many early people created myths and gods to explain nature for example, lightning and thunder must have been very frightening experiences for ancient people. Early legends explain lightning as caused by various gods. Jupiter, fot example, was the king of Roman gods and the god of thunder. Lightning and rain. In Norse mythology. Thor was the god of thunder and the strongest of the gods. whenever he was displeased with people or with other gods, he would throw thunderbolts. Many early religious began with these myths, which were used to explain nature.