Final answer:
Mana, as used by Melanesians, refers to an impersonal power often associated with spiritual significance and can adhere to individuals or objects, making them sacred. It has been widely adapted in popular culture, exemplifying the global fascination with the concept of a supernatural force.
Step-by-step explanation:
Melanesians use the term mana to explain an impersonal power that is not easily seen or understood. This concept originated in Oceania and is often viewed as a supernatural force comparable to the wind or a storm in its intangible but powerful presence. Accumulating mana might involve being in locations with strong spiritual significance, such as mountains or ancient sites, or through individual behaviors, potentially increasing one's success or potency. Mana can also adhere to both people and objects, granting them a sense of sacredness.
Mana is not just limited to traditional beliefs in Oceania. Its idea has been adapted into popular culture, as seen in the card game Magic: The Gathering and the computer game World of Warcraft, as well as in the concept of 'the Force' in Star Wars. These examples of appropriation and cross-cultural fascination highlight how animist ideas resonate across different societies. In anthropological studies, mana is recognized as a common element among various religious and magical practices worldwide.