March 20th, 2007 @ 8:33 am

Deus ex machina

Deus ex machina - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Deus ex machina is a Latin phrase that is used to describe an unexpected, artificial, or improbable character, device, or event introduced suddenly in a work of fiction or drama to resolve a situation or untangle a plot (e.g., having the protagonist wake up and realize it was all a dream, or an angel suddenly appearing to solve problems).

It originated with Greek and Roman theater, when a mechane would lower actors playing a god or gods on stage to resolve a hopeless situation. The phrase is often translated as “god from the machine”. The machine referred to in the phrase is the crane device employed in the task.

pronounced “Deh-oose ex ma-kee-nah”, Grey’s Anatomy - Some Kind of Miracle from two weekish ago definitely had some, or it, or whatever is the proper way to use the phrase.

One Response to “Deus ex machina”

  • There is/was a game called “Deus Ex” and “Deus Ex: Invisible War”. Great games, by the way (well, I’m mainly referring to the first one ‘cuz the second was rather dull). Regardless, I do think Deus Ex is an appropriate title for the game given the definition, which I never actually looked up because I thought it was just the name of the game.