Why Thunder Follows Lightning, A Myth

It was a long, long time ago in the Sky World when the goddess Lightning slumbered on the strong branches of a banana tree in the deserted Sky Forest. On this same day, the god Thunder happened to be taking a stroll past that very banana tree and noticed Lightning's golden hair hanging down from the branches. 1

“Hello there, kind lady,” he called out, “I hope to have not disturbed you too greatly, but I have seen you in the village. Do you come to this forest often?” 2

Lightning, woken by the god's booming voice, sat up and peered down at him.3

“Yes, I do. This place gives me time to think.”4

The god and goddess continued their conversation, and eventually Lightning jumped down to join Thunder on his stroll. They walked for miles and eventually it became apparent that they were destined to become good friends. From then on, they spent many a time together just going on walks and talking for hours. It was soon then that other gods and goddesses were eager to see if these two were destined for love, for gossip was prominent in the village. A good number of their walks would take place in the Sky Forest where they had met, and they shared the luscious fruit of the trees. Thunder felt that his time with Lightning was the happiest he had ever had. Lightning felt similar, glad to have found a companion to share her thoughts and feelings with.5

It was not long before goddess Rain, Thunder's mother, recognized this sudden change in her son. It was this girl who took her son from her, and was apparently making him happy. Rain felt the only person that should make him happy was her, his own mother, who raised and took care of him since he was a tiny, itty-bitty, little godlet! Not some girl from the village. She must get rid of this Lightning!6

Rain brewed a potion to disguise herself. She would distract Thunder and, cloaked as him, go to Lightning to tell her he never wished to see her again. 7

So the next day, Rain sent Thunder to fetch her some water from the Sparkling Spring on the other side of the village. It would be at least an hour and a half trek, even for the indomitable Thunder. She downed the potion, turning her grey, ragged hair to short, shiny auburn. Her hunched status erect, well-toned muscles formed and her female features disappeared. She donned her son's clothes, and before leaving spied her reflection in the stream beside their home. 8

“Perfect!” she snickered, satisfied, “I see I have not lost my touch after all of these years!”
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The next morn, Thunder went to visit Lightning. Coming to her cottage, he heard not a sound from inside. 10

“Hello, my sweet?” he bellowed. 11

Thunder searched the entire sky seeking his precious Lightning. Behind every cloud he checked, as far as the shimmering lights of the North. But she was no where to be found! Thunder finally returned to the Sky Forest, sighing over his missing love. But there, in the branches of a banana tree, he heard a faint cry. He hurried to the source, and there he found his beautiful Lightning!12

“My love, I have searched to the ends of the Sky to find you! Why have you eluded me so?”13

Looking down to Thunder, Lightning shrieked in fear and embarrassment.14

“Leave me alone! If you do not wish to see me, please just leave me be and do not torment me with your presence!” she said, leaping from the branches, close to how mortals have seen her leap from the sky on stormy nights. 15

“What ever do you mean?” pleaded Thunder, heartbroken. “I would never wish such a thing!”16

“Do not lie to me! You said it just yesterday! I never wish to see you again as well!” she screeched, storming off in a rage akin to a long streak of fire.17

To this day, Thunder is troubled by the loss of his only love, Lightning and continues to chase her through the sky, pleading his innocence to his ever-refusing love. This is why the boom of Thunder always follows the flash of Lightning.