Orcs/Origin

The origin of the Orcs is never definitely explained in J.R.R. Tolkien 's works. Throughout the years, he changed the explanation, but he was doubtful because of the theological implications of an evil race and the relations of fëa and hröa in his cosmology. As Tolkien died without deciding on a final explanation, the canonicity of the origin of Orcs is a popular debate in the fandom . Listed here are the different origins of the Orcs given in Tolkien's texts, ordered chronologically.