In Chinese mythology, Lei Gong, often referred to as Lei Shen or Lei Shi, stands as the God of Thunder and the executor of divine justice in Heaven. His earliest depiction appears in The Classic of Mountains and Seas: East, where he is described as a dragon with a human head capable of generating thunder by striking his abdomen. Over time, his portrayal evolved into that of a robust, bare-chested figure featuring eagle-like claws, majestic wings, and a monkey’s face elongated to resemble a bird’s beak.
In some accounts, he possesses a crimson visage and three eyes along his forehead. Typically, he is illustrated wielding a chisel in his left hand and a mallet in his right, complemented by a Kui-Skin Drum strapped to his body. The chisel symbolizes his role in punishing wrongdoing, while both the mallet and drum play essential roles in the production of thunder.
The ancient Chinese held a belief in Lei Gong’s extraordinary ability to discern right from wrong, enforcing cosmic law by delivering punishment to the wicked and preserving virtue. Those who sinned or broke solemn oaths could face the severe consequence of being struck down by a Five Phase Thunder Bolt.
Lei Gong’s Companion: Dian Mu
Dian Mu, meaning “Mother of Electricity,” serves as Lei Gong’s wife in the mythology. According to one tale, Lei Gong was once a mortal who became divine after consuming a Peach of Immortality. This act elevated him to the heavens where the Jade Emperor assigned him the critical responsibility of observing human behavior and sanctioning the wrongdoers.
However, Lei Gong often faced challenges in fulfilling his duty. Each time he dispatched a transgressor, the sky would darken, obscuring his sights and unintentionally leading to the demise of innocent bystanders. A notable incident involved a woman who inadvertently wasted food. Furious at this perceived offense, Lei Gong decreed her punishment, resulting in her untimely death. The Jade Emperor, displeased by this outcome, resurrected her, designating her as Dian Mu, Goddess of Lightning, and cleverly orchestrated a marriage between her and Lei Gong, ensuring accountability for his actions.
To mitigate further mishaps, Dian Mu employed mirrors to reflect heavenly light toward the earth, facilitating Lei Gong’s aim before he unleashed his thunderous retribution. This collaboration underpins the phenomenon of lightning preceding thunder in nature.
By these tales, the ancient Chinese enhanced their understanding of morality, justice, and the forces of nature embodied by Lei Gong and his consort, Dian Mu.
