Final answer:
The purpose of mentioning the disappearance of elves/fairies at the beginning of a story is to establish the setting and create a sense of wonder. Preserved origin stories can provide insights into ancient peoples and customs, but they should be analyzed within their cultural contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of telling about the disappearance of the elves/fairies at the beginning of a story is to establish the myth or legend's setting or background. This sets the stage for the rest of the narrative and helps create a sense of wonder and fantasy. For example, in ancient Eastern Woodlands origin stories, the mention of mythical creatures disappearing could symbolize the connection between the natural world and human experiences.
Using preserved origin stories can be a good way to understand ancient peoples and customs because these stories provide insights into their beliefs, values, and traditions. However, it's important to analyze these stories critically and consider them within their cultural contexts. They may contain symbolic elements or serve specific cultural purposes, so we need to approach them with cultural sensitivity and further research.