It's impossible to pinpoint the very first omegaverse story. The genre evolved organically, drawing inspiration from various sources and existing tropes. There's no official record or definitive origin point.
However, we can identify early works that significantly contributed to the development of the omegaverse as we know it today.
Early Influences and Precursors:
- "The Mating Season" by K.A. Applegate (1992): This science fiction novel features a society where women experience a cyclical "mating season" marked by heightened emotions and physical changes. While not a full-fledged omegaverse, it explores themes of biological determinism and societal control based on gendered roles that later became staples in the genre.
- "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins (2008): While not strictly an omegaverse, the series features a dystopian society with a "Reaping" system that selects young people for a deadly competition. This concept of a predetermined, ritualistic selection process for mating and reproduction influenced later omegaverse stories.
- "The Wolf and the Dove" by Maggie Stiefvater (2011): This fantasy novel features a world where humans and faeries coexist. The faeries have a unique biology where they experience a "mating season" and are chosen to mate with a specific human partner. This blend of fantasy and biological determinism contributed to the development of the omegaverse.
The Rise of the Omegaverse:
- Fanfiction: The omegaverse gained traction through fanfiction communities, particularly in the fandom of the popular anime series "Naruto". Fanfic writers began exploring the concept of a society where individuals are classified into alphas, betas, and omegas, each with unique biological characteristics and social roles.
- "Alpha & Omega" by Ilona Andrews (2012): This urban fantasy novel is often cited as a key turning point in the omegaverse's popularity. It features a detailed world-building with distinct alpha, beta, and omega roles, incorporating elements of paranormal romance, action, and suspense.
Conclusion:
While the origins of the omegaverse are difficult to trace definitively, it's clear that the genre evolved from a confluence of influences and creative exploration. The omegaverse continues to grow and evolve, with diverse subgenres and interpretations.
