If Orcs were derived from Elves were they immortal too ? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Mouth of Sauron · 02-22-2010, 11:51 AM

In many instances within JRRT's works it is stated that Orcs were bred as a result of captured Elves being corrupted, maimed and disfigured. If that is the case, were Orcs immortal ?

Lindolirian · 02-22-2010, 12:17 PM

See this thread especially after post 7 when the issue is brought up.

There is a lot to be said about the conversation overheard by Sam between Gorbag and Shagrat as the discuss things like the Great War or the years of the Siege. Could they mean the Battle of Dagorlad in the Last Alliance? If so, then they are at least very old, if not immortal.

My own (unsupported) theory is that they gained Elvish traits in the way that trolls are similar to Ents. Like trolls are not as strong as Ents, the orcs may live for quite a long time, but are not immortal. But... I have still yet to find anything that proves their mortality. Or vice versa. Good luck.

02-22-2010, 11:51 AM	#1
The Mouth of Sauron Wight Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Barad-Dur Posts: 196	If Orcs were derived from Elves were they immortal too ? In many instances within JRRT's works it is stated that Orcs were bred as a result of captured Elves being corrupted, maimed and disfigured. If that is the case, were Orcs immortal ?

02-22-2010, 12:17 PM	#2
Lindolirian World's Tallest Hobbit Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Where the view is long Posts: 2,126	See this thread especially after post 7 when the issue is brought up. There is a lot to be said about the conversation overheard by Sam between Gorbag and Shagrat as the discuss things like the Great War or the years of the Siege. Could they mean the Battle of Dagorlad in the Last Alliance? If so, then they are at least very old, if not immortal. My own (unsupported) theory is that they gained Elvish traits in the way that trolls are similar to Ents. Like trolls are not as strong as Ents, the orcs may live for quite a long time, but are not immortal. But... I have still yet to find anything that proves their mortality. Or vice versa. Good luck. __________________ 'They say that the One will himself enter into Arda, and heal Men and all the Marring from the beginning to the end."