2. The Dragon’s Pearl of Chinese Mythology
In Chinese mythology, ball lightning seems more favorably as the “Dragon’s Pearl,” a bright sphere claimed to be a powerful relic connected with dragons, creatures of great intelligence and celestial strength. According to legend, dragons find enormous power and intelligence from their sparkling pearls—found in their teeth or claws. Said to have incredible abilities, the Dragon’s Pearl is meant to let its bearer manipulate the weather, call rain during a drought, or quiet choppy waters. Some legends hold that the pearl is the concentrated essence of the universe—all the wisdom and force of creation merged. In ancient Chinese art and literature, dragons are often represented chasing or playing with these dazzling spheres, hence indicating the search for wisdom and enlightenment. According to folklore, occasionally dragons lose their pearls, which subsequently fall to earth like ball lightning. Those who are lucky enough to view or hold a Dragon’s Pearl are said to have long lifetimes, divine insight, and good fortune. But the legends also warn anybody who tries to pilfer or use the Dragon’s Pearl of terrible outcomes, including divine punishment or metamorphosis into monstrous beings, against the dangers of avarice. The legendary popularity can be explained in Chinese society by the profound respect for natural phenomena and the confidence in the connectedness of the terrestrial and heavenly spheres.
