C. T. Suddeth

An Anglo-Saxon riddle:

A wonderful warrior dwells on this land.
Two dumb things make him grow bright between them.
Foes use him against one another.
His strength is fierce though a woman may tame him.
He will humbly serve both men and women
If they but know the knack of tending to him
And feeding him well.
He makes folks happy.
He makes their lives better.

But if they let him grow proud
This rude friend soon turns against them.

[2 hints: sticks and stone may…]

You didn’t solve it? Fire.