History Main / LightningFireJuxtaposition

This might be because the two forces are similar yet different, Fire and Electricity are both forms and sources of energy. Both are destructive in an uncontrolled state. Both [[LightEmUp give off light]]. Both are symbols of life -- lightning of the giving life, and fire of the saving of life. Both are symbols of power. Both have been used as symbols of divine anger. Both have been used to represent technological advancements. Lightning is direct but short, fire takes its time. Lightning can set things on fire, and fire used right can generate electricity. Both are part of an [[FireIceLightning elemental trinity]]. People of ancient times used to think that lightning was celestial fire. These reasons are used to underscore the NotSoDifferent aspect.

* In a similar veing, ''VideoGame/SengokuBasara'' has Date Masamune (representing lightning) and his rival Sanada Yukimura (representing fire).

** Nanoha and Fate's clones, [[PlayingWithFire Stern the Destructor]] and [[ShockAndAwe Levi the Slasher]] are not rivals. Like their originals, they are partners and best friends. However, they have very contrasting personalities, since Stern is the Material of Wisdom who possesses [[TheSpock high intelligence]] and has a [[TheStoic stoic personality]], and Levi is the Material of Power who possesses great strength, but lacks skill and she's the DumbMuscle.

*** Ironically, Rio Wesley, one of the main characters, has ''both'', fire-type ''and'' lightning-type MCA.

* In the ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' series, there is a special ability called Mana Conversion Affinity, which allows a mage to spontaneously convert her {{mana}} into electric or thermal energy at will (though a single person can only do one of these). In ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs'', Fate Testarossa(-Harlaown), who has lightning-type MCA, is repeatedly pitted against Signum, the leader of the season's "villains" who has fire-type MCA. Although their enmity doesn't last the season itself, their friendly rivalry continues far beyond that.

** The HALO jump scene from ''Film/{{Godzilla 2014}}'' has the soldiers diving down to a San Francisco engulfed in flames and smoke. As Ford Brody is scanning over the city the closer he gets, he catches sight of Godzilla, who would otherwise be really hard to make out from the dark, smoke-covered city were it not for the frequent flashes of lightning that brighten the view.

This might be because the two forces are similar yet different, Fire and Electricity are both forms and sources of energy. Both are destructive in an uncontrolled state. Both [[LightEmUp give off light]]. Both are symbols of life -- lightning of the giving life, and fire of the saving of life. Both are symbols of power. Both have been used as symbols of divine anger. Both have been used to represent technological advancements. Lighting is direct but short, fire takes its time. Lightning can set things on fire, and fire used right can generate electricity. Both are part of an [[FireIceLightning elemental trinity]]. People of ancient times used to think that lightning was celestial fire. These reasons are used to underscore the NotSoDifferent aspect.

This might be because the two forces are similar yet different, Fire and Electricity, are both forms and sources of energy. Both are destructive in an uncontrolled state. Both [[LightEmUp give off light]]. Both are symbols of life -- lightning of the giving life, and fire of the saving of life. Both are symbols of power. Both have been used as symbols of divine anger. Both have been used to represent technological advancements. Lighting is direct but short, fire takes its time. Lightning can set things on fire, and fire used right can generate electricity. Both are part of an [[FireIceLightning elemental trinity]]. People of ancient times used to think that lightning was celestial fire. These reasons are used to underscore the NotSoDifferent aspect.

This might be because the two forces are similar yet different, Fire and Electricity, are both forms and sources of energy, Both are destructive in a uncontrolled state. Both [[LightEmUp give off light]]. Both are symbols of life -- lightning of the giving life, and fire of the saving of life. Both are symbols of power. Both have been used as symbols of divine anger. Both have been used to represent technological advancements. Lighting is direct but short, fire takes its time. Lightning can set things on fire, and fire used right can generate electricity. Both are part of an [[FireIceLightning elemental trinity]]. People of ancient times used to think that lightning was celestial fire. These reasons are used to underscore the NotSoDifferent aspect.

* In ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', and somewhat in the sequel series ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'', lightning-bending is a form and result of fire-bending that applied the techniques of its elemental opposite water. Zuko and Azula fit the Foil aspect of this trope best, as Lightning generation requires an absence of emotion and peace of mind, which reflects pretty nicely Azula's cold an calculative nature, whereas Zuko used (at least at first) ''rage'' as a [[EmotionalPowers source of power]] for his [[PlayingWithFire firebending]].

* In the ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' series, there is a special ability called Mana Conversion Affinity, which allows a mage to spontaneously convert her {{mana}} into electric or thermal energy at will (though a single person can only do one of these). In ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs'', Fate, who has lightning-type MCA, is repeatedly pitted against Signum, the leader of the season's "villains" who has flame-type MCA. Although their enmity doesn't last the season itself, their friendly rivalry continues far beyond that.

[[folder: Mythology and Religion]]
* The Myth of Prometheus states that he brought fire to man giving them intelligence. This led the thunderbolt-associated Zeus to chain him to a rock to be tortured for eternity.

** The Electabuzz and Magmar evolutionary lines, which are Electric and Fire-types respectively.

* In ''Manga/InuYasha'', one MonsterOfTheWeek is a pair of twins with intertwined bodies who are always fighting for the control of the body. One of them uses a sword that sparks lightning, and the other uses a conch that breathes fire.

* In ''FinalFantasyIX'' Black Waltz No. 3 uses Lightning based magic. In the cutscene battle with him, Vivi combats him with Fire magic.

[[PlayingWithFire Fire]]. An elemental force by nature and Longtime rival to [[MakingASplash Water]] (and by extension [[AnIcePerson Ice]]) However recently some writers replaced water and [[ShockAndAwe Electricity]] has been poised to rival the burning element. Therefore two partners, rivals, or {{Foil}}s would have one of them become associated with flame, and the other lightning.

This might be because the two forces are similar yet different, Fire and Electricity, are both forms and sources of energy, Both are destructive in a uncontrolled state. Both [[LightIsGood give off]] [[LightIsNotGood light]]. Both are symbols of life -- lightning of the giving life, and fire of the saving of life. Both are symbols of power. Both have been used as symbols of divine anger. Both have been used to represent technological advancements. Lighting is direct but short, fire takes its time. Lightning can set things on fire, and fire used right can generate electricity. Both are part of an [[FireIceLightning elemental trinity]]. People of ancient times used to think that lightning was celestial fire. These reasons are used to underscore the NotSoDifferent aspect.

* In ''Manga/SoulEater'', the students are grouped into teams consisting of three meisters and their [[EquippableAlly weapons]] which tend to form {{Freudian Trio}}s. One minor group consists of [[MrViceGuy Kim Diehl]] & [[FireBreathingWeapon Jacqueline Dupre]] as the id (fire), [[BadassBookworm Ox Ford]] & [[BladeOnAStick Harvar D.]] as the superego (lightening) and [[TokenMinority Kilik]] & [[PowerFist Pot of Fire and Pot of Thunder]] as the ego (one of the pots is fire based, the other is lightening based). Kilik is also an example on his own, since using two elements symbolises that he's really good at synchronizing with weapons ([[spoiler: at one point he's able to wield four partners at once, when most meisters can only manage one]]).

* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' has two pairs like this. The Electabuzz and Magmar evolutionary lines, which are Electric and Fire types respectively, and Zekrom and Reshiram, two OlympusMons who represent the two elements as power sources. Zekrom represents Ideals using a lighting/electric tech robotic theme while Reshiram represents truth through an organic fire combustion theme. This in Ideals vs truth is based on ying-yang taoistic themes. With ice, neutral, apathetic, undead? Kyurem it become FireIceLightning.

** In ''VideoGame/SuperPaperMario'', Luigi's dark side call himself the Green Thunder.

* The characters [[PersonalityPowers Jay and Kai]] of ''Franchise/{{Ninjago}}'' are lightning and fire respectively. Kai is [[LeeroyJenkins rash and impulsive]] like fire, Jay is... [[{{Keet}} erratic and spontaneous]] like lightning(in contrast to the usual for this trope) and They often act as foils.

This might be because the two forces are similar yet different, Fire and Electricity, are both forms and sources of energy, Both are destructive in a uncontrolled state. both are [[LightIsGood forms of]] [[LightIsNotGood light]]. Both are symbols of life-lightning of giving life. live saving fire. Both are symbols of power. Both have been used as symbols of divine anger. Both have been used to represent technological advancements. Lighting is direct but short, fire takes its time. Lightning makes fire, and fire used right can generate electricity. Both are part of an [[FireIceLightning elemental trinity]]. As a result, this is used to underscore the NotSoDifferent of {{Foil}} aspect, in fact people at ancient times thought that Lightning was celestial Fire.

Another use of this trope is to symbolize ideals and truths, Using them as foils instead of characters. Fire is used to symbolize man's beginnings (Prometheus brought fire to man, and with it intelligence), home, truth, [[FirePurifies purification]] and strong feelings. Lightning symbolizes loss of ignorance (TheTower [[TarotMotifs was struck by a bolt of lightning]]), [[BoltOfDivineRetribution divine punishment]], [[FateAndProphecyTropes destiny]], [[EurekaMoment epiphany]] and Man as he is now. Both can also symbolize creativity, divine powers, destruction, and energy.

A SisterTrope to FireWaterJuxtaposition. If combined with the latter that might be FireIceLightning. Compare ElementalRivalry.

* In ''Film/{{Lincoln}}'', there is a scene where Lincoln is arguing with his wife on the morality of [[UsefulNotes/TheAmericanCivilWar going to war.]] There is lighting flashing through the dark window on Lincoln's side, while there is fire burning in a fire place next to the wife. Lincoln is arguing going to war to stop slavery and stop an insurrection. Meanwhile, his wife is arguing that the lives of young soldiers and consequently their families are at stake. It seems that the use of lightning and fire shows that both are serious arguments-but both have different connotations. Lincoln's lightning might represent both the "divine" justice needed to be done and Lincoln's strong ideological stance. His wife's stance is depicted as a fire-place, usually a symbol of home, and fire as a symbol of truth, indicating there would be a high cost to pay for the war. Also, male vs female.(Justice Ideals vs Justice truths?)

* The Myth of Promethues states that he brought fire to man giving them intelligence. This led the thunderbolt associated Zeus to chain him to a rock to be tortured for eternally.

* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' has two pairs like this. The Electabuzz and Magmar evolutionary lines, who are respectably Thunder and Fire type, and Zekrom and Reshiram, two OlympusMons who represent the two elements as power sources. Zekrom represents Ideals using a lighting/electric tech robotic theme while Reshiram represents truth through an organic fire combustion theme. This in Ideals vs truth is based on ying-yang taoistic themes. With ice, neutral, apathetic, undead? Kyurem it become FireIceLightning.
* ''MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga'': Mario and Luigi get Fire and Lightning abilities respectively. This might be due to their personalities. Mario, a hero, is brave and consistent, though his Fire powers existed before this game as the Fire Flower powerup. But Mario is also aggressive and impulsive, showing a little hotheadedness. Luigi, who is slightly lazy and cowardly, (You could say that he's gone in a flash) but is also more expressive in his emotions and funny (he might have a spark of life in him). When Luigi does act, he can make all the difference, and he is as brave as his brother during events with strong enemies. Hence, the partnership between the two.

* In ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', and somewhat in the sequel series ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'', lightning-bending is a form and result of fire-bending that applied the techniques of it's elemental opposite water. Zuko and Azula fit the Foil aspect of this trope best, as Lightning generation requires an absence of emotion and peace of mind, which reflects pretty nicely Azula's cold an calculative nature, whereas Zuko used (at least at first) ''rage'' as a [[EmotionalPowers source of power]] for his [[PlayingWithFire firebending]].

* In ''Film/{{Lincoln}}'', there is a scene where Lincoln is arguing with his wife on the morality of going to war. There is lighting flashing through the dark window on Lincoln's side, while there is fire burning in a fire place next to the wife. Lincoln is arguing going to war to stop slavery and stop an insurrection. Meanwhile, his wife is arguing that the lives of young soldiers and consequently their families are at stake. It seems that the use of lightning and fire shows that both are serious arguments-but both have different connotations. Lincoln's lightning might represent both the "divine" justice needed to be done and Lincoln's strong ideological stance. His wife's stance is depicted as a fire-place, usually a symbol of home, and fire as a symbol of truth, indicating there would be a high cost to pay for the war. Also, male vs female.(Justice Ideals vs Justice truths?)