Flashes of lightning that appear to strike down from the sky, or something that happens suddenly and shocks everyone.
From Old English 'thunor' (thunder god, related to Thor) plus 'bolt' (arrow or projectile). Medieval people believed lightning was literally a bolt hurled by an angry god.
Zeus's thunderbolt became the ultimate symbol of divine power in Western culture—it's why lightning bolts appear on everything from superhero costumes to corporate logos. Ancient people couldn't explain lightning, so they imagined gods throwing weapons.
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