Bolts of lightning are a very common vision for an oncoming storm or impending doom. However, the symbolism goes back a lot further than that and means so much more.
The lightning bolt has been around for thousands of years, originating from lightning in the sky and what people thought the source was, or what it meant.
There are lots of different reasons people will get this sharp design tattooed on their bodies, with so many different meanings over the years. However, some representations are more common than others.
Different Meanings and Variations in Culture and History
The most common symbol of the lightning bolt that you may recognize, is in Greek mythology. The lightning bolt was frequently used to represent the power of Zeus – ruler of the Greek gods and Olympus.
Olympus is the mythological home of the gods, where they would watch over Earth and all of humanity. Every god has a specific power, with Zeus’ being the ability to produce lightning bolts as a weapon.
Zeus, being the god of the sky, was able to harness the power of the skies and the clouds themselves, to inflict his wrath and authority over those who disobeyed him.
Because of Zeus’ intelligence and authority over others, the lightning bolt tattoo can also be used to represent knowledge.
In Norse mythology, the lightning bolt is used frequently to represent Thor – the god of thunder. The lightning is thought to have been produced by Thor’s hammer, Mjӧlnir.
Many tattoo designs include both the hammer and the lightning produced, to represent Thor.
Similar to Zeus, Thor is seen as a popular figure in mythology, with many people choosing a lightning bolt tattoo specifically to represent different aspects of the two titans.
In Christianity, the lightning bolt can represent the divinity and the power of God. In the Bible, lightning and thunder are both used to symbolize the wrath and judgment of God, for those who have sinned against him. Lightning can also represent the nature of the angels and the risen.
What Does the Lightning Bolt Tattoo Mean?
When it comes to the reasoning for getting a lightning bolt tattoo, there are many. Some of the more common representations consist of power and strength.
A lot of these reasons derive from Zeus’ power and authority over Earth and other Greek gods in Greek mythology.
Zeus has also been symbolized as an eagle, in the past. This means a lightning tattoo can be accompanied by an eagle to represent Zeus and his powers.
Along with Thor and his similar strength, the symbolism for lightning has always represented being powerful.
When paired with a cloud, the lightning tattoo can mean something completely different. Due to the negative feelings associated with thunder and storm clouds, this design of ink can represent overcoming a dark time in someone’s life, or passing tests in their life that change them as a person.
Alternatively, the lightning bolt can also be a sign of danger or bad luck, which many people may originally perceive the symbol as.
Lightning Bolts in Popular Culture
One of the many different things that people may associate lightning bolts with, is TV and film. When it comes to the popular brand, ‘Marvel’, lightning bolts are used for several characters.
Two of the most recognizable characters associated with the design are Shazam and Storm.
Whilst Shazam is an ancient wizard, who helped Captain Marvel gain her powers, Storm is part of the mutant group – the X-Men. Storm can summon lightning storms, tornadoes, and other weather to defeat her enemies.
Similarly, in DC comics, the superhero ‘The Flash’ has often been associated with the symbol because he can run faster than the speed of light.
Another form of lightning bolt frequently seen in popular culture is from the Harry Potter books. The main character, Harry, was scarred as a child and has a big lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.
Many people will accompany their inked lightning bolt with Harry’s signature glasses, or the Horcrux symbol to ensure that the tattoo’s meaning is unique and specific to Harry Potter, as opposed to other lightning bolt designs.
When it comes to sporting athletes, Usain Bolt is up there with some of the best of all time. His trademark lightning bolt pose and his slogan “Bolt to the World” have a lot of meaning to a lot of people, inspiring tattoos with his brand.
Final Thoughts
The symbolism for lightning has been around for thousands of years and has changed meanings over the time humans have walked this planet. It has evolved from the gods inflicting their wrath upon Earth, to the logos and brands for well-known athletes and film characters.
When it comes to representation, the lightning bolt means a lot of different things to a lot of different people.
From power to intelligence, the lightning tattoo sometimes needs different variations and aspects to the design to keep it unique from other people’s ink.
The design is so subtle it can work as part of a sleeve, but also has the uniqueness to stand out on its own. If you have a reason for wanting a lightning tattoo, then you can mold it around your vision and your attachment to the symbol, in any way you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does A Lightning Bolt Tattoo Symbolize?
Some of the most common meanings for the lightning bolt tattoo include power, intelligence, and strength. A lot of these come from the Greek god, Zeus, and other mythological gods like the Norse god, Thor.
What Is The Spiritual Meaning For Lightning?
Some people view lightning as a form of punishment or judgment. In history, people thought that lightning was a way of the gods inflicting their wrath upon those who had done wrong. More symbolism for lightning can be destruction, negativity, and sudden illumination.
What Does Zeus’ Lightning Bolt Represent?
Zeus’ lightning bolt, also known as The Master Bolt, is the first thing people think of when they picture the Greek gods.
The Olympian god of thunder, Zeus oversaw everything with his power and knowledge. His lightning bolt is said to be the most powerful weapon on Earth and the Heavens.
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