The process that gives rise to the facial nerve. This process pertains to the initial formation of a structure from unspecified parts. This sensory and motor nerve supplies the muscles of facial expression and the expression and taste at the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The principal branches are the superficial opthalmic, buccal, palatine and hyomandibular. The main trunk synapses within pterygopalatine ganglion in the parotid gland and this ganglion then gives of nerve branches which supply the lacrimal gland and the mucous secreting glands of the nasal and oral cavities.