Typically, you'll find elements like a starting point of chaos or nothingness which then transforms into an ordered world. There are usually spiritual or supernatural forces at work, like gods or spirits creating the world and the first people. A sense of place is also common, where the origin story is tied to a specific geographical location. And many native origin stories have moral lessons or cultural values embedded within them. For example, the story might teach about respect for nature through the role of animals in the creation process or how the land was given to the people with certain responsibilities.
Common elements include creation by a divine being or beings, the emergence of the first humans, and a connection to the land. There's often also a mention of important animals.
One key element is that the Hawaiian Islands were created by the gods. For example, Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, is strongly associated with the formation of the islands. Another aspect is the idea of the first Hawaiians arriving by canoe from other Polynesian islands. They brought with them their language, culture, and traditions which have been passed down through generations.
They often draw from cultural and historical elements specific to a particular group or community.
The appearance of the monsters in native monster stories is also distinct. They often incorporate features of local animals but in a more exaggerated and fearsome way. For instance, a monster might have the body of a bear but with huge, glowing eyes and a long, snake - like tongue to make it seem more terrifying.
One common element is a personal tragedy. For example, the vigilante might have lost a loved one to crime, which fuels their desire for justice. Another element could be a sense of moral outrage at the inefficiency of the legal system. They see wrongdoings going unpunished and feel compelled to take matters into their own hands.
Typical elements in a mythic origin story involve the concept of a beginning. This could be the start of the world, a race, or a civilization. In some Native American origin stories, the tribes are created by the Great Spirit. Magic or a special power is also common. For instance, in Arthurian legends, the sword Excalibur has magical properties that are part of the origin of King Arthur's reign. And of course, there are often characters with extraordinary abilities that shape the story from the start.
In an 'original origin story', one common element is the setting. It gives context to the origin. For example, if it's a story about a scientific discovery, the setting might be a particular laboratory. Also, there's often a problem or conflict that needs to be resolved. This drives the narrative forward and shows why the origin is significant. And of course, there's usually some sort of transformation or change that occurs as part of the origin process.
Common elements in a superhero origin story include a call to action. This could be something like a city in danger or a loved one being threatened. There's also the development of a unique identity. Take Iron Man, for example, Tony Stark creates his high - tech suit and becomes a symbol. Also, there's often a mentor figure involved, like Yoda in Star Wars who mentored Luke Skywalker. In superhero stories, this could be someone who guides the hero in understanding and using their powers.
One common element is a sense of injustice. Usually, the future villain experiences some form of unfair treatment, like being bullied or discriminated against. Another element is isolation. They often feel alone in their situation, which makes their negative feelings grow. For example, a character might be the only one of their kind in a village and be treated poorly because of it.
One common element is the element of secrecy. Spies are often recruited in a hush - hush manner. Another is the need for certain skills like intelligence and adaptability.
One common element is inspiration. It could be from nature, like a beautiful landscape that gives an author an idea for a setting. Another is personal interest. If an author loves history, they might write a historical fiction book. Also, interaction with others can be part of it. Maybe a conversation with a friend sparked an idea for a character or a plot twist.