Leizhenzi (雷震子)

Chinese. Name of a powerful mythological figure and celestial warrior in Chinese folklore, most notably appearing in the classic Ming (明) dynasty novel Fengshen Yanyi, known in English as the ‘Investiture of the Gods’. He is also venerated in Taoist tradition as one of the thunder deities and is often associated with the celestial domain of storms and divine retribution. According to the narrative in Fengshen Yanyi, Leizhenzi is a supernatural being born from a violent thunderstorm atop Mount Swallow. The newborn is discovered and initially adopted by Ji Chang (姬昌), the future King Wen of the Zhou (周) dynasty, who regards him as his third son. However, recognizing the child’s celestial origin and destined role in shaping a new era, the Taoist immortal Yunzhongzi (雲中子) takes Leizhenzi as his disciple and trains him in magical arts to support the Zhou cause against the Shang dynasty (商). When Leizhenzi is seven years old, Yunzhongzi sends him to aid his adoptive father Ji Chang, who is fleeing political danger. Before departing, Leizhenzi is instructed to retrieve a weapon. Upon doing so, he eats two mysterious apricots found at the cliff’s edge. These magical fruits cause two large wings to sprout from his back, and his face transforms into a fierce, otherworldly visage. Armed with a golden thunder hammer given by his master, Leizhenzi descends to assist Ji Chang. In one instance, he creates a rockslide to defeat enemy generals and safely carries Ji Chang through five dangerous mountain passes. Having ensured his father's safety, Leizhenzi bids him farewell and returns to Mount South End to continue his training and divine mission. A parallel legend offers a more divine origin, claiming Leizhenzi as the son of Leigong (雷公), the god of thunder, and Dianmu (電母), the goddess of lightning. In this version, he hatches from an egg split by one of Leigong’s thunderbolts. Leizhenzi is said to resemble his father, with features such as wings and a sharp beak, and he is endowed with the ability to change into a dragon after consuming apricots. In iconography, Leizhenzi is portrayed with features such as wings and a sharp beak, wielding a thunder hammer and holding a chisel-like golden rod. His appearance is reminiscent of that of Deng Zhong in his deified form as a Thunder General (fig.). His character blends mortal heroism with divine empowerment, symbolising the fusion of Heaven’s mandate with earthly justice during the legendary fall of the Shang and rise of the Zhou. 回