In Chinese culture, thunder is more than just a weather event; it's often seen as a manifestation of heavenly power and justice.
The Duke of Thunder (雷公, Léi Gōng): In Chinese mythology, thunder is controlled by a deity named 雷公. He is often depicted with a bird's beak and claws, carrying a drum and mallet, which he uses to create thunder. His primary role is to punish mortals who have committed secret crimes or evil deeds that human justice cannot reach. Because of this, thunder can carry a connotation of divine retribution or a serious warning from heaven.
Superstitions and Idioms: An old superstition warns against making vows or pointing at the sky during a storm, lest you attract the unwelcome attention of 雷公. This cultural association has given rise to powerful idioms, such as:
雷声大，雨点小 (léi shēng dà, yǔ diǎn xiǎo): “Loud thunder, small raindrops.” This is a very common idiom used to describe something that seems threatening or significant at first but ultimately has little substance or effect. It's the perfect equivalent of the English phrase “all talk and no action.”
Comparison to Western Culture: While Western cultures have figures like Thor or Zeus who wield thunder and lightning, the Chinese concept of 雷公 is more specifically tied to moral justice and the punishment of hidden sins. Thunder isn't just a display of raw power; it's a cosmic court of law in action.