| Re: what are orc creatures ??
Hi,
Welcome to the forum!
I'm not a massive expert on the subject of orcs, but I think I'm right in saying that Tolkien "invented" the word, although I have a feeling it is based on an old Norse word.
"Orc" is just another word for "goblin". I don't know how far this needs explaining, but goblins are common throughout the folklore culture of the Germanic language groups (including English). Descriptions vary, but as a general rule they are the bad guys. They usually live in forests and are creatures of the night. They are the enemies of humans, whom they raid and despoil whenever possible. They are often depicted as green-skinned and warty, with long fingers, pointy noses and sharp teeth. They are cruel but cowardly. They prefer the vulnerable enemy to the well-prepared one.
Tolkien's orcs are a bit more organised and a bit tougher, but if you read "The Hobbit", the goblins of the Misty Mountains are far more in keeping with the goblins of folklore.
Hope this helps!
Regards,
Peter |