Final answer:
Mana, originating from Polynesian culture, represents an abstract and supernatural force, now culturally adapted into American entertainment like Magic: The Gathering and World of Warcraft as a resource for action within these games.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mana is an anthropological concept that refers to an abstract and supernatural force or power that is believed to reside in people, objects, and locations. It originated in Oceania and most notably within Polynesian cultures, where it is thought to contribute to the potency and success of individuals. Traditional beliefs held that behaviors such as sexual or violent acts could accumulate mana, while certain sites like mountains or ancient places were naturally imbued with it.
In contemporary American culture, mana has been adopted in a variety of forms, especially within entertainment. One notable incorporation is in the card game Magic: The Gathering, where mana is used as a resource for players to cast spells and summon creatures. A similar concept appears in the video game World of Warcraft, and the popularization of these games demonstrates how the idea of a supernatural power like mana appeals across culturally diverse audiences. The concept may also draw comparisons to 'the Force' in the Star Wars franchise, pointing to the human fascination with unseen powers that influence the world.