Orcs In Fantasy

The orcs are a well-known creature in many works of fantasy, and even a few science fiction works. The race known as orcs was brought into modern usage by J.R.R Tolkien in his books The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. However, even Tolkien was inspired, and is not the original creator of orcs themselves. There are various mythological creatures that resemble orcs, particularly in the Old English poem Beowulf, which Tolkien claims he took the word from. There are also other depictions of what we might call orcs in various fairy tales and folklore from northern Europe.

Tolkien’s works however, indeed brought the word and the widely acknowledged description of an Orc, to the modern world. This has inspired many authors and movie adaptations, such as the live action films of The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit. Various board games and video games have also taken a strong approach to the usage of orcs, perhaps the best-known examples are Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls.

The Orcs of the fantasy world in The Lord of the Rings, have perhaps the most recognizable traits of an evil minion. They are corrupted and twisted elves, turned from a beautiful form to an incredibly vile and hideous one. Their original master and creator is known as Morgoth, meaning “the Dark Enemy of the World” in one of the various languages of Tolkien’s creation. While the race itself is the same in its origins, there are a few different acknowledged sub breeds of orcs. Such as Gundabad Orcs, Mordor Orcs, Black Uruk’s, and most famous of all, the fearsome Uruk-hai. The meaning of Uruk by the way, is “Orc”.

The Orcs in Warhammer are somewhat of a comic relief in an otherwise rather gritty and dark fantasy, and science fiction world. Warhammer itself has two specific sets of lore which they go off. Warhammer Fantasy, and Warhammer 40k. Despite this, the origins of orcs in both worlds are roughly the same. They are actually formed from fungi/mushrooms in various places which their race comes to call home, they are a highly violent and warlike race which lives only to fight. The comical relief, however, comes when you realize that these brutish monsters are incredibly stupid, and often communicate in a rough and humorous manner; going so far to believe that painting the color red upon your armor or weapons will cause faster movement, and the color purple causing you to be invisible and incredibly stealthy. After all, no orc in Warhammer has ever been seen wearing the color purple, so surely it must be true.

Orcs are perhaps the fourth most recognizable creature in fantasy aside from humans, elves and dwarves. Being creatures of strength, will, and sheer overwhelming force. However, in other works such as Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls, orcs are not inherently evil. Instead, they are born into a life and world which is harsh and incredibly unforgiving. Having no choice but to endure life’s worst trials and challenges or fall in the process.

Some may say orcs are a reflection of humanities will to survive and endure. An icon of overcoming challenges that life throws at you, and finding the strength to go on. No matter which lore you choose to learn about orcs, all of them are worth a read at the least. I hope you enjoyed learning about the brutes of the fantasy world!