Thunderbolt: Difference between revisions
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{{Other uses}} |
{{Other uses}} |
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[[Image:Thunderbolts.PNG|thumb|150px|Typical [[cartoon]] representations of thunderbolts]] |
[[Image:Thunderbolts.PNG|thumb|150px|Typical [[cartoon]] representations of thunderbolts (lightning bolts)]] |
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[[Image:Royal Engineers Ensign.png|thumb|right|Thunderbolts represented on the [[Royal Engineers]]' Ensign]] |
[[Image:Royal Engineers Ensign.png|thumb|right|Thunderbolts represented on the [[Royal Engineers]]' Ensign]] |
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A '''thunderbolt''' is another term for a discharge of [[lightning]] accompanied by a loud [[thunderclap]] or its symbolic representation. In its original usage the word may also have been a description of meteors,<ref>V. Clube and B. Napier, 1982, ''The Cosmic Serpent'', pg.173ff,</ref> or, as [[Plato]] suggested in ''[[Timaeus (dialogue)|Timaeus]]'',<ref>Plato, ''Timaeus'' 22C-D</ref> of the consequences of a close approach between two planetary cosmic bodies, though this is not currently the case. As a divine manifestation the thunderbolt has been a powerful symbol throughout history, and has appeared in many [[mythology|mythologies]]. Drawing from this powerful association, the thunderbolt is often found in military symbolism and [[semiotic]] representations of electricity. |
A '''thunderbolt''' is another term for a discharge of [[lightning]] accompanied by a loud [[thunderclap]] or its symbolic representation. In its original usage the word may also have been a description of meteors,<ref>V. Clube and B. Napier, 1982, ''The Cosmic Serpent'', pg.173ff,</ref> or, as [[Plato]] suggested in ''[[Timaeus (dialogue)|Timaeus]]'',<ref>Plato, ''Timaeus'' 22C-D</ref> of the consequences of a close approach between two planetary cosmic bodies, though this is not currently the case. As a divine manifestation the thunderbolt has been a powerful symbol throughout history, and has appeared in many [[mythology|mythologies]]. Drawing from this powerful association, the thunderbolt is often found in military symbolism and [[semiotic]] representations of electricity. |
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* In [[Ojibway]] mythology, thunder is created by the [[Thunderbird (mythology)|Thunderbirds]] (Nimkiig or Binesiiwag), which can be both benevolent and malevolent to human beings. |
* In [[Ojibway]] mythology, thunder is created by the [[Thunderbird (mythology)|Thunderbirds]] (Nimkiig or Binesiiwag), which can be both benevolent and malevolent to human beings. |
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* In [[Odinani|Igbo mythology]], the thunderbolt is the weapon of [[Amadioha]]/Amadiora. |
* In [[Odinani|Igbo mythology]], the thunderbolt is the weapon of [[Amadioha]]/Amadiora. |
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The thunderbolt continues into the modern world as a prominent symbol; it has entered modern [[heraldry]] and military iconography. |
The thunderbolt or lightning bolt continues into the modern world as a prominent symbol; it has entered modern [[heraldry]] and military iconography. |
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* Symbol for DC Comics character [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]] |
* Symbol for DC Comics character [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]] |
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* In [[Harry Potter]], the thunderbolt (or [[lightning bolt]]) is Harry's scar |
* In [[Harry Potter]], the thunderbolt (or [[lightning bolt]]) is Harry's scar |
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Revision as of 02:59, 22 March 2011
 | A request that this article title be changed to [[:]] is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
A thunderbolt is another term for a discharge of lightning accompanied by a loud thunderclap or its symbolic representation. In its original usage the word may also have been a description of meteors,[1] or, as Plato suggested in Timaeus,[2] of the consequences of a close approach between two planetary cosmic bodies, though this is not currently the case. As a divine manifestation the thunderbolt has been a powerful symbol throughout history, and has appeared in many mythologies. Drawing from this powerful association, the thunderbolt is often found in military symbolism and semiotic representations of electricity.
Lightning plays a role in many mythologies, often as the weapon of a sky god and storm god. As such, it is an unsurpassed method of dramatic instantaneous retributive destruction: thunderbolts as divine weapons can be found in many mythologies.
- In Hindu mythology, the god Indra is known as the god of lightning. His main weapon is the thunderbolt (Vajra).
- In Hittite and Hurrian mythology, a triple thunderbolt was one symbol of Teshub.
- In Greek mythology, the thunderbolt is a weapon given to Zeus by the Cyclops.
- In Roman mythology, the thunderbolt is a weapon given to Jupiter by the Cyclops.
- In Germanic mythology, Thor is specifically the god of thunder and lightning, wielding Mjolnir.
- In Maya mythology, Huracan is sometimes represented as three lightning bolts.
- In Cherokee mythology, the Ani Hyuntikwalaski ("thunder beings") cause lightning fire in a hollow sycamore tree.
- In Ojibway mythology, thunder is created by the Thunderbirds (Nimkiig or Binesiiwag), which can be both benevolent and malevolent to human beings.
- In Igbo mythology, the thunderbolt is the weapon of Amadioha/Amadiora.
The thunderbolt or lightning bolt continues into the modern world as a prominent symbol; it has entered modern heraldry and military iconography.
- Symbol for DC Comics character Captain Marvel
- In Harry Potter, the thunderbolt (or lightning bolt) is Harry's scar
- The occult version of the symbol was used for the logo of the Marilyn Manson album Antichrist Superstar.[3]
See also
References
- ^ V. Clube and B. Napier, 1982, The Cosmic Serpent, pg.173ff,
- ^ Plato, Timaeus 22C-D
- ^ http://www.nachtkabarett.com/LogosAndSymbology/Shock