In Polynesian and Melanesian cultures, a supernatural force or spiritual energy that can be possessed by people or objects. In gaming, it refers to magical energy used to cast spells.
From Proto-Oceanic, widely distributed across Pacific languages including Māori, Hawaiian, and Fijian. Entered English through anthropological literature in the 19th century, later adopted by fantasy gaming in the 1990s.
The journey of 'mana' from sacred Polynesian concept to video game resource shows how digital culture can both preserve and transform indigenous ideas. Gamers worldwide now casually use this deeply spiritual term, creating an unexpected bridge between ancient Pacific wisdom and modern entertainment.
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