As I mentioned in Part 1, Tolkien described orcs in racially stereotyped terms, in fact, he even admitted to it: ” squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes: in fact degraded and repulsive versions of the (to Europeans) least lovely Mongol-types.”
The above illustration by Tim Kirk, then a fan artist, adheres to this description. To my mind, though, his orcs don’t resemble any human race in particular — they just look monstrous. They’re also full of personality, to point where a viewer can easily imagine what they’re thinking and feeling.
I admit I’m fonder of these boogeyman orcs than I am of the Peter Jackson ones. The orcs of both movie trilogies, and The Rings of Power which copies their look, are horrifying to the point of distraction: black, slimy, diseased, and deformed, with strange piercings and pieces of metal screwed into their skins. Perhaps it didn’t matter as much in the LOTR, where the focus was on the good guys and the orcs served as occasional shock value; but in Rings of Power the orcs are players in their own right, and one wants to look away from them. OK, we get they’re evil; but why hit us over the head with it?
(I was going to write a Why I Hate… post about it, but I think I’ve said everything I wanted to say.)
Anyhow, a few more words of Orkish.
A Few Orkish Words, Part 2
| Kâzk |
A weapon of any kind. Kazku, sword; Kazkuz, spear; Kazku hai, broadsword. |
| Khindrá |
Food of any kind. This is the polite, general word. Bodies of enemies eaten after battle are known as sklabinsch, or “Don’t waste.” |
| Lutgluk |
Night. Literally means “good place.” |
| Náka |
Tattoo. Tattooing was held in much esteem by the orcs and one of the few ways they expressed themselves artistically. Some humans (and, it is rumored, dwarves) sought out the more peaceable tribes for this service. |
| Ra’ab |
A general word for raiding and plundering. |
| Sorzgal |
Beloved, or cherished one. Yes, orcs do love. |
| Vûlgrun |
“Coverings.” Can mean a tarp, a wrapping, a shroud, or even clothing depending on the context. Examples are Durbvulg, “foot-coverings” or boots/shoes; Angvulg, armor; Szikvulg, hair. |
Related
