Overview
In Chinese mythology, Lei Gong (雷公) serves as the deity of thunder, brandishing a hammer to deliver punishment to sinners and fight off demons. This formidable figure strikes a fearsome image, sporting dragon-like traits including claws, wings, and a uniquely intimidating face. In addition to his hammer, he uses a drum to produce the thunderous sounds associated with storms.
Etymology
The name Léi Gōng derives from the character léi (雷), translating as “thunder,” combined with gōng (公), a term indicative of authority, often interpreted as “lord” or “general.” He is also recognized as Léi Shén (雷神), meaning “God of Thunder,” and appears in various romanizations, including “Lei Kung.”
Attributes
Lei Gong is characterized by his strikingly fearsome features. With dark blue skin and dragon-like aesthetics—such as claws, wings, and a dragon-shaped visage—his portrayal varies, with some artists depicting him with a human face. He typically dresses in just a loincloth and wields both a drum and a mallet, using his own strength to create the sounds of thunder. In many interpretations, he is illustrated with a hammer, which he wields to punish wrongdoers, both mortal and demonic.
Family
Lei Gong is married to Diàn Mǔ (電母), the goddess of thunder, and is the adopted son of King Wen of Zhou (周文王) from Leizhou. His family includes an uncle, Fēngbó (風伯), who presides over the winds, and two assistants: Yúnzhōngzǐ (雲中子), a young man capable of summoning clouds, and Yǔ Shī (雨師), a lesser deity responsible for rain, who wields a sword to create rainfall.
Family Tree
- Spouse: Diàn Mǔ (電母)
Mythology
Beyond being visually unusual, Lei Gong’s origins are equally unique. In ancient times, he was deeply respected and feared for his role as a bringer of justice.
Origins
The story begins when warlord King Wen, accompanied by his loyal nine-eared dog during a hunt, stumbled upon an extraordinary sight. His dog began to dig fervently, revealing an egg hidden by foliage. When King Wen picked it up, the shell broke to reveal a fully grown boy rather than a typical infant. With distinctive dark blue skin, a beak, claws, and wings, the boy bore symbols of thunder (léi, 雷) and state (zhōu, 州) on his palms. Recognizing the boy as a divine gift, King Wen embraced him as his son. A female spirit appeared to care for Lei Gong until he matured.
As the King’s adopted child, Lei Gong occupied several high-ranking political positions, even achieving the status of a governor. According to legends, he attained immortality by consuming a stolen Peach of Immortality that a mischievous Fox Demon had carelessly misplaced.
Lei Gong and His Hammer
In the realm of the Jade Emperor, Lei Gong held the duty of addressing injustices on Earth. One day, observing from Heaven, the Jade Emperor witnessed two robbers exploiting a blind vendor. He dispatched Lei Gong, armed with his drum and hammer, to rectify the situation.
Upon confronting the thieves, Lei Gong beat his drum loudly, issuing a warning, yet the robbers remained undeterred. In his frustration, he wielded his hammer, ending the robbers’ lives in an act of divine retribution. The villagers were left in shock, recognizing this as swift justice and henceforth interpreted thunder as a celestial warning against immorality.
Pop Culture
Though Lei Gong is classified as a minor deity within the Chinese pantheon, he continues to be venerated by many. Recognized for his harsh judgments, offerings to him can commonly be found at Chinese temples. He also features prominently in the 17th-century novel, Fēngshén Yǎnyì (封神演義), or The Investiture of the Gods, represented as Léizhènzǐ (雷震子), whose tale closely mirrors that of Lei Gong.
