orcs and goblins- what's the difference??? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Manwe Sulimo · 11-29-2002, 09:18 PM

Argh....third time's the charm....

Not to take this out on anyone in particular, but this needs to be understood.

The Hobbit was written as a children's story, so it used well-known (with the exceptions of Hobbits) fantasy stereotypes at the time. Goblins, instead of orcs. Smaug, the Dragon. Happy Elves, Dwarves, etc.

The Lord of the Rings was an epic adventure, for more mature audiences. Tolkien could create more of a story, so creating his own race of bad guys worked a lot better.

Remember, The Hobbit wasn't originally supposed to be part of the Silmarillion/Middle-earth saga; Tolkien found it fit when he started writing LotR. He didn't know that the "hobgoblins" of the Misty Mountains were the same as the Orcs from Angband.

But, for continuity's sake, they're the same thing.

11-29-2002, 09:18 PM	#6
Manwe Sulimo Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Taurelilómëa-tumbalemorna Tumbaletaurëa Lómëanor Posts: 553	Argh....third time's the charm.... Not to take this out on anyone in particular, but this needs to be understood. The Hobbit was written as a children's story, so it used well-known (with the exceptions of Hobbits) fantasy stereotypes at the time. Goblins, instead of orcs. Smaug, the Dragon. Happy Elves, Dwarves, etc. The Lord of the Rings was an epic adventure, for more mature audiences. Tolkien could create more of a story, so creating his own race of bad guys worked a lot better. Remember, The Hobbit wasn't originally supposed to be part of the Silmarillion/Middle-earth saga; Tolkien found it fit when he started writing LotR. He didn't know that the "hobgoblins" of the Misty Mountains were the same as the Orcs from Angband. But, for continuity's sake, they're the same thing. __________________ "Monkeys learn sign language so they can tell the dolphins they love them."