In earliest times, men considered lightning as a powerful and often mysterious force, frequently attributing it to the actions of gods or other supernatural phenomena. Different cultures had various myths and beliefs about lightning. For example, in ancient Greek mythology, Zeus, the king of the gods, was often depicted wielding thunderbolts, including lightning. Similarly, in Hindu mythology, Indra is the god of thunder and lightning.

Early humans did not understand the scientific principles behind lightning, leading to fear, awe, and attempts to explain its occurrence through religious and mythological means. Over time, with the advancement of science and technology, people began to develop a better understanding of lightning as a natural electrical phenomenon caused by the buildup and discharge of static electricity within clouds or between clouds and the ground.