What did people used to think shocks from static electricity were before we knew about electricity? e.g the Middle Ages

by uclaclaudio

I imagine it must’ve been confusing and possibly surrounded by folklore/myth as to why sometimes touching a metal doorknob could produce a shock and a flash of light or how blankets could spark when moved around a lot.

Are there any historic accounts as to what people used to believe this phenomena was?

Iphikrates

/u/hillsonghoods answers this question here! Enjoy.