also: いかづち
I heard the distant rumble of thunder.
In mythology, thunderbolts are sometimes seen as the wrath of the gods.
Historical kana spelling; included for search purposes.
Kana spelling is common in modern writing, especially in poetic or literary contexts.
The reading いかずち is of native origin, likely related to 厳 (ika, 'stern, mighty') and つ (an old possessive particle) combined with 霊 (chi, 'spirit, divine force'), suggesting 'mighty spirit'. The exact derivation is uncertain.