From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Mana (sometimes spelled Manna), usually, refers to a supernatural force said to exist within all things (similar to bioelectricity of living creatures), sometimes associated with maternal and lunar magic in mythology. The word's usages, in modern times, stems from anthropologist's understanding of the word mana in Polynesian religion. .
Cultures
Mana has been, in various cultures, the power of magic. It was embedded into all talismans and fetishes, whether devoted to ancient gods, Roman Catholic saint relics, the spirits of the ancestors, or the underlying element that makes up the universe and all life within it. Mana has been used in various cultures for sacrifices, as the lives or blood of sacrificial victims contain supernatural powers whose offering would please a deity.
The mythological concept include:
- Polynesian mythology : mana
- Egyptian mythology : ka
- Greek mythology : ichor
- Hindu mythology : maya, rta
- Inuit mythology : inua, sila
- ''Leni Lenape mythology : manetuwak
- Yoruba mythology : oloddumare
- Chinese philosophy : qi (or chi), Tao
- European alchemy and philosophy : aether, (or ether), quintessence
Mana in the spanish language is translated to mean "it flows".
In Maori culture, "Mana" is analogous to Respect, but it combines elements of respect, authority, and prestige.
In some fantasy settings and games (in particular role-playing games), mana is a natural energy resource which is used or channeled by wizards to cast spells. This use of the term was coined by Larry Niven in his 1978 novella "The Magic Goes Away", which deals with mana as a limited natural resource, becoming depleted.
Mana in this sense has been used in numerous role-playing games and computer role-playing games (e.g., GURPS and Diablo series), trading card games (Magic: The Gathering), MUDs and MMORPGs (EverQuest), and strategy games (StarCraft and Warcraft series).
In the Tolkien universe, mana is a word for "upon what" .
A famous mexican music group was named "Maná". They reached fame during the 1990s.
Mana is also the name of a rather expensive 'hi-fi' equipment rack.
Fiction
Other
See also
