Origins of Orcs

[Eärloth]

I can't believe I didn't think of it before...what with all the discussion in the Should we pity orcs? (http://entmoot.tolkientrail.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9238) thread: this thread questions the origins of Orcs; to host opinions on whether they were derived from Men or Elves. Knock yourselves out...:rolleyes:

[Radagast The Brown]

There's already a thread about this, though it was dead for about a year... http://entmoot.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3462&perpage=20&highlight=origin%20of%20orcs&pagenumber=1

[Ulmo]

You might be interested in this article: All About Orcs (http://www.barrowdowns.com/articles_orcs.asp)

[Ruinel]

Twista, here is a thread that might be of help to you.

[brownjenkins]

originally elves... with some man mixed in later on

[Ruinel]

Originally posted by brownjenkins
originally elves... with some man mixed in later on
Actually, there are two versions. One is where Orcs were bred from Men and the other is where Orcs were bred from Elves.

[brownjenkins]

true, tolkien's ideas changed a lot from time to time... but, seeing that the noldor fought with orcs upon returning to middle earth (in fact, hosts of them that had been doing some heavy mutiplying... which must take at least a little time ;) ), but before the rising of the sun (and man by implication)... it seems to me that it must have been elves... the timing and logistics just doesn't seem to work otherwise

[Thorin II]

While we're on the subject, does anyone know the distinction between orcs and goblins? I don't believe Tolkien used the term "goblin" much after The Hobbit, but I'm not sure if the line was ever really drawn. Are goblins a different species, are they small-ish orcs, or something else?

[Arien the Maia]

Originally posted by Thorin II
While we're on the subject, does anyone know the distinction between orcs and goblins? I don't believe Tolkien used the term "goblin" much after The Hobbit, but I'm not sure if the line was ever really drawn. Are goblins a different species, are they small-ish orcs, or something else?

they are all the same species which is Orc, but goblins are smaller I believe

[Wayfarer]

Orc is to Goblin as Caucasian is to White European. ;)

[Arien the Maia]

Originally posted by Wayfarer
Orc is to Goblin as Caucasian is to White European. ;)

Wayfarer, you clever little Insufferable;) :D

[Lord Boromir]

I always believed them to be elves, but that's just my opinion.