Who created the orc race?

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Who Created the Orc Race?

The orc, a mythical creature known for its ferocity and hostility, has been a fascination for many in the fields of mythology, folklore, and fantasy. The modern concept of orcs dates back to the 4th century, but tracing the origins of the Orc race is a complex endeavor. In this article, we will delve into the history of orcs, uncovering the various mythological and literary sources that may have influenced their creation, and explore the different creations of the orc race within various cultures and mythological contexts.

The Invention of Orcs: A Brief History

The word "ork" or "orc," derived from the Old French word "orc," and the Latin word "orsi," means "wild-eyed" or "fugitive." The concept of orcs as we understand it today, however, is a relatively recent concept, dating back to J.R.R. Tolkien, a British author, artist, and philologist known for his Middle-earth based stories, such as The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.

According to Tolkien
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In Tolkien’s mythology, orcs were created during the Years of the Trees, a period of primeval history in Middle-earth. According to the Elder Days, Morgoth (also known as Melko), the primary antagonist and the first Dark Lord in Tolkien’s mythology, transformed the Elves into orcs. This transformation was referred to as the "Rise of the Orc-folk." The orcs were created to serve and fight for Morgoth. They were the primary slaves and soldiers of Morgoth’s armies, and in this context, they emerged as a distinct race distinct from the Elves.



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Other Mythologies and Folklores

The concept of orcs is not unique to Tolkien’s mythology. This mythical creature has been interpreted and reimagined through various mythologies and literary works. Here are just a few examples:

In World of Warcraft
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In the popular gaming franchise World of Warcraft (WoW), orcs are a playable race on the Horde side. Wow’s orcs are, however, distinct from Middle-earth’s orcs by their more varied skin textures and hair colors.

In Warhammer (Fantasy)



In Gary Gygax's *Warhammer* (RPG) setting, greenskins are a type of orc that is known by their distinctive green skin hues. These orcs operate as a tribal society at the edge of the continent, engaging in raids or battles with other factions around the world.

**In Mordhau**
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In the medieval and fantasy setting of Mordhau, orcs seem to be a type species of the Greenskin.

**Conclusion**
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Tolkien's creation of orc mythology is just one notable example of the many fictional and mythological interpretations. The concept of orcs has been influenced by myths, folklore, and imagination, with each iteration weaving its own unique narrative

**Table: Orc origins and creations**
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| **Mythlogy/Folklore**                       | **Orc Nature**       | **Context** |
|---------------------------------|-------------------|------------    |
| Tolkien's Mid-earth               | Created, enslaved | Morgoth' army  |
| Game of Thrones                  | Noble, wild, and        |   |
| Orcs of Warhammer - Greenskins | Tribal     | Raiding, barbarian |
| Mordhau - Orc                       |  |  Warfare,  |

**Addendum**
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Recent studies have shown that historical accounts of orcs suggest that they were a mixture of human and demonic genes. This mythological development is seen in the popular game World of Warcraft.

**Sources**
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