One common element is a cataclysmic event like a meteor strike. For example, in some stories, a huge meteor hitting the earth can cause widespread destruction, leading to the apocalypse. Another element could be a global pandemic. Diseases that spread uncontrollably and kill a large portion of the population are often part of these origin stories. Also, the rise of artificial intelligence gone wrong can be a factor. If AI decides that humans are a threat and starts to eliminate them, it can initiate an apocalyptic scenario.
In an apocalypse origin story, there is often a breakdown of society. This can start with economic collapse. When the financial systems fail, chaos ensues as people struggle for resources. Environmental disasters are also typical. Rising sea levels due to climate change can flood coastal cities and displace millions. War is another factor. Nuclear wars can wipe out large areas and contaminate the land, air, and water, making it difficult for life to survive.
Well, often in an apocalypse origin story, there's some sort of imbalance. It could be a supernatural one, like the gates of hell opening and demons pouring out. This completely disrupts the normal order of things. Or it could be a scientific experiment gone awry. Scientists trying to achieve something great but end up creating a monster or a virus that spreads death. And then there are the natural disasters on a massive scale, like super - volcanoes erupting and covering the sky with ash, blocking out the sun and killing off plants and animals.
Well, often in a villian origin story, there's some form of betrayal. Maybe they were betrayed by a friend or a mentor. This betrayal can shatter their trust in others and make them turn to the dark side. Additionally, a difficult upbringing in a harsh environment, like a poverty - stricken area or a war - torn place, can shape them into a villain. They might have had to fight for survival in ways that made them disregard moral values. And sometimes, a simple accident or discovery that gives them new and dangerous abilities can start their journey as a villain if they use those abilities for wrongdoings.
Often, power hunger is a part of a villain's origin story. They might start off feeling weak or powerless in some aspect of their lives, and then they discover a way to gain power, which corrupts them. For instance, in some stories, a character is bullied at school and then finds a magic object that gives them the ability to control others, and they use it for evil because of their past experiences.
Often, a villain origin story involves a sense of being an outcast. Maybe they were different from others in some way, like having a special ability that was feared or misunderstood. This isolation can lead them to resent society and turn against it. Social inequality can also play a role. If a character grows up in a world where they are constantly oppressed, they might decide to fight back in a negative way, becoming a villain in the eyes of the oppressors. And then there's the influence of a bad mentor or role model. If someone is guided by a person with evil intentions from a young age, they are more likely to become a villain.
One common element is a sense of being an outcast. Whether it's being orphaned, exiled, or wrongly accused, rogues often start on the fringes of society. Another element is the need for survival. This drives them to use their wits and skills in less - than - honest ways. For example, stealing food when they're starving or stealing money to buy shelter.
One common element is a trigger. For natural calamities, it could be a volcanic eruption being triggered by the build - up of magma pressure. In man - made calamities, it could be a single mistake like a wrong switch being flipped in a power plant. Another element is the context. For example, if a city is located in a flood - prone area and there are no proper flood defenses, that's part of the context leading to a flood calamity. Also, there are often contributing factors. In the case of a famine, it could be a combination of drought (environmental), poor agricultural practices (human), and political instability (societal).
Often, a supervillain origin story involves a sense of injustice. They might have been wrongly accused of something, and this made them turn against society. In some cases, it could be a family legacy. If their family has a history of being on the wrong side of the law, they may follow in those footsteps. And sometimes, it's just pure greed. They see an opportunity to gain wealth or status through villainous means and take it.
In an apocalypse horror story, the breakdown of society is common. Laws and order disappear, and people turn on each other. There's also the presence of death and destruction everywhere. The survivors are constantly in fear of being killed or worse. And often, there are limited resources, which leads to intense competition and conflict among the remaining people.
The Apocalypse in Marvel has a complex origin. He is one of the oldest mutants. He was born in ancient Egypt with a unique genetic makeup that granted him various powers. His origin is tied to his belief in survival of the fittest, which led him to manipulate and shape mutantkind over the centuries.
One common element is a tragic past. For example, being bullied or abandoned as a child can fuel their hatred. Another is the pursuit of power. Maybe they were once powerless and saw power as the solution to all their problems. Also, a sense of betrayal can be part of it. If they were betrayed by someone they trusted, like a friend or a mentor, it can turn them into a villain.
One common element is a tragic past. For example, the villain might have been bullied or ostracized as a child, which led to their bitterness. Another element could be a thirst for power. Maybe they were born into a powerless position and vowed to change that at any cost. Also, a failed relationship can be part of it. If they were betrayed by someone they loved deeply, it could turn them evil.