Known as the Duke of Thunder, Leigong is a prominent deity in Chinese mythology and folk religion associated with thunder and lightning. He is revered as the god who controls and manages the weather phenomenon of thunderstorms. Leigong plays a significant role in Chinese religious beliefs, particularly in Taoism and local folk traditions.

In Chinese mythology, Leigong is often depicted as a fearsome figure dressed in armor and wielding a hammer or mallet that produces thunder. He is portrayed as a muscular deity with a red face, bulging eyes, and a long beard. As the ruler of thunder, Leigong is responsible for bringing storms, rain, and lightning to the mortal realm. Though later, lightning specifically was more associated with his wife.

Leigong is believed to reside in his celestial palace in the heavens, where he oversees the celestial bureaucracy that governs natural phenomena. His role is to maintain cosmic order and balance by controlling the release of thunder and lightning. In this capacity, Leigong is seen as a divine judge who punishes evildoers and evil spirits with his thunderbolts.

Worship of Leigong often involves rituals and ceremonies to appease his power and seek protection from lightning strikes and other weather-related disasters. People may offer prayers, incense, and sacrifices to Leigong, particularly during thunderstorms or in areas prone to lightning strikes. Temples dedicated to Leigong can be found in various parts of China, where devotees seek his blessings and divine intervention.

Leigong’s significance extends beyond his association with thunder and lightning. In some traditions, he is also considered a guardian deity of the underworld, responsible for punishing the wicked and maintaining order in the realms of the dead. As such, he is sometimes depicted as one of the Ten Yama Kings, the rulers of the afterlife.

Weapons

Leigong is often depicted wielding various weapons associated with his divine powers and authority over storms. While his primary weapon is the thunder hammer or mallet, Leigong is also associated with other weapons in different representations and folklore.

• Thunder Hammer/Chisel: This is Leigong’s most commonly depicted weapon. It is a mighty hammer or mallet that produces thunder when struck. The hammer represents his control over thunder and lightning, and it is believed to be the source of his divine power. With a swing of his hammer, Leigong can generate thunderstorms and unleash lightning bolts. The Chisel is also used as an offensive weapon, though its abilities are less defined, perhaps serving as an extension of the hammer itself.
• Thunderbolt Whip: In some depictions, Leigong is portrayed wielding a thunderbolt whip. This whip is composed of lightning and serves as a means to control and direct thunder and lightning. It symbolizes his ability to command the forces of nature and deliver divine punishment to evildoers.
• Thunderbolt Spear: In certain folk traditions and legends, Leigong is depicted holding a thunderbolt spear. This spear is imbued with the power of thunder and lightning, enabling Leigong to strike down enemies or ward off evil spirits. The thunderbolt spear represents his authority and strength as the god of thunder.
• Thunder Sword: In rare instances, Leigong is shown wielding a thunder sword. This sword is associated with his role as a celestial judge and his ability to dispense justice. It is believed to possess the power to cut through darkness and evil, bringing about righteousness and order.

Family

Leigong is said to have began life as a mortal, and thus does not have any godly lineage. It was only after eating a sacred peach he attained godhood.

However, once becoming a god he eventually god married to another goddess who had previously been a mortal. Dianmu became the goddess of lightning, wife of Leigong.

Pivotal Moment

There is no singular pivotal moment that stands out in Leigong’s mythology. However, one story of import is how he met and became married to his wife Dianmu. A sort version of the story is as follows:

The Jade Emperor had tasked Leigong with punishing the evildoers of the world, a task which he took very seriously. However, as the god of thunder the world got very dark when he went to smite someone. Thusly, sometimes it got so dark he couldn’t see properly and would smite the wrong person. Dianmu, a mortal woman, was throwing a particularly hard rice husk into the river because her elderly mother could not stomach it. Leigong thought she was wasting precious food and smote her where she stood.

Enraged that Leigong had struck down an innocent, the Jade Emperor revived Dianmu and ascended her to godhood. Leigong was made to marry her, and she took on the aspect of lightning, shining light down from the heavens right before Leigong struck so that he could see properly who to smite. This is why lightning always comes before thunder.