orenda
/ɒˈrɛndə
/noun [mass noun]
Invisible magic power believed by the Iroquois to pervade all natural objects as a spiritual energy.The Huron word orenda, for example, is a complex word that is similar to the notion of prayer but is not quite as submissive as that....
- This ‘light-life’ corresponds to the chi of eastern systems, the inana of the natives of the Polynesian islands and the orenda of the Iroquois Indians.
- The Algonquian term manitou, the Iroquoian orenda, and the Siouan wakanda all refer to it.
Origin
Early 20th century: coined in English as the supposed Huron form of a Mohawk word.