Mana

Mana is a traditional term and a concept among the speakers of Oceanic languages, including Melanesians, Polynesians and M?ori. It is an impersonal force or quality said to reside in people, animals and inanimate objects which provide an observer with a sense of wonder or respect. In anthropological discourse, mana as a generalized concept has attained a significant amount of interest; often understood as the precursor to genuine religion. It has commonly been interpreted as "the stuff of which magic is formed," although this view has been challenged by later researchers.

Related Topics:
Oceanic languages - Melanesia - Polynesia - M?ori - Anthropological - Religion - Magic

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Modern fantasy fiction, computer and role-playing games, has adopted mana as a term for magic points ? an expendable resource out of which magic users form their magical spells.

Related Topics:
Fantasy - Magic points - Magical spells

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Mana should not be confused with the Biblical manna (also spelled mana or mannah) which provided sustenance for the Israelites in Exodus.

Related Topics:
Manna - Exodus

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