Mana

Mana is a Polynesian term referring to a pervasive supernatural force or spiritual energy believed to inhabit people, objects, and places. The word appears in indigenous languages such as Māori, Hawaiian, Samoan, and Tongan, among others, and its etymology traces to Proto-Polynesian roots meaning power or prestige. In traditional contexts, mana is not simply strength but a sacred quality that can be enhanced by merit and diminished by disrespect.

In many communities, mana is a resource of power and authority tied to leadership, ritual, and achievement. Chiefs or high-status individuals are said to possess greater mana, which can be exercised in governance, diplomacy, or protection of the community. Sacred objects and locations are sometimes believed to harbor mana, and touch, blessing, or rites can transfer or reinforce it. The concept is often linked to taboos (kapu) that regulate behavior to preserve or restore mana.

Scholars have studied mana as a cultural model of power that blends personal authority with spiritual sanction. While expressions vary across cultures, mana is typically distinguished from wealth or political authority by its sacred dimension and its susceptibility to ritual rules and moral legitimacy.

In contemporary usage, mana frequently appears in fantasy literature and in video games as a pool of magical energy that characters draw upon to cast spells or perform feats. This modern appropriation popularized the term beyond its original cultural contexts, though attempts are often made to separate fictional representations from traditional beliefs.