The discussion about Moria orcs is point on. The orc race is just as complicated as any other race, with differing languages, customs, cultures, and habits. There was certainly nothing generic about any of Tolkien's creations.
The reference to ceilings of gold and floors of silver is very similar to descriptions of Herot in Beowulf. From archeology, we know this description refers to the inlaying of gold, silver, or bronze foil.
While food may be scarce under mountain, there are some sources, such as fish that can be found in underground lakes (ala gollum fare). Of course, such a diet would have to be suplemented by what could be raided for or hunted in the surrounding regions. Worg meat probably would have been plentiful, and, of course, there's always good old orc meat, which isn’t too bad if cooked properly. After all, what’s a dead orc good for if not the pot?
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I prefer Gillaume d’Férny, connoisseur of fine fruit.
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