Each of the four animals guards one of the four cardinal directions and has a corresponding color and element:
The Tortoise protects the North direction and is the earthy color of green representing land.
The Dragon protects the East direction and is the color blue or yellow, representing water.
The Garuda protects the South direction and is the fiery color of red.
The Tiger protects the West direction and is the glittering color of white representing wind.