Final answer:
Mana is an impersonal supernatural force originally identified among the Polynesian cultures, which practitioners leverage to sanctify people, objects, or locations. Its significance varies across cultures and has been observed in many religious systems, illustrating the concept's broad anthropological impact. Mana has also been diffused into popular culture, reinterpreted within card and video games.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mana refers to a concept of a supernatural force or power that is prevalent in several Polynesian cultures, notably among the Maori of New Zealand. It is an impersonal force that can attach to people, objects, or locations and imbue them with sacredness and efficacy. Mana is often manipulated by practitioners of rituals or ceremonies, such as witchcraft and sorcery. Although originating in the Pacific Islands, the concept of mana has been identified by anthropologists in other religious belief systems and can be seen to have parallels with notions of sacred energy in many cultures.
The Maori word 'mana' was initially used to describe such power, and its meaning has evolved to represent general potency or success, particularly when accumulated. Places like mountains or ancient sites, and certain behaviors, can all lead to the accumulation of mana. The idea of mana has expanded into popular culture, where it has been adapted for use in card games like Magic: The Gathering and video games like World of Warcraft, although these uses often represent a form of cultural appropriation.
Mana is considered to be part of a broader type of religion known as animatism, where belief in impersonal supernatural forces is common. Animatism and similar beliefs underpin many religious practices and are found across cultures, reflecting humanity's diverse attempts to understand and interact with the unseen powers of the world.