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| | [[Category:Anthropology]] | | [[Category:Anthropology]] |
| | + | [[Category:Mythical creatures]] |
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| | + | [[Image:STAGE ORC.jpg|thumb|200 px|Orc from stage production of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s ''Return of the King'']] |
| | + | '''Orc''' is a word used to refer to various tough and warlike humanoid [[mythical creature]]s in various [[fantasy]] settings, particularly in the stories of [[Middle-earth]] written by [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] and derivative fictions. The word made its appearance earlier in ''[[Beowolf]]'' (denoting monsters), [[Giambattista Basile]] (large talking beasts), and [[William Blake]] (a good creature). [[Ogre]] and [[Goblin]] are sometimes used as synonyms or refer to similar creatures within fiction, however historically the Orc shares little in common with either. Often [[barbarian|barbaric]] and unintelligent, Orcs are usually seen as the most [[war]]-mongering and violent of all mythical creatures. |
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| − | [[Image:STAGE ORC.jpg|thumb|200 px|Orc from stage production of [[J.R.R. Tolkein]]'s ''Return of the King'']] | + | Tolkein was a devout [[Roman Catholic]] and at the same time a lover of [[myth]]s. These came together in his assertion that he believed [[mythology]], however misguided at times, to point toward the Truth.<ref>Ralph C. Wood, [http://www.leaderu.com/humanities/wood-biography.html Biography of J. R. R. Tolkien]. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</ref> Thus, his Orcs can, and should, be interpreted within the context of the symbolism of his writings as a whole. |
| − | [[Image:Orc.svg|right|thumb|A comic fantasy orc.]]
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| − | '''Orc''' is a word used to refer to various tough and warlike humanoid [[race (fantasy)|creatures]] in various [[fantasy]] settings, particularly in the stories of [[Middle-earth]] written by [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] and derivative fictions. Orcs are often portrayed as misshapen humanoids with brutal, warmongering, sadistic, yet cowardly tendencies, although some sources portray them as a proud warrior race with a strong sense of honour. They are variously portrayed as physically stronger or weaker than humans, but always high in numbers. They often ride wolves or [[warg]]s. In many role-playing and computer games, though not in Tolkien's works, Orcs have green skin (earning the name "Greenskins" in most games) and have faces that resemble a cross between a pig and a primate. [[Ogre]] is sometimes used as a synonym or refers to a similar creature within the fiction.
| + | Orcs belong to the side of [[evil]], either brought down to the level of [[Satan]] as fallen [[angel]]s that were cast out of [[Heaven]] along with [[Lucifer]], or the devil's [[soul]]less creation. For indeed, only [[God]] can give [[life]]; Satan is but the "pretender" to the throne and can only imitate God's work. Whether Orcs are fallen [[elf|elves]] (angels) or abominable creations of the devil, does however make a difference to the Orcs. Fallen angels have a chance for restoration and an eternal life of joy and fulfillment in Heaven. The soulless abominations created directly by the devil have power only through their creator. When the source of evil is vanquished, they return to dust. |
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| − | ==Etymology of the word "orc"== | + | ==Description== |
| − | The modern use of the English word "orc" to denote a race of evil, humanoid creatures begins with J.R.R. Tolkien.
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| − | Tolkien's earliest elvish dictionaries include the entry "'''Ork (orq-)''' monster, ogre, demon" together with "'''orqindi''' ogresse." Tolkien sometimes used the plural form ''orqui'' in his early texts.
| + | '''Orcs''' are often portrayed as misshapen [[humanoid]]s with brutal, [[war]]mongering, [[sadism|sadistic]], yet cowardly tendencies, although some sources portray them as a proud warrior race with a strong sense of [[honor]]. They are variously portrayed as physically stronger or weaker than humans, but always high in numbers. They often ride [[wolf|wolves]] or [[warg]]s. In many [[role-playing game|role-playing]] and [[computer game]]s, though not in [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s works, Orcs have green skin (earning the name "Greenskins" in most games) and have faces that resemble a cross between a [[pig]] and a [[primate]]. |
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| − | Tolkien sometimes, particularly in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', used the word "goblin" instead of "orc" to describe the same type of creature.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tolkien|first=J. R. R.|authorlink=J. R. R. Tolkien|year=1937|title=The Hobbit|publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company|location=New York, NY|id=0-395-87346-0|pages=foreword}}</ref> Later in his life he expressed an intention to change the spelling of "orc" to "ork" in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''<ref>{{cite book|last=Tolkien|first=J. R. R.|authorlink=J. R. R. Tolkien|editor=[[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed)|year=1993|title=Morgoth's Ring|publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company|location=New York, NY|id=0-395-68092-1|pages=414, 422}}</ref> but the only place where that spelling surfaced in his lifetime was in the published version of ''The Adventures of Tom Bombadil'', in the poem ''Bombadil Goes Boating'' ("I'll call the orks on you: that'll send you running!"). In the posthumously published ''Silmarillion,'' the spelling "orcs" was retained.
| + | ==Etymology== |
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| − | ===Old English influence===
| + | The modern use of the English word "Orc" to denote a race of [[evil]], [[humanoid]] creatures begins with [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. Tolkien's earliest [[elf|elvish]] dictionaries include the entry ''Ork (orq-)'' "monster, ogre, demon" together with ''orqindi'' "ogresse." Tolkien sometimes used the plural form ''orqui'' in his early texts. In Tolkien's own recollections, he discussed the origin of Orc as follows: |
| − | Tolkien's own statements about the real-world origins of his use of the word "orc" are as follows: | |
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| − | *"the word is as far as I am concerned actually derived from Old English ''orc'' 'demon', but only because of its phonetic suitability"<ref>''The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien'', #144, 25 April 1954.</ref> | + | <blockquote> |
| | + | *the word is as far as I am concerned actually derived from Old English ''Orc'' "[[demon]]," but only because of its [[phonetics|phonetic]] suitability<ref>''The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien'', #144, 25 April 1954.</ref> |
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| − | *"I originally took the word from Old English ''orc'' (''Beowulf'' 112 ''orc-neas'' and the gloss ''orc'' = ''þyrs'' ('ogre'), ''heldeofol'' ('hell-devil'). This is supposed not to be connected with modern English ''orc'', ''ork'', a name applied to various sea-beasts of the dolphin order."<ref>''Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings''.</ref> | + | *I originally took the word from Old English ''Orc'' (''Beowulf'' 112 ''Orc-neas'' and the gloss ''Orc'' = ''þyrs'' ('ogre'), ''heldeofol'' ('hell-devil'). This is supposed not to be connected with modern English ''Orc,'' ''ork,'' a name applied to various sea-beasts of the [[dolphin]] order.<ref>''Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings''.</ref> |
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| − | *"The word used in translation of [[Quenya|Q]] ''urko'', [[Sindarin|S]] ''orch'' is Orc. But that is because of the similarity of the ancient English word ''orc'', 'evil spirit or bogey', to the Elvish words. There is possibly no connection between them. The English word is now generally supposed to be derived from Latin ''[[Orcus]]''."<ref>''The War of the Jewels'', p. 391.</ref> | + | *The word used in translation of [[Quenya]] ''urko,'' [[Sindarin]] ''orch'' is Orc. But that is because of the similarity of the ancient English word ''Orc,'' "evil spirit or bogey," to the Elvish words. There is possibly no connection between them. The English word is now generally supposed to be derived from [[Latin]] ''Orcus.''<ref>''The War of the Jewels'', p. 391.</ref> |
| | + | </blockquote> |
| | + | Tolkien sometimes, particularly in ''[[The Hobbit]],'' used the word "goblin" instead of "Orc" to describe the same type of creature. It should be noted that in more classical settings, [[goblin]]s are hardly seen as human-size and warrior-like, but are rather smaller and more mischievous, like [[pixie]]s. In more modern traditions, goblins and Orcs have come closer in meaning and are at times interchangeable. |
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| − | The word ''*orcné'' (attested in the plural ''orcnéas'') is a ''[[hapax legomenon]]'' in the poem ''[[Beowulf]]''. It is generally supposed to contain an element ''-né'', cognate to [[Gothic language|Gothic]] ''naus'' and Old Norse ''nár'', both meaning "corpse." The usual Old English word for "corpse" is ''líc'', but ''-né'' appears in ''dryhtné'' "dead body of a warrior," where ''dryht'' is the name of a military unit (vaguely translated "band," "host," etc.). In ''*orcné'', if it is to be glossed as "''orcus''-corpse" the meaning may be "corpse from Orcus (i.e. the underworld)" or "devil-corpse," understood as some sort of walking dead. This etymology is plausible, but remains conjectural. The word ''orc'' appears in two other locations in ''Beowulf'', but in both cases refers to cups of precious metal found in a treasure-hoard.
| + | ==Literary representations== |
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| − | Old English ''þyrs'', given as a gloss for Latin ''orcus'', is cognate to Old Norse ''þurs'' "giant, ogre" (both from Common Germanic *[[thurisaz]], in Norse mythology referring to one of the monstrous descendants of the giant [[Ymir]]. But it is to be noted in connection with Tolkien's reference to a gloss ''orc''=''þyrs'' that while there is an entry in an 11th century English glossary which implies such an equivalence ("[Latin] ''orcus'' [Old English] ''orc þyrs oððe heldeofol''," this is in fact a conflation of two glosses in an earlier glossary of the 7th century, found in two different places, namely: "[Latin] ''orcus'' [Old English] ''orc''" and "[Latin] ''orcus'' [Old English] ''þyrs oððe heldiubol''." The first of these two glosses is in a section devoted to household implements, and ''orcus'' is, in that place, a corruption of Latin ''urceus'' "jug, pitcher" or of ''orca'' "pot, jar." The word ''orc'' in these glosses only has the meaning "cup"; it is descended from an early Germanic borrowing from ''urceus'', related to [[Gothic language|Gothic]] ''aurkeis'' "cup."
| + | [[Image:Orc.svg|right|thumb|A comic fantasy Orc.]] |
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| − | Tolkien's assumption that ''orc'' and ''þyrs'' had the same meaning was therefore an error, though one shared for several decades by other scholars, as it had entered into some commonly-used dictionaries of Old English (e.g. Bosworth and Toller's "An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary" (1898), corrected in later editions).
| + | The [[Italy|Italian]] author [[Giambattista Basile]] claimed to be passing on oral [[folktale]]s from his region that he had collected over the years when he described large, speaking, mannish beasts (hairy and tusked) that lived away in a dark forest or garden, and that might be evil (capturing/eating humans), indifferent, or even benevolent—all depending on the tale. (See especially his tales ''Peruonto'' and Lo ''Cuento dell'Uerco''.) |
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| − | ===Early modern usage===
| + | Another major author who used Orcs in their writings before Tolkien (not including the use of goblins) was the British poet [[William Blake]]. Unlike the medieval sea beast, or Basile's and Tolkien's humanoid monster, Blake's Orc is a positive figure; the embodiment of creative passion and energy, ''Orc'' being an anagram of ''Cor,'' heart. |
| − | As far as what otherwise might have influenced Tolkien, the OED lists a 1656 use (see below) of an English word ‘orke’ in a way reminiscent of giants, ogres and the like. It is presumed that such usage (orke=ogre) came into English via fairy tales from the continent, especially from [[Charles Perrault]] (17th cent. France), who himself borrowed most of his stories (and developed his 'ogre') from the 16th century Italian writers [[Giovanni Francesco Straparola]] and [[Giambattista Basile]]. (Straparola [c. 1440–c. 1557] has been credited with introducing to Europe the literary form of the 'fairy tale'.)
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| − | Basile (d. 1632) wrote in the Naples dialect (though Naples was, at that time, controlled by Spain), claiming simply to be passing on oral folktales from his region that he'd collected over the years. In at least a dozen or more tales, Basile used 'huorco' (or 'huerco', 'uerco') which is the Neapolitan form of ‘orco’ [modern It. ‘giant’, 'monster'] to describe a large, speaking, mannish beast (hairy and tusked) that lived away in a dark forest or garden, and that might be evil (capturing/eating humans), indifferent or even benevolent - all depending on the tale. (See especially his tales ''[[Peruonto]]'' and ''Lo Cuento dell'Uerco''.)
| + | ===Tolkien's Orcs=== |
| | + | In [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s writing, Orcs are of human shape, but smaller than Men, ugly, and filthy. In a private letter, Tolkien described them as "squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes".<ref>''The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien'' (Houghton Mifflin 1981), p. 274.</ref> Orcs eat all manner of flesh, including human. Although not dim-witted, they are portrayed as dull and miserable beings, who are only able to destroy, not to create. |
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| − | But the 1656 English use of 'orke' (forty-one years before Perrault published his ''[[Mother Goose]]'' tales) comes from a fairy-tale by Samuel Holland entitled ''Don Zara'', which is a pastiche and parody of fantastical Spanish romances like ''[[Don Quixote]]'', and presumably is populated by beasts and monsters common to them. (Note: Straparola was translated into Spanish in 1583. Independent of this, there is in Spain to this day the folktale of the ‘huerco’ or ‘güercu’, which is a harbinger of impending death; a shade in the form of the person about to die.)
| + | Orcs are first described in ''The Tale of [[Lúthien|Tinúviel]]'' as "foul broodlings of [[Melkor|Melko]] who fared abroad doing his evil work." In ''The Fall of [[Gondolin]]'' Tolkien wrote that |
| | + | <blockquote>all that race were bred by Melko of the subterranean heats and slime. Their hearts were of granite and their bodies deformed; foul their faces which smiled not, but their laugh that of the clash of metal, and to nothing were they more fain than to aid in the basest of the purposes of Melko.</blockquote> |
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| − | From under the OED entry ‘orc’:
| + | In some versions of his stories, Tolkien conceived Orcs to be marred [[Elf|Elves]], enslaved by Melko (aka Melkor and later Morgoth, Tolkien's personification of [[Satan]]), broken and twisted into his [[evil]] soldiers. Other versions (including notes made both early and late in Tolkien's life) have Orcs as "parodies" or false-creations of Morgoth's that are animated solely by his evil will (or, perhaps, by his own essence diffused into each), and made intentionally to mock or spite [[Eru]]'s (also known as Ilúvatar, and who represents [[God]] in Tolkein's tales) creations--the elves and men. |
| − | *'''1605''' <u>J. SYLVESTER</u> tr. G. de S. Du Bartas ''Deuine Weekes & Wks.'' (II. i. 337) “Insatiate Orque, that euen at one repast, Almost all creatures in the World would waste.” [seeming ‘orca’ usage]
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| − | *'''1656''' <u>S. HOLLAND</u> ''Don Zara'' (I. i. 6) “Who at one stroke didst pare away three heads from off the shoulders of an Orke, begotten by an Incubus.” [seeming ‘ogre’ usage]
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| − | *'''1854''' ''Putnam's Monthly Mag.'' (Oct. 380/1) “The elves and the nickers, the orcs and the giants." [usage unclear]
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| − | *'''1865''' <u>C. KINGSLEY</u> ''Hereward'' (I. i. 71) “But beyond, things unspeakable — dragons, giants, rocs, orcs, witch-whales … ” [usage unclear]
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| − | Whether 'orke', 'ogre', 'huerco' or 'orco', the word ultimately comes from Latin [[Orcus (mythology)|''Orcus'']], and has apparently descended by several stages through the meanings "underworld, hell," "devil," "evil creature" and at last "ogre." Note that Tolkien and the lexicons he used also attributed the origin of the doubtful Old English ''orc'' to ''Orcus'', and that in one of his invented languages the word for "orc" also had the form ''orco''.
| + | In ''The Silmarillion,'' Tolkien writes that Orcs were created in mockery of Elves, and indeed that they were originally Elves for only Ilúvatar had the power to create life: |
| | + | <blockquote>Yet this is held true by the wise of Eressëa, that all those of the Quendi who came into the hands of Melkor, ere Utumno was broken, were put there in prison, and by slow arts of cruelty were corrupted and enslaved; and thus did Melkor breed the hideous race of the Orcs in envy and mockery of the Elves, of whom they were afterwards the bitterest foes. For the Orcs had life and multiplied after the manner of the Children of Ilúvatar; and naught that had life of its own, nor the semblance of life, could ever Melkor make since his rebellion in the Ainulindalë before the Beginning; so say the wise. And deep in their dark hearts the Orcs loathed the Master whom they served in fear, the maker only of their misery. This it may be was the vilest deed of Melkor, and the most hateful to Ilúvatar.<ref>''The Silmarillion'' p. 47</ref></blockquote> |
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| − | Words derived from or related to Italian ''orco'' are fairly common in Mediterranean countries; in addition to Italian dialectal uerco, huerco and huorco and Spanish güercu, there is also Tyrolean ''ork'' which may be either a house gnome or a mountain spirit that acts as protector of wildlife [http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www.sphinx-suche.de/lexmonst/ork.htm]. Such creatures have little in common with Tolkien's orcs.
| + | In another account, Melkor captured some Elves before the Valar came to rescue them, and he [[torture]]d and perverted them, producing the first Orcs.<ref>''Morgoth's Ring'' pp. 72-73</ref> But other versions of the story (written both before and after the version that appears in ''The Silmarillion'') discount this, and claim that the Orcs are [[soul]]less beings animated solely by the will of their evil lord (be it Melkor or, later, Sauron), which explains why they collapse and retreat in battle should the “guiding will” be removed. This latter version falls more in line with the idea of Morgoth’s dispersal into the world he marred, and with the idea that his creations were mere imitations (such as "Orc" = parody of "Elf"); it also provides a moral basis for later inhabitants of Middle-earth, who kill Orcs without compassion or compunction. |
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| − | Tolkien, being born in 1892, would certainly have been exposed to the [[Mother Goose]] tales and the like. Whether he ever read Straparola, Basile or even Holland's ''Don Zara'' is unknown. Whatever the case, he certainly would have come across creatures (orkes and ogres) descended etymologically from L. ‘Orcus’, and not just in ''Beowulf'' – though that earliest image seems to be the one that most ‘stuck’ in his mind.
| + | Other versions state that Morgoth bred the Orcs from Men, whose awakening in such texts is placed soon after the awakening of the Elves.<ref>''Morgoth's Ring'', p.416-21.</ref> Tolkien also suggested that Men were cross-bred with Orcs under Morgoth's lieutenant, Sauron. The fierce black Orcs known as [[Uruks]] were created in this way. The process was later repeated during the War of the Ring by Saruman, enabling him to create the "fighting" Uruk-Hai, in Tolkien's second installment of the ''Lord of the Rings'' trilogy, ''The Two Towers.'' |
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| − | Tolkien explicitly denied any intended connection between his "orc" and the other existing English word ''orc'', referring to the [[orca|killer whale]] (''Orcinus orca''), the grampus and other cetaceans. This is a borrowing from Latin ''orca'' (used by [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]] to refer to some kind of whale, quite likely ''Orcinus orca'').
| + | ==Pop culture== |
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| − | For more on Tolkien's invented etymology of the word "orc," see ''[[Orc#Tolkien's Orcs|Tolkien's Orcs]]'' below.
| + | In the late twentieth century new interest in the works of Tolkien coincided with the beginnings of a [[fantasy]] sub-culture that included [[literature]], [[film]]s, [[television]] shows, [[role-playing game|role-playing]], and [[video game]]s. Tolkien's impact on this movement can be seen in how much is borrowed from his tales of "Middle-earth," particularly the idea of Orcs. |
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| − | ===Similar words of distinct origin===
| + | In the popular role-playing game, ''Dungeons & Dragons,'' a major character, Warhammer, is identifiable as an Orc. Orcs also feature prominently in the ''Magic: The Gathering'' and ''Warcraft'' role-playing games. In many of the fantasy oriented books and graphic novels of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Orcs have become almost stock characters, easily recognizable as [[evil]] and [[war]]-mongering. |
| − | The use of the word "orc" in any of its monstrous senses should not be confused with various other words that have a superficial resemblance, including [[Gaels|Gaelic]] ''orc'' (a [[Goidelic]] form of [[Proto-Indo-European]] *porkos "young pig") and [[Old Norse language|Norse]] ''ørkn'' meaning "seal" [http://www.orkneyjar.com/placenames/orkney.htm].
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| − | Also there's a supported theory that Orkish has an [[Ural-Altaic]] origin. Many Orkish words also derived from Ural-Altaic languages (especially from [[Mongolian language|Mongolian]], [[Turkish language|Turkish]], and [[Finnish language|Finnish]]) by Tolkien.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
| + | ==Notes== |
| − | <!-- [[Media:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazg%C3%BBl]]
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| − | [[Media:http://www.uib.no/People/hnohf/orkish.htm]] —>
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| − | ==Blake's Orc==
| + | <references /> |
| − | {{main|Orc (William Blake)}}
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| − | '''Orc''' (a proper name) is also one of the characters in the writings of [[William Blake]].
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| − | Unlike the medieval sea beast, or Basile's (see above) & Tolkien's humanoid monster, Blake's Orc is a positive figure; the embodiment of creative passion and energy, ''Orc'' being an anagram of ''Cor'', heart.
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| − | ==Tolkien's Orcs==
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| − | {{main|Orc (Middle-earth)}}
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| − | The humanoid, non-maritime race of Orcs that exist in [[Middle-earth]] are [[J. R. R. Tolkien's]] invention. The term 'Orc' is usually capitalised in Tolkien's writing, but not necessarily in other sources. In Tolkien's writing, Orcs are of human shape, but smaller than Men, ugly, and filthy. In a private letter, Tolkien describes them as "squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes".<ref>''The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien'' (Houghton Mifflin 1981), p. 274.</ref> Although not dim-witted, they are portrayed as dull and miserable beings, who are only able to destroy, not to create.
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| − | Orcs are first described in ''The Tale of [[Lúthien|Tinúviel]]'' as <!--
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| − | Spelled "Melko," not "Melkor," in the original quote. Please do not "correct."
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| − | —>"foul broodlings of [[Melkor|Melko]] ''[sic]'' who fared abroad doing his evil work." In ''The Fall of [[Gondolin]]'' Tolkien wrote that "all that race were bred by Melko of the subterranean heats and slime. Their hearts were of granite and their bodies deformed; foul their faces which smiled not, but their laugh that of the clash of metal, and to nothing were they more fain than to aid in the basest of the purposes of Melko<!--
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| − | Spelled "Melko," not "Melkor," in the original quote. Please do not "correct."
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| − | —>."
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| − | Orcs eat all manner of flesh, including human. In Chapter II of ''[[The Two Towers]]'', a leader of an [[Uruk-hai]] battalion from [[Isengard]] claims the Orcs of [[Mordor]] are cannibals, but whether that is true or a statement spoken in malice is uncertain; what does seem certain is that, true or false, the Orcs resent that description. However, knowing what they are like and from later events, it seems likely that Orcs do eat other Orcs. Later in ''The Two Towers'', Merry and Pippin are presented with meat by an orc after a fight occurred in which the Uruk-hai killed several orcs; the narration is vague as to what species the flesh belongs to. In the film, the famous line "Looks like meat's back on the menu, boys," occurs when an orc is killed by another in an attempt to protect their captives. Tolkien also describes them as bow-legged. They fight with ferocity (so long as a guiding 'will' [e.g., [[Morgoth]] or [[Sauron]]] compels/directs them). In some places, Tolkien describes Orcs as mainly being battle fodder (Cf. The Battles of the [[Fords of Isen]]). Orcs are used as soldiers by both the greater and lesser villains of ''The Lord of the Rings'' — Sauron and [[Saruman]].
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| − | In some versions of his stories, Tolkien conceived Orcs to be marred [[Elf (Middle-earth)|Elves]], enslaved by [[Morgoth]], broken and twisted into his evil soldiers. Other versions (including notes made both early and late in Tolkien's life) have Orcs as 'parodies' or false-creations of Morgoth's that are animated solely by his evil will (or, perhaps, by his own essence diffused into each), and made intentionally to mock or spite [[Eru]]'s creations — the [[Eldar]] and [[Edain]].
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| − | Tolkien also "suggested" that [[Man (Middle-earth)|Men]] were cross-bred with Orcs under Morgoth's lieutenant, Sauron (and possibly under Morgoth himself). The fierce black orcs known as [[Uruks]] were created in this way. The process was later repeated during the [[War of the Ring]] by Saruman, enabling him to create the "fighting" Uruk-Hai.
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| − | When writing ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Tolkien carried over the concept of the "orc" that he had developed in writing early versions of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', just as he carried over references to Elves, [[Gondolin]], and other elements of the Silmarillion. In ''The Hobbit'', however, he mostly used the word '[[goblin]]' for these creatures, though the word "orc" occasionally appears: e.g. when Gandalf describes the Grey Mountains as being "simply stiff with goblins, hobgoblins, and orcs of the worst description." In ''The Lord of the Rings'', "Orc" is used predominantly to describe such creatures, and the use of the term "goblin" seems restricted to use by the [[Hobbit]]s, though the term is used by others and applied to the advanced Uruk-hai.
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| − | In ''[[The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Saruman bred his own "modified" Uruk-hai. These were larger and much stronger, and could resist the sunlight.
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| − | Within Tolkien's invented languages, the Elvish words for "orc" are derived from a root '''ruk''' referring to fear and horror, from which is derived an expanded form of the root, '''uruk'''. A noun ''*uruku'' is produced from the extended root. This eventually turns into Quenya ''urco'', plural ''urqui''. A related word ''*urkō'' produces Sindarin ''orch'', plural ''yrch''. The Quenya words are said to be less specific in meaning than the Sindarin, meaning "bogey." For the specific creatures called ''yrch'' by the Sindar, the Quenya word ''orco'', with plurals ''orcor'' and ''orqui'', was created.
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| − | These orcs had similar names in other languages of [[Middle-earth]]: in Orkish ''uruk'' (restricted to the larger soldier-orcs), in the language of the Drúedain ''gorgûn'', in [[Khuzdul]] ''rukhs'', plural ''rakhâs'', and in the language of Rohan and in the Common Speech ''orc''.
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| − | ==Orcs in other fantasy works==
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| − | Since the publication of Tolkien's epic novel, ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', creatures called "orcs" have become a fixture of [[fantasy]] fiction and [[role-playing game]]s. In these derivative sources, orcs and goblins are usually considered distinct races of [[goblinoid]]s. For some time they were often depicted with pig-like faces, although there is no such description in Tolkien's work. A possible explanation of this is the coincidence with Irish ''orc'' (cognate of English ''pork'') that means 'swine'. An alternative theory is that they were often depicted as pig-like due to the tusked and pig-like description of the ''orco'' (ogre) in Canto 17 of [[Ludovico Ariosto|Ariosto]]'s ''[[Orlando Furioso]]''. (The ''orco'' is, of course, described as pig-like because it gave Ariosto a chance to rhyme ''orco'' with ''porco'' "pig".)
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| − | In the 1980s another orc archetype was introduced by the table-top miniature war games [[Warhammer Fantasy Battle]] and [[Warhammer 40,000]]; a heavily-muscled, green-skinned barbarian with exaggerated tusks, brow, and lower jaw. This is the first instance of a an Orc being green{{Fact|date=April 2007}}. This style of orc has since become popular in a vast number of fantasy settings and games, including a signature of the [[Warcraft]] series of computer games and spin-offs.
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| − | In the [[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]], a new race of horned orc-like creatures called Bulblins appeared, replacing the anthropomorphic moblins.
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| − | === Dungeons & Dragons ===
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| − | ''For orcs in the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' fantasy [[role-playing game]], see [[Orc (Dungeons & Dragons)]].''
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| − | === Warhammer ===
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| − | :''Main articles: [[Orc (Warhammer)]] and [[Ork (Warhammer 40,000)]]''
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| − | [[Games Workshop]]'s [[Warhammer Fantasy]] and ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]'' games feature Orcs as well (spelt Orks in ''Warhammer 40,000''). The latter setting is unique for featuring Orks in a science fiction environment, capable of building crude, but functional vehicles, firearms and even spaceships. Anatomically, Warhammer Orcs are no taller but substantially broader than humans, with short legs and long arms much like an ape. They have massive heads which come directly forward on their necks, giving them a stooping appearance. They have tough thick green skin which is highly resistant to pain.
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| − | Warhammer Orcs aren't very smart, but can be cunning at times. They are extremely warlike and the whole society is geared towards constant warfare. The constant need to fight is the expression of Orc culture, a fact that keeps the Orcs from forming anything but temporary alliances with each other. In combat they can transform even the most common object into a lethal killing instrument. Orcs tend to ally with Goblins (called [[Gretchin]] in ''Warhammer 40,000'') and [[Snotling]]s, but their alliance is more of a matter of the Orcs bullying their smaller Goblinoid ([[Orkoid]] in ''Warhammer 40,000'') cousins into being everything from servants, to Human (Goblin) shields, to an emergency food source. They worship a pair of gods known as [[Gork and Mork]] (other gods were included in earlier editions of the game, but are no longer included).
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| − | === ''Warcraft'' ===
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| − | {{main|Orc (Warcraft)}}
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| − | In the'' [[Warcraft Universe|Warcraft]]'' [[computer game]] series Orcs are depicted as more ethically and socially complex than in most renditions. The great Orcish race is a savage but noble race made of [[Shaman (World of Warcraft)|shamanistic]] and fierce warriors. Their race came from the world of [[Draenor]], and were corrupted by a demonic force known as the [[Burning Legion]], as the Legion saw that they could make a most fierce and savage army. Under the Legion's influence, the Orcish Horde slaughtered the [[Draenei]], who consequently fled from Draenor to escape the Legion, and then were led to the world of [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]. After two devastating wars, the Orcs were finally defeated on Azeroth and rounded up into internment camps. They remained there until a young Orc named [[Thrall (Warcraft)|Thrall]], who was raised by humans, rallied them together, freed the Horde from their demonic taint, and helped return them to their shamanistic roots.
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| − | ''Warcraft'' Orcs are humanoid, but prodigiously muscled and green with broad noses and distinctive tusked mouths. Male orcs are significantly larger than humans, around 6 and a half feet tall when standing straight. Females are slightly larger than a human female, and while much more slender than their male counterparts, they are nonetheless well-muscled. Female orcs' tusks are very small to nearly nonexistent, arguably more exaggerated canines than tusks. Orc warriors are characterized by wearing scant armor with horned helmets and wielding axes as weapons. Warcraft is one of the few settings in which Orcs are not inherently evil, and, after significant plot developments in the latest ''Warcraft'' games, can even be heroic. One could consider the orcs unfairly treated by humans and not only misunderstood, but vilified. The humans' (of which were already somewhat xenophobic) enmity and prejudice towards the Orcs can be traced back to the first and second invasions, and could be fully justified, as it was orcs under the control of the Burning Legion that invaded.
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| − | Their political standpoint in the ''Warcraft'' universe is set as the leading race of the [[Horde (Warcraft)|Horde]], an association of races made to help their mutual survival.
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| − | ===Final Fantasy XI===
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| − | In the [[MMORPG]] ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'', the Orcs are a tribe of [[Beastmen]]. Though the Orcish Empire lies far to the north, its advance forces have two large strongholds near the city of San d'Oria: the Davoi Monastery and Fort Ghelsba. The Orcs frequently launch small missions out of their strongholds, and they practically control Jugner Forest and Ronfaure.
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| − | Personality-wise, they follow the same pattern as many fantasy Orcs: brutish, savage and slow witted. Their entire culture is centred on violence; service in the Orcish military is mandatory for both males and females, and social standing is determined by military rank. The Orcs formerly occupied a sacred garden in Ronfaure which was destroyed as the San d’Orian Empire expanded during the Age of Power, adding to their already fierce hatred of the peoples of Vana'diel. The San d'Orian catehdral teaches that during the [[Age of Darkness]], the Orcs (and other beastmen) were constructed by the god [[Vana'diel|Promathia]] to constantly battle with the human(oid)s of Vana'diel, adding to the distance between most people and beastmen.
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| − | Orcs have a variety of classes...Warrior, Black Mage, Thief, White Mage, Ranger.
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| − | ===The Elder Scrolls series===
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| − | [[Orsimer]] (Pariah Folk) (Mer implying an elven race) are sophisticated barbarian beast peoples of the Wrothgarian and Dragontail Mountains and are noted for their unshakeable courage in war and their unflinching endurance of hardships. In the past, Orcs have been widely feared and hated by the other nations and races of [[Tamriel]], but they have slowly won acceptance in the Empire, in particular for their distinguished service in the Emperor's Legions. Orcish armorers are prized for their craftsmanship, and Orc warriors in heavy armor are among the finest front-line troops in the Empire. Most Imperial citizens regard Orc society as rough and cruel, but there is much to admire in their fierce tribal loyalties and generous equality of rank and respect among the sexes. According to ancient legend, they were once elves before the Daedric Prince Boethiah defiled their god and stole their heritage by deceiving and leading them astray.
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| − | The Orcs of the Elder Scrolls are generally depicted as of similar stature and build as large humans. Their culture produces proud, but often dull-witted, warriors (although some have demonstrated exceptional intelligence). They have bestial faces, with piggish, upturned noses and often with tusks. The female Orcs appear slightly more human, but also have a trace of the bestiality in their features. Until the events of Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, Orcs were rampaging monsters hunted by the other races. Their leader, Gortwog, tired of their nomadic lives and outlaw nature, used [[Numidium]] to found the city [[Orsinium|Nova Orsinium]] (New Orc Town, a mixture of Cyrodiilic and Aldmeris etymology), winning his race recognition (if not quite respect) as citizens of the Empire. Though some orcs have turned to this new way of life, many are still outlaws. Orcs have gendered-patronymic surnames, being either Gro-''patronym'' for males or Gra-''patronym'' for females. The main idea that separates the Elder Scroll Orcs from other fantasy series is that in the Elder Scrolls series, Orcs are accepted beings, and are not associated with evil. They are as respected as the other races in the empire, the [[Argonians]], [[Bretons]], the [[Dunmer]], the [[Altmer]], [[Imperials]], [[Khajiit]], the [[Nords]], [[Redguard]], and the [[Bosmer]].
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| − | ===Lineage II===
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| − | In Korean [[MMORPG]] [[Lineage II]], orcs are one of the 5 races you can choose when creating a new character. The Orc race is the race of fire, so they worship a god of fire, [[Paagrio]]. Orcs live in the land of [[Elmore (Lineage 2)|Elmore]], where they have been banished after they were defeated by the human-elf alliance. Orcs have the second greatest physical strength and the fastest recovery rate. They have natural resistances for various negative effects, such as poison or sickness. They also have the fastest health and mana regain. However, they lack in accuracy, evasion, speed and casting speed. Orcs are now slowly preparing to take the command of [[Aden (Lineage 2)|Aden]] once again, after they were defeated the last time. They live for war and for pride.
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| − | The orcs in this game have stylized hair (mostly braided or tied) and heavily muscled bodies. Although they are not as exaggerated as the WH orcs, they still have fangs, but with more sexual appeal.
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| − | === Hârn===
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| − | In the [[Hârn]] universal fantasy role-playing setting (and the distinct subsequently developed game system) created by [[N. Robin Crossby]] and published by [[Columbia Games]], orcs are called [[Gargûn]]. While loosely derived from the Middle-earth legendarium, they have a distinct morphology and life-cycle similar to the [[naked mole rat]]. There are five distinct species of Gargun, none of whom can interbreed. They are squat, hairy, [[Hobbes#Leviathan|nasty, brutish, and short]] creatures. Some species are subterranean, while others can be found above ground in roving bands. One of the larger species is the Gargu-Khanu. Gargu-Khanu are often found in mixed-species colonies where they are overlords of the smaller vassal species, controlling access to the singular breeding queen of the other species as well as their own.
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| − | === Earthdawn and Shadowrun===
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| − | In the fantasy role-playing games [[Earthdawn]] and [[Shadowrun]], orks are, in contrast to the common fantasy Orc, neither inherently good nor evil. In Earthdawn they have their place among the other name-giving races: Humans, [[dwarf]]s, elves, [[obsidiman|obsidimen]], [[t'skrang]], [[troll]]s, and [[windling]]s. In Shadowrun, orks are just one race among others on Earth in the years past 2050. They emerged during the Unexplained Genetic Expression in the year 2021 as either young humans changed to orks or ones born as orks from human parents. They are categorized as ''homo sapiens robustus'', and are considered metahumans, like trolls, elves, and dwarfs.
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| − | Orks are able to interbreed with humans and fellow metahumans. Despite this, their offspring will be of the race of only one of their parents. No half-breeds exist. They grow much faster than humans, reach maturity at the age of 12, and give birth to a litter of about four children, though six to eight are not uncommon. Their average life-expectancy is about 35 to 40 years. They are physically larger and stronger than humans. Their mental capacities are considered slightly inferior on average to humans, though they are still not as dull as the average troll.
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| − | === Sovereign Stone Series ===
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| − | In the Sovereign Stone Trilogy, Orks' are a seafaring people, and with Humans, Elves, Dwarves and Lizardmen, one of the five great species that rule the land. They are very superstitious, believing in even the slightest omen. They are aligned to the element of water and their leader, The Captain of Captains, possesses one fifth of the prized Sovereign Stone as well as being a Dominion Lord.
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| − | ===The Killing Spirit===
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| − | [[The Killing Spirit]], a fantasy novel written by [[Sean-Michael Argo]], engages the race of orcs from their own perspective. The orcs are presented as being the creations of a race of gods, called the Sheul. While similar to the Middle-earth legendarium, the orcs are divided into two groups. The first group are swarthy and stooped, living in clans on the coasts and mainland. The other group are tall and proud tribal warriors of dark forests and frozen mountains. The orcish women live in communal huts and choose mates based on perceived 'supremacy'. Unlike other fantasy settings, the orcs of this setting are portrayed as being highly intelligent and able to use magic, though have a brutish language that combines with their violent tendencies to create the illusion of simplicity. A unique element is that they are able to use magic to transform themselves into [[eldritch]] berzerkers, which they call the Gor-Angir, or 'the killing spirit'.
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| − | ===The Three Towns===
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| − | In the fantasy realm of the Three Towns[http://www.trustinginthefuture.com/3towns] the orcs are a vile race of strong, squat, furry humaniods in league with the iron brotherhood (an evil race of men). The orcs originate in the foothills of mount drassa, and have crossbred with many of the native human barbarians there, it is speculated that thier crossbreeding with the race of giants has created the ogres, but this is not explained in enough detail to know for certain. The orcs pillage the Three Towns in order to accumulate enough sacrifices to revive thier blood god.
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| − | === Utopia ===
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| − | In [[Utopia (online game)|Utopia]], a web-based tactic game, Orcs are one of the 8 races. In Utopia, Orcs are known for good offensive abilities and weak capabilities in the art of magic and thievery. They are a destructive and evil race by description. In the real game, there are no good or evil races. There is no visual description of Orcs in Utopia because of the non-visual, text based nature of the game.
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| − | === Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura ===
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| − | In [[Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura]], orcs are descended from early humans, although they were popularly considered a monstrous race before the Industrial Revolution. They generally look like savage parodies of humans. Orcs are strong and hardy but live short life spans. Before the Industrial Revolution, they were nomads who lived off the land and occasionally off of people unlucky enough to travel near them. As time passes, more orcs move to cities, where their strength and stamina make them ideal factory workers. Although they are considered intellectually inferior, their lack of brain power may be the result of their poor upbringing and educational opportunities; people of orcish descent who receive the opportunity to reach their full potential prove to be as able-minded as humans.
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| − | ===Orkworld===
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| − | [[Orkworld]] is a [[role-playing game]] which attempts to develop orcs as a complete and viable culture. The Orkworld version operates in a [[matriarchal]] society with very strong communal ties. They are attempting to hold off [[genocidal]] humans, [[elf|elves]], and [[dwarves]].
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| − | ===Magic: The Gathering===
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| − | In the [[Collectible card game|CCG]] [[Magic:The Gathering]], Orcs are portrayed as generally cowardly warriors who relied extensively on the smaller, less intelligent [[Goblin]]s when waging warfare. Very few creatures of the "Orc" type were printed, most of which appeared in the [[Fallen Empires]] and [[Ice Age (Magic: The Gathering)|Ice Age]] expansion sets. While Orcs were reprinted in more recent core sets, they never appeared in any subsequent expansion sets until [[Coldsnap]]. This is possibly due to being superfluous; Goblins best represented the unthinking and vicious warmongering associated with the game's Red color. Coldsnap, however, introduces more Orc cards, along with a legendary Orc Shaman.
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| − | ===Disciples===
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| − | In the strategy game series [[Disciples II: Dark Prophecy|Disciples]], Orcs are the dominant race of the "greenskin" species, which also includes various goblins, [[trolls]], [[ogres]], and [[cyclopes]]. It is to be noted that there are two strains of orcs: "small mouth" types, which appear to be constitute a lower caste, and "large mouth" types, which are dominant, being stronger and better-equipped. Orc Kings may be of a still different strain, being bulkier. Although they are the most intelligent, and therefore ruling, race of all greenskins, they live in disorganized tribal societies, and although they are sometimes hired as mercenaries, they are usually considered no more than a nuisance by more civilised races.
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| − | ===Siege of Avalon===
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| − | The role-playing game [[Siege of Avalon]] features a race of human-orc hybrids called Sha'ahoul. They are a race of nomads, whose beliefs forbid them from farming or building. When they discover human kingdoms (who do both), they form a unified horde and declare war on humans. Most of the Sha'ahoul look similar to the Warhammer orcs - large, stocky, filled with bloodlust, etc. There is a caste, however, who look very much like the humans of the Seven Kingdoms and are adept at magical arts. Their more brutish cousins prefer weapons to magic, but the leader of the Sha'ahoul horde understands the need for magic against the powerful wizards of the kingdoms. While their beliefs forbid them from building structures on the ground, the Sha'ahoul can still build primitive warships, which they use to set up blockades against human supply ships.
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| − | ===Fallout===
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| − | The [[Fallout (computer game)|Fallout]] series of games featured a race of Super Mutants, who physically and mentally resembled fantasy Orcs (big, green, ugly, not too bright, etc.). These Super Mutants are quite adept at using advanced weapons like plasma rifles and laser chainguns.
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| − | ===Palladium Fantasy===
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| − | In the [[Palladium Fantasy Role-playing Game]], orcs are a race of stupid, but strong, humanoids who may be descended from [[faeries]]. They are frequently the pawns of more powerful creatures, as they tend to respect strength (be it physical or magical). They have very strong family ties, however.
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| − | ===Flintloque===
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| − | In [[Flintloque]], a fantasy wargame based on the [[Napoleonic Wars]] Orcs come from Albion and Guinelia, representing the English and Irish, specifically. They have similar cultures to their real world counterparts at that time.
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| − | === Ciredaun ===
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| − | In the fantasy world of Ciredaun, Orcs are a the result of Ogre-Elf crossbreeding.
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| − | ===Orcish music===
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| − | The Swedish music group [[Za Frûmi]] started making music inspired by orcs in the year 2000. Since then 2 CDs been released in their orcish tale. Speech in the music is in [[Black Speech|black speech]]. The debut CD is called "[[Za Shum Ushatar Uglakh]]," which means "the great warrior Uglakh."
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| − | The band [[3 Inches Of Blood]] has a song called "Destroy the Orcs"
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| − | The French Zeuhl band [[Magma (band)|Magma]] released two songs about orcs: "Soleil d'Ork" (from the album '''Udu Wudu''') and "Ork Alarm" (from the album '''Kohntarkosz''').
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| − | ==Places==
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| − | * '''Insi Orc''': In old Gaelic means 'Island of the Orcs' or 'Islands of the Wild Boar', later called the Orchades by Diodurus Siculus (1st century B.C.E.), called Orcades by [[Pliny the Elder]], Orkneyjar ('Seal Islands') by the Norsemen, and finally shortened to the [[Orkney Islands]] by the Scots speakers.[http://www.orkneyjar.com/placenames/orkney.htm]
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| − | *'''Orkahaugr''': Norwegian name for [[Maeshowe]], a chambered [[cairn]]. Orkahaugr could mean 'The Howe (Mound) of the Orcs'. It could also mean Orkis' Howe, if Orkis was a person's name.
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| − | * '''Cape Orcas''': northern tip of Scotland across the [[Pentland Firth]], mentioned by Pliny
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| − | * '''Grotta dell' Orco''': In Italy, an [[Etruscan civilization|Etruscan]] tomb, wherein is a fresco of the [[underworld]], [[Tuchulcha]]s, and a [[cyclops]]. (see: [[Orcus (mythology)|Orcus]])
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| | | | |
| | ==References== | | ==References== |
| − | <div class="references-small">
| + | * Carpenter, Humphrey and Christopher Tolkien(eds.) (1981). ''The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien''. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-31555-7 |
| − | <references />
| + | * Colbert, David (2002). ''The Magical Worlds of Lord of the Rings: The Amazing Myths, Legends and Facts Behind the Masterpiece''. Berkley Trade. ISBN 0425187713 |
| − | </div>
| + | * Hammond, Wayne G. and Christina Scull. 2005. ''The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion''. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618642676 |
| − | | + | * Tolkien, J. R. R. and Christopher Tolkein (ed.) (1992). ''The Silmarillion''. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0261102737 |
| − | | + | * Tolkien, J.R.R. (1993) in Christopher Tolkien (ed.): ''Morgoth's Ring''. Boston & New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-68092-1 |
| − | | + | * Tolkien, J.R.R. (1994) in Christopher Tolkien (ed.): ''The War of the Jewels''. Boston & New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-71041-3. |
| − | ==External links==
| + | * Tolkien, J.R.R. (2002) in Douglas A. Anderson: ''The Annotated Hobbit''. Boston & New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-618-13470-0 |
| − | * [http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/orcs_pr.html 9 milestones in orcs history. Wired magazine article] | |
| − | * [http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19980622 Words at Random:The Maven's word of the day: Orc] | |
| − | * [http://fantsite.narod.ru/articles/9.html Orcs History in Russian] | |
| − | * [http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/columns/archetypology21dec01.html RPG.NET Article about Orcs] | |
| − | * [http://www.waerloga.com/zafrumi Za Frûmi]
| |
| − | * [http://www.orkneyjar.com/placenames/orkney.htm The origin of "Orkney"] | |
| − | * [http://www.orcs.ca Orc Roleplaying Community Site]
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| − | * [http://www.orcmagazine.com/ Orc Magazine (Orc Parody)] | |
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| | {{Credits|Orc|125169885|}} | | {{Credits|Orc|125169885|}} |
Orc is a word used to refer to various tough and warlike humanoid mythical creatures in various fantasy settings, particularly in the stories of Middle-earth written by J. R. R. Tolkien and derivative fictions. The word made its appearance earlier in Beowolf (denoting monsters), Giambattista Basile (large talking beasts), and William Blake (a good creature). Ogre and Goblin are sometimes used as synonyms or refer to similar creatures within fiction, however historically the Orc shares little in common with either. Often barbaric and unintelligent, Orcs are usually seen as the most war-mongering and violent of all mythical creatures.
Tolkein was a devout Roman Catholic and at the same time a lover of myths. These came together in his assertion that he believed mythology, however misguided at times, to point toward the Truth.[1] Thus, his Orcs can, and should, be interpreted within the context of the symbolism of his writings as a whole.
Orcs belong to the side of evil, either brought down to the level of Satan as fallen angels that were cast out of Heaven along with Lucifer, or the devil's soulless creation. For indeed, only God can give life; Satan is but the "pretender" to the throne and can only imitate God's work. Whether Orcs are fallen elves (angels) or abominable creations of the devil, does however make a difference to the Orcs. Fallen angels have a chance for restoration and an eternal life of joy and fulfillment in Heaven. The soulless abominations created directly by the devil have power only through their creator. When the source of evil is vanquished, they return to dust.
Description
Orcs are often portrayed as misshapen humanoids with brutal, warmongering, sadistic, yet cowardly tendencies, although some sources portray them as a proud warrior race with a strong sense of honor. They are variously portrayed as physically stronger or weaker than humans, but always high in numbers. They often ride wolves or wargs. In many role-playing and computer games, though not in J. R. R. Tolkien's works, Orcs have green skin (earning the name "Greenskins" in most games) and have faces that resemble a cross between a pig and a primate.
Etymology
The modern use of the English word "Orc" to denote a race of evil, humanoid creatures begins with J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien's earliest elvish dictionaries include the entry Ork (orq-) "monster, ogre, demon" together with orqindi "ogresse." Tolkien sometimes used the plural form orqui in his early texts. In Tolkien's own recollections, he discussed the origin of Orc as follows:
- the word is as far as I am concerned actually derived from Old English Orc "demon," but only because of its phonetic suitability[2]
- I originally took the word from Old English Orc (Beowulf 112 Orc-neas and the gloss Orc = þyrs ('ogre'), heldeofol ('hell-devil'). This is supposed not to be connected with modern English Orc, ork, a name applied to various sea-beasts of the dolphin order.[3]
- The word used in translation of Quenya urko, Sindarin orch is Orc. But that is because of the similarity of the ancient English word Orc, "evil spirit or bogey," to the Elvish words. There is possibly no connection between them. The English word is now generally supposed to be derived from Latin Orcus.[4]
Tolkien sometimes, particularly in The Hobbit, used the word "goblin" instead of "Orc" to describe the same type of creature. It should be noted that in more classical settings, goblins are hardly seen as human-size and warrior-like, but are rather smaller and more mischievous, like pixies. In more modern traditions, goblins and Orcs have come closer in meaning and are at times interchangeable.
Literary representations
The Italian author Giambattista Basile claimed to be passing on oral folktales from his region that he had collected over the years when he described large, speaking, mannish beasts (hairy and tusked) that lived away in a dark forest or garden, and that might be evil (capturing/eating humans), indifferent, or even benevolent—all depending on the tale. (See especially his tales Peruonto and Lo Cuento dell'Uerco.)
Another major author who used Orcs in their writings before Tolkien (not including the use of goblins) was the British poet William Blake. Unlike the medieval sea beast, or Basile's and Tolkien's humanoid monster, Blake's Orc is a positive figure; the embodiment of creative passion and energy, Orc being an anagram of Cor, heart.
Tolkien's Orcs
In J. R. R. Tolkien's writing, Orcs are of human shape, but smaller than Men, ugly, and filthy. In a private letter, Tolkien described them as "squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes".[5] Orcs eat all manner of flesh, including human. Although not dim-witted, they are portrayed as dull and miserable beings, who are only able to destroy, not to create.
Orcs are first described in The Tale of Tinúviel as "foul broodlings of Melko who fared abroad doing his evil work." In The Fall of Gondolin Tolkien wrote that
all that race were bred by Melko of the subterranean heats and slime. Their hearts were of granite and their bodies deformed; foul their faces which smiled not, but their laugh that of the clash of metal, and to nothing were they more fain than to aid in the basest of the purposes of Melko.
In some versions of his stories, Tolkien conceived Orcs to be marred Elves, enslaved by Melko (aka Melkor and later Morgoth, Tolkien's personification of Satan), broken and twisted into his evil soldiers. Other versions (including notes made both early and late in Tolkien's life) have Orcs as "parodies" or false-creations of Morgoth's that are animated solely by his evil will (or, perhaps, by his own essence diffused into each), and made intentionally to mock or spite Eru's (also known as Ilúvatar, and who represents God in Tolkein's tales) creations—the elves and men.
In The Silmarillion, Tolkien writes that Orcs were created in mockery of Elves, and indeed that they were originally Elves for only Ilúvatar had the power to create life:
Yet this is held true by the wise of Eressëa, that all those of the Quendi who came into the hands of Melkor, ere Utumno was broken, were put there in prison, and by slow arts of cruelty were corrupted and enslaved; and thus did Melkor breed the hideous race of the Orcs in envy and mockery of the Elves, of whom they were afterwards the bitterest foes. For the Orcs had life and multiplied after the manner of the Children of Ilúvatar; and naught that had life of its own, nor the semblance of life, could ever Melkor make since his rebellion in the Ainulindalë before the Beginning; so say the wise. And deep in their dark hearts the Orcs loathed the Master whom they served in fear, the maker only of their misery. This it may be was the vilest deed of Melkor, and the most hateful to Ilúvatar.[6]
In another account, Melkor captured some Elves before the Valar came to rescue them, and he tortured and perverted them, producing the first Orcs.[7] But other versions of the story (written both before and after the version that appears in The Silmarillion) discount this, and claim that the Orcs are soulless beings animated solely by the will of their evil lord (be it Melkor or, later, Sauron), which explains why they collapse and retreat in battle should the “guiding will” be removed. This latter version falls more in line with the idea of Morgoth’s dispersal into the world he marred, and with the idea that his creations were mere imitations (such as "Orc" = parody of "Elf"); it also provides a moral basis for later inhabitants of Middle-earth, who kill Orcs without compassion or compunction.
Other versions state that Morgoth bred the Orcs from Men, whose awakening in such texts is placed soon after the awakening of the Elves.[8] Tolkien also suggested that Men were cross-bred with Orcs under Morgoth's lieutenant, Sauron. The fierce black Orcs known as Uruks were created in this way. The process was later repeated during the War of the Ring by Saruman, enabling him to create the "fighting" Uruk-Hai, in Tolkien's second installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers.
Pop culture
In the late twentieth century new interest in the works of Tolkien coincided with the beginnings of a fantasy sub-culture that included literature, films, television shows, role-playing, and video games. Tolkien's impact on this movement can be seen in how much is borrowed from his tales of "Middle-earth," particularly the idea of Orcs.
In the popular role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, a major character, Warhammer, is identifiable as an Orc. Orcs also feature prominently in the Magic: The Gathering and Warcraft role-playing games. In many of the fantasy oriented books and graphic novels of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Orcs have become almost stock characters, easily recognizable as evil and war-mongering.
Notes
- ↑ Ralph C. Wood, Biography of J. R. R. Tolkien. Retrieved August 2, 2007.
- ↑ The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, #144, 25 April 1954.
- ↑ Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings.
- ↑ The War of the Jewels, p. 391.
- ↑ The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien (Houghton Mifflin 1981), p. 274.
- ↑ The Silmarillion p. 47
- ↑ Morgoth's Ring pp. 72-73
- ↑ Morgoth's Ring, p.416-21.
References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Carpenter, Humphrey and Christopher Tolkien(eds.) (1981). The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-31555-7
- Colbert, David (2002). The Magical Worlds of Lord of the Rings: The Amazing Myths, Legends and Facts Behind the Masterpiece. Berkley Trade. ISBN 0425187713
- Hammond, Wayne G. and Christina Scull. 2005. The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618642676
- Tolkien, J. R. R. and Christopher Tolkein (ed.) (1992). The Silmarillion. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0261102737
- Tolkien, J.R.R. (1993) in Christopher Tolkien (ed.): Morgoth's Ring. Boston & New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-68092-1
- Tolkien, J.R.R. (1994) in Christopher Tolkien (ed.): The War of the Jewels. Boston & New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-71041-3.
- Tolkien, J.R.R. (2002) in Douglas A. Anderson: The Annotated Hobbit. Boston & New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-618-13470-0
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