In many civilizations lightning and thunder have been connected with some kind of mighty god. The Thunder deity was frequently known as ruler of the deities. Zeus (in Greek mythology) was a king of Olympus, Perun was a master of Slavic gods, Thor was a offspring of Odin (the highest deity in Norse mythology).

Zeus – god of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order and justice. In ancient Greece he was known as the most mighty figure in pantheon, who oversaw the universe. Ancient artist showed him mostly in standing pose with a thunderbolt levelled in his raised right hand. The thunderbolt has been given him by Cyclops and from this while he had power over it. Zeus used it in many fights. According to Hesiod’s poem Zeus, in Greek believes, was a wise, fair, carefree, but also incalculable deity. He could get mad very quickly. In this moments he brought furious storms and cataclysm. The only one with who he wanted to shared his thunderbolt was his dear child Athena, the goddess of wisdom, skill and war.

Perun – the highest god in Slavic pantheon, the king of thunderbolts and thunders. He was also a deity of war. Perun was showed as a violent person with a copper beard and an weapon (or hammer). In many tales he battle with dragon or a giant snake, which show forces of evil. Prince Vladimir the Great in X century wanted to made Perun the only diety in Kievan Rus’, but it turned out that Christianity is a better choice.

Thanks to Marvel Cinematic Universe (e.g. movies: Avengers, Capitan America: The Winter Soldier, Thor), now, the most popular ancient god is Thor. In Norse mythology he was a offspring of Odin and Jord, and one of the most forceful dietes. He was described as a large man with red hair and eyes of lighting. His most recognisable characteristic is a big weapon, which always returns to his owner. Thor was very popular among his believers (usually depicted as a brave guardian against evil). As well as Perun Thor fight with reptile(dark forces). At the day of Ragnarok (twilight of the gods) Thor will murder the serpent, but he will decease from his poison. This god was very valid in peoples believes, as a matter of fact his name is connected to many places and even to the day of the week – Thursday means “Thor’s day”, the day of Thor.

In the past storm, thunderbolt, thunder were something extraordinary and scary. In people’s minds these phenomena were always related with forceful figure, who control the universe and must be worshiped. That’s why Thunder deities were so high in the mythological hierarchy.