orenda

religion

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July 1, 2026

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Orenda is a concept from the Iroquois Indians referring to an extraordinary, invisible power. This power is believed to exist in varying degrees in all animate and inanimate objects. It is considered a transmissible spiritual energy that can be wielded by its possessor. For example, a successful hunter's orenda could overcome that of their quarry. The term originates from the Wyandot language.1

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mana
…be parallel, especially wakan and orenda among the Dakota (Sioux) and Iroquois Indians. From these anthropologists in the early part of the 20th century developed the theory that mana was a worldwide phenomenon that lay behind all religions but was later supplanted by personified forces and deities.
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…be parallel, especially wakan and orenda among the Dakota (Sioux) and Iroquois Indians. From these anthropologists in the early part of the 20th century developed the theory that mana was a worldwide phenomenon that lay behind all religions but was later supplanted by personified forces and deities.
Read More

nature worship
Nature as a sacred totality
The Iroquoian term orenda, like mana, designates a power that is inherent in numerous objects of nature but that does not have essential personification or animistic elements. Orenda, however, is not a collective omnipotence. Powerful hunters, priests, and shamans have orenda to some degree. The wakanda, or wakan,…
Read More
The Iroquoian term orenda, like mana, designates a power that is inherent in numerous objects of nature but that does not have essential personification or animistic elements. Orenda, however, is not a collective omnipotence. Powerful hunters, priests, and shamans have orenda to some degree. The wakanda, or wakan,…
Read More