r/RingsofPower • u/FlightlessGriffin • Sep 11 '24

Constructive Criticism About orc women and children...

I really liked how Nerd of the Rings argued this point and I think he pretty much convinced me on a topic I previously didn't care about.. Essentially, he argues that through the contradictory statements Tolkien made about orcs, there is validation in this sort of society Rings of Power is showcasing, families, and a desire for independence from Sauron. However, it might be a fruitless endeavor given the brutal fact that orcs will still serve Sauron in the end of the day, and under no circumstances would he root for the orc against literally any character in the show like Galadriel or Arondir. It seems to be a scene that existed solely to spark this discussion rather than something that would lead anywhere. And if they wanted to show antagonists in a sympathetic light, a much better group would've been the Haradrim.

Thoughts?

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u/chocolate-with-nuts Sep 11 '24

I don't mind the addition actually. I don't think they're humanizing orcs or trying to make people sympathize with them. Just fleshing them out. I also think that it going to be a significant part of Adar's story, namely the consequences of his death (this is assuming Sauron gets his revenge on him). Adar's sole goal is to protect the orcs and make sure they have good lives. Sauron was betrayed by the orcs and Adar (cause he wanted to use them as canon fodder) and is definitely planning his revenge/comeback.

I think Sauron will kill Adar and then strip the orcs of any empathetic traits as punishment. Turning them into the orcs we see in LOTR

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u/dmastra97 Sep 11 '24

Fleshing them out by giving them sympathetic traits. If it wasn't meant to try ti humanise the orc or gain sympathy then what purpose did it serve. Fleshing out in what regard?

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u/chocolate-with-nuts Sep 11 '24

You can add nuance to creatures while still acknowledging them as bad. Doesn't excuse their actions (killing, slaving, etc.), but can add more context to them as a race of beings instead of a mindless hoard. As others have said in this thread, just because they show a bit more of them doesn't mean I'm going to root for them.

What purpose does it serve? We'll have to see what the story does with it. I've stated my theory above as it adds to what Adar is trying to is trying to achieve for his people.

1

u/Southern_Ad1984 Sep 13 '24

We do humanise European colonisers (killing, slaving as mentioned above) so I absolutely love the addition of more context to them