orenda

American  

[aw-ren-duh, oh-ren-] / ɔˈrɛn də, oʊˈrɛn- /

noun

1. a supernatural force believed by the Iroquois Indians to be present, in varying degrees, in all objects or persons, and to be the spiritual force by which human accomplishment is attained or accounted for.

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Etymology

Origin of orenda

1902; coined by U.S. ethnologist J.N.B. Hewitt from the supposed Huron cognate of Mohawk orę́˙naʔ inherent power (akin to karę́˙naʔ song; compare Seneca oęnǫʔ power, song with power, kaęnǫʔ song)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

orenda

A man who hunts well has much and good orenda; the shy bird who escapes his snares has a fine orenda.

From Darwin and Modern Science by A. C. (Albert Charles) Seward

This notion of orenda, a sort of pan-vitalism, is more fluid than animism, and probably precedes it.

From Darwin and Modern Science by A. C. (Albert Charles) Seward

When a storm is brewing the magician is said to be making its orenda.

From Darwin and Modern Science by A. C. (Albert Charles) Seward

When you yourself are in a rage, great is your orenda.

From Darwin and Modern Science by A. C. (Albert Charles) Seward

The notes of birds are utterances of their orenda.

From Darwin and Modern Science by A. C. (Albert Charles) Seward

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