Mana (Oceanian Mythology)
In Melanesian and Polynesian cultures, ''mana'' is a supernatural force that permeates the universe. Anyone or anything can have ''mana''. They believed it to be a cultivation or possession of energy and power, rather than being a source of power. It is an intentional force. ''Mana'' has been discussed mostly in relation to cultures of Polynesia, but also of Melanesia, notably the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. In the 19th century, scholars compared ''mana'' to similar concepts such as the ''orenda'' of the Iroquois Indians and theorized that ''mana'' was a universal phenomenon that explained the origin of religions. Etymology The reconstructed Proto-Oceanic word *mana is thought to have referred to "powerful forces of nature such as thunder and storm winds" rather than supernatural power. As the Oceanic-speaking peoples spread eastward, the word started to refer instead to unseen supernatural powers. Polynesian culture ''Mana'' is a foundation of Polynesian theology, a ...
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Melanesian Mythology
Melanesian mythology refers to the folklore, myths, and religions of Melanesia, a region in Southwest Oceania that encompasses the archipelagos of New Guinea (including Indonesian New Guinea and Papua New Guinea), the Torres Strait Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji. The various mythologies consist primarily of the traditions of oral literature in the different populations of Melanesia. More recent aspects include the cargo cults born in the 20th century during the Pacific War. =Mythological traditions in Melanesia= * Papuan mythology * Kahausibware, a creator goddess of the Mono-Alu people of the Solomon Islands * Warohunugamwanehaora, a cultural hero of Makira (Solomon Islands) Fox & Drew (1915). * Adaro, a water spirit of Makira (Solomon Islands) * Kakamora, a mythical population of elf-like creatures in the tradition of Makira and Guadalcanal (Solomon islands) * Tamate, spirits of ancestors in northern Vanuatu Codrington (1891). Vienne ( ...
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