SY251

2014

The Lord of the Rings

Orcs, also known as goblins, are a malevolent race in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, primarily serving the Dark Lords Morgoth and Sauron. Created through the corruption and torture of Elves, their origins are a subject of debate, though the theory of Elven corruption is widely accepted. Physically, Orcs are generally described as short, squat, and swarthy-skinned, with cruel faces and bowed legs.

Orcs are bred for warfare and servitude, lacking creativity and possessing a brutish, destructive nature. They are skilled at crafting weapons and armor but their creations are often crude and utilitarian. They thrive in darkness and are averse to sunlight. Fiercely loyal to their dark masters, they are nonetheless prone to infighting and internal power struggles.

In The Lord of the Rings, Orcs form the bulk of Sauron's armies, participating in the War of the Ring and fighting against the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. They are a constant threat, embodying the forces of evil and destruction. Notable Orcs include commanders like Grishnákh and Gorbag, representing the varying types and loyalties within their ranks.