Final answer:
In Polynesian and Melanesian cultures, mana represents an impersonal supernatural force that is associated with both people and places, signifying power and sacredness. It varies between cultures, where it can be linked to luck or the authority of political elites, and its concept has extended into modern culture and media.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of mana in Polynesian and Melanesian cultures can be described as an impersonal supernatural force. It is a form of power that can be associated with both people and objects, making them sacred. Mana is not just concerned with supernatural beings but with powers or forces that can be accumulated through certain actions, behaviors, or by being present in particular locations with strong mana. In Melanesia, anybody could acquire mana, resembling the notion of luck, whereas in Polynesia, mana was more connected to political elites, enhancing their social status and authority. This abstract force is central to the religious and social structures of these cultures, integral in practices ranging from governance to rituals. Historically, mana could be gathered and demonstrated through specific behaviors, such as sexual or violent acts. Sacred sites, such as mountains or marae (ancient sites), were believed to possess high levels of mana. The term also plays a role in modern popular culture, illustrating the broad human fascination with abstract supernatural power. At one point, mana was considered a 'primitive religious doctrine', but this perspective has evolved, recognizing mana as a complex and multifaceted concept integral to the cultures of Oceania.