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"Deus ex machina", pronounced "DAY-us Eks MAH-kih-nuh,"<ref>http://www.m-w.com</ref> is a device in drama or fiction to suddenly introduce a character or event which provides a contrived solution to an otherwise unsolvable problem.  Often the "deus ex machina" appears in a chaotic situation and then restores calm and order.

"Deus ex machina", pronounced "DAY-us Eks MAH-kih-nuh,"<ref>http://www.m-w.com</ref> is a device in drama or fiction to suddenly introduce a character or event which provides a contrived solution to an otherwise unsolvable problem.  Often the "deus ex machina" appears in a chaotic situation and then restores calm and order.

The term translates from the Latin as "the god from the machine", a reference to ancient Greek theater, where an actor portraying Zeus or one of the other Greek gods would appear at the end of the play and resolve the plot. The Greek playwright [[Euripides]] (484-406 B.C.) made frequent use of this literary device. In contemporary usage, the term can refer to any plot device which appears at the end, and serves no function other than to conclude the story.

The term translates from the Latin as "god from a machine", a reference to ancient Greek theater, where an actor (a god) would descend from the skies (the top of the theatre) sitting on a device operated by a crude machine. The Greek playwright [[Euripides]] (484-406 B.C.) made frequent use of this literary device. A good example is in the Medea, in which the sun god Apollo rescues Medea (having murdered her children and the royal family) from her vengeful husband. In contemporary usage, the term can refer to any plot device which appears at the end, and serves no function other than to conclude the story.

It is frequently criticized as an example of poor writing, and as an unimaginative ending; a "cop-out" which allows the author to conclude his work without having to work the various elements of the plot through to their natural conclusion.  A well-known example of the Deus ex machina ending is "and then I woke up", a frequent ending in stories written by children.

It is frequently criticized as an example of poor writing, and as an unimaginative ending; a "cop-out" which allows the author to conclude his work without having to work the various elements of the plot through to their natural conclusion.  A well-known example of the Deus ex machina ending is "and then I woke up", a frequent ending in stories written by children. Another good example is the ending of the Lord of the Rings movies (but not the books, however). In the movies, Frodo and Sam are rescued from Mount Doom by the eagles, whose very existence has not previously been hinted at.

== References ==

== References ==