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Are There 2 Types of Orcs?

Published in Middle-earth Creatures 1 min read

No, there are not just two types of Orcs. In Middle-earth lore, the diversity among Orcs is significantly greater than just two variations.

Orcs and goblins are considered to be essentially the same species, a widespread and numerous race serving dark lords. While there is a general understanding of what an Orc is, their ranks are actually composed of several distinct groups.

Subtypes of Orcs

Rather than only two, there are actually seven subtypes of Orcs. These variations exhibit differences in size, strength, intelligence, and loyalty, often bred for specific purposes by their masters.

One of the most notable and formidable examples of these subtypes is the:

  • Uruk-hai: These are a particularly strong, large, and aggressive breed of Orc, often described as larger and more powerful than common Orcs, capable of operating in daylight without significant discomfort.

The existence of the Uruk-hai as just one among the seven subtypes clearly indicates that Orcs are a diverse species with multiple distinct variations.