and Universitas.
Kiral, the defender: Abjuration, commonly depicted as a stout warrior wielding a large shield.
Samua, the creator: Conjuration, commonly depicted as a wise old man bearing a gift.
Sariel, the observer: Divination, commonly depicted as a cloud with eyes.
Zeliah, the binder: Enchantment, commonly depicted as a beautiful woman with horns.
Cereborn, the thunderbird: Evocation, commonly depicted as a giant red bird
Ibilar, the unseen: Illusion, commonly depicted as the outline of a chameleon
Ilalokthramek, the void: Necromancy, never depicted or talked about, the absence of anything.
Maelik, the elder: Transmutation, commonly depicted as a golden tree bearing fruit.