As a lifelong fan of J.R.R Tolkien’s works and someone who has watched The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies more times than I care to admit, I must say that I find the portrayal of Orcs in The Rings of Power quite intriguing. While it may seem unconventional to some, I believe there is merit in exploring the complexity of these creatures, who, after all, are also children of Ilúvatar.
The Amazon series “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” seems to be encountering a series of challenging criticisms from devotees of J.R.R. Tolkien’s literature. Since its inception, the show has been a contentious topic due to its substantial departures from both the source novels and Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy. However, with the second season now streaming on Prime Video since August, another notable shift has fueled intense discussions among fans.
The second series is slowly developing the narrative as Sauron (Charlie Vickers) and Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) search for new companions. At the same time, Adar (Sam Azeldine) is rallying the Orcs, whom he regards as kin, to fight against Sauron. However, in a pivotal scene within the third episode titled “The Eagle and the Sceptre,” The Rings of Power decided to portray an Orc family with empathy, a representation that prior adaptations had shied away from, stirring significant debate.
The Rings of Power Orcs Controversy, Explained
In a surprising twist from what many believe, the Orcs in The Rings of Power series are portrayed as being more empathetic, with reasons behind their wars against Middle-earth inhabitants that go beyond mere hatred and destruction. This contrasts starkly with the portrayal of Orcs in both The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, where they are depicted as mindless agents of chaos and destruction, driven solely by their masters’ desires. In Tolkien’s original works, Orcs were created as war machines by Morgoth, with no complex thoughts or motivations of their own. However, recent episodes of The Rings of Power Season 2 seem to challenge this established lore.
In Episode 3, a prominent Orc makes an attempt to convince Adar to steer clear of confrontation with Sauron, hoping to continue residing in Mordor, where he can coexist peacefully with his kin and far from all the violence. However, after Adar reminds him that as long as Sauron exists, Orcs will never know freedom or tranquility. In an unexpected turn of events, the Orc then embraces his companion tenderly. Furthermore, the producers added fuel to the fire by disclosing a baby Orc being held by the female Orc.
Thus far in the films, no female Orc or newborn has been depicted, given that Tolkien typically represented them as violent, monstrous beings. This portrayal, coupled with other changes, sparked criticism from viewers who believe the writers are humanizing Orcs, implying empathy. Essentially, fans of Tolkien’s works argue that these alterations are undermining the authenticity of the adaptation, as the lore plays a crucial role in the series’ narrative structure.
Why the Concept of Orc Families Is Justifiable
Although having an ulterior motive behind actions, whether good or evil, makes a show ten times more intriguing, in some cases, it’s the other way around. Throughout all the previous films in the saga, Orcs have been a nightmare for the people of Middle-earth, playing a crucial role in numerous wars, like the Battle of Helm’s Deep and the Battle of Five Armies.
In all situations, their ruthlessness has been unwavering, causing one to question if they possess any capacity for compassion towards their adversaries, among whom are women and children. However, Orcs from The Rings of Power present a contrasting viewpoint, despite being harsher at times than depicted in the movies. This is because they are struggling to survive in this world and striving to create a place where they can raise their families, away from the dominion of figures like Sauron and the hostility of the Children of Iluvatar.
It’s surprising, given Peter Jackson’s portrayal of Orcs in his adaptation of “The Lord of the Rings,” but some of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works suggest that Orcs are capable of forming familial bonds. This idea is elaborated upon in “The Silmarillion,” specifically in the section called “Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor.” In this passage, Tolkien explains his perspective on sympathetic Orcs, stating:
Through insidious acts of cruelty, Melkor corrupted and enslaved a grotesque race, known as the Orcs. These creatures were fashioned in contempt and imitation of the Elves, eventually becoming their sworn enemies. The Orcs reproduced like the Children of Iluvatar and lived among deep-seated hatred for their oppressor, Melkor – the source of their unending misery. This deed by Melkor was arguably his most heinous act, causing great distress to Iluvatar.
In “The Silmarillion,” it’s made clear that the Orcs followed their masters out of fear rather than reverence, as demonstrated in “The Rings of Power.” Adar treats the Orcs like his children, suggesting a complex relationship. During the First Age, the Orcs were under Morgoth’s control, but in the Third Age, they were under Sauron. Since “The Rings of Power” takes place during the Second Age, when the Orcs have broken free from Morgoth and are yet to serve under Sauron, it seems plausible that we might see a more sympathetic side of Orcs, capable of living independently. Therefore, is the portrayal of Orcs in “The Rings of Power” reasonable?
The Rings of Power Season 2 is now streaming on Prime Video.
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2024-09-15 04:03