In the realm of Chinese mythology, Lei Gong, often referred to as Lei Shen (雷神 léi shén) or Lei Shi (雷师 léi shī), occupies the role of the God of Thunder and the executor of divine justice in Heaven. His origins trace back to the text “The Classic of Mountains and Seas: East,” which describes him as a dragon-like entity with a human head capable of generating thunder by striking his abdomen. Over time, depictions of Lei Gong evolved, portraying him as a muscular figure devoid of a shirt, adorned with eagle-like claws, wings, and a face resembling a monkey, elongated to mimic a bird’s beak. In various interpretations, he features a crimson visage coupled with three eyes positioned on his forehead. Lei Gong is typically illustrated wielding a chisel in his left hand and a mallet in his right, with a Kui-Skin Drum (夔鼓 kuí gǔ) slung around his body. The chisel serves as a tool for delivering punishment, while the mallet and drum summon the thunder.
The ancients believed that Lei Gong could discern good from evil, executing justice on the behest of the Heavens by vanquishing the wicked and ensuring righteousness prevails. Those who sinned or broke vows would face judgment through the strike of a Five Phase Thunder Bolt (五雷轰顶 wǔ léi hōng dǐng).
The Relationship with Dian Mu
Alongside Lei Gong is Dian Mu (电母 diàn mǔ), translating to “electricity mother,” who is recognized as his spouse. One narrative suggests that Lei Gong was once mortal. During a fateful encounter with a Peach of Immortality (仙桃 xiān táo), he tasted the fruit and underwent transformation into the Thunder God. Ascending to Heaven, Lei Gong received guidance from the Jade Emperor (玉帝 yù dì) to monitor the activities of humans below and to take action against wrongdoers.
Despite his prowess, Lei Gong faced challenges. Each time he unleashed his wrath, the sky would darken, which often led him to miss his intended target and inadvertently harm innocent bystanders. One day, a woman, frustrated by the uncooked rice she had prepared for her mother, poured it outside. Lei Gong, known for his quick temper, viewed this as wasteful and struck her down. The Jade Emperor, displeased by this incident, resurrected the woman and bestowing upon her the title of Dian Mu, Goddess of Lightning, sought to hold Lei Gong accountable for his actions by arranging their marriage.
To prevent further accidental casualties, Dian Mu began using mirrors to reflect heavenly light onto Earth, illuminating the area below so that Lei Gong could execute his aim more accurately. This is thought to be the reason lightning is observed prior to the rumble of thunder.
In ancient Chinese philosophical thought, it was believed that everything in existence consisted of the Five Phases, also referred to as the Five Elements or Five Agents: metal (金 jīn), wood (木 mù), water (水 shuǐ), fire (火 huǒ), and earth (土 tǔ).
