Long ago, crossing the plains was dangerous due to the never-ending storm, until an Al Bhed named Bilghen set up several towering lightning rods. Ironically, he was in the process of setting up the final tower when he was struck by lightning and killed. In Final Fantasy X, the plains are still treacherous, but the towers draw most of the lightning away. The plains are named after High Summoner Gandof who removed the threat of Qactuars from the Djose continent by driving them to the Thunder Plains and sealing them into Qactuar Stones.