Origin legend
In short: A story that explains how a place name, community or tradition began.
Term
How does it work in the tale?
Sang Nila Utama’s encounter with an animal explains the name Singapura. In Tonga, ʻAhoʻeitu’s family ties to the sky help explain the authority of the first Tuʻi Tonga. In each case, ask which beginning the story sets out to explain.
Who explains the place name?
In the Malay Annals story of Singapura, the prince sees an animal on shore. Someone in his party identifies it. The naming scene has two steps. Something is seen, then someone gives what was seen a name. In another origin legend, look for who observes an event and who explains its meaning.