Are They Orcs? THE RINGS OF POWER Showrunner Says Uruk Nation’s Identity Is Central to Season 2

As a long-time Tolkien enthusiast and avid gamer who has spent countless hours navigating the vast landscapes of Middle Earth, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season of The Rings of Power. The lore surrounding the Uruk, or orcs as they are more commonly known, has always been intriguing to me, and it seems that the writers are ready to delve deeper into their complex history.


It’s possible that you, much like myself, have developed a strong affection for Adar on “The Rings of Power” and his kin, the Uruks, who are often disparagingly referred to as orcs. If that’s the case, then you may have found yourself drawn back to a significant piece of Tolkien’s lore. In the epic text preceding “The Lord of the Rings”, titled “The Silmarillion”, Tolkien reveals something quite intriguing about The Last Alliance of Elves and Men, the final great battle between Middle-earth’s forces of good and Sauron’s evil during the Second Age (the era in which “The Rings of Power” is set). He states, “On that day, all living beings were divided, and even beasts and birds could be found on either side, save for the Elves. They alone remained undivided and followed Gil-galad.” What does he mean by some of every kind?

In our perspective, it seems quite plausible that the Uruk, or orcs as they’re more commonly known, played a significant role in the forces of good during this epic battle. This implies they battled alongside Sauron to protect Middle-earth from evil. While we’re yet to witness this in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ prequel series, it’s speculated that the Uruk might align with the side of good on ‘The Rings of Power’. If this is to happen, it would be prudent for them to make their move sooner rather than later… Perhaps as early as season two?

We brought up this point and quote to showrunner Patrick McKay, who agreed that the story of the Uruk/orcs sits at the heart of The Rings of Power‘s second season. In fact, the question of the orc and Uruk dichotomy is exactly what’s at on the table in The Rings of Power season two.

McKay shared with the following about the orcs’ story in The Rings of Power upcoming episodes:

In the second season of “The Rings of Power”, there’s a significant focus on understanding the true identity of the characters often referred to as orcs, but prefer to call themselves Uruk. This brings up an interesting question: Are they really orcs, or are they Uruk? The storyline delves into this matter, depicting a power struggle over Mordor and the Orc Nation between Adar and Sauron. Essentially, it’s like watching two serpents in a basket, trying to figure out who will emerge victorious to learn what lies ahead for the Uruk.

Are the characters Uruk, or are they a type of orc? At present, it seems they’re Uruk, but could they transform into orcs when the Rings of Power come into play? In early previews for season two of “The Rings of Power”, Sauron has hinted that this may be Adar’s fate. Disguised as Halbrand, Sauron implies he’ll enslave the Uruk once he gains power. It appears his intention is to control them with the rings, and if this occurs in “The Rings of Power”, it means Adar’s offspring will have no choice but to follow orders and will likely transform into the orcs known during the Third Age under Sauron’s influence.

In season two of “The Rings of Power”, it’s possible that the Uruks may find themselves with more opportunities due to their challenging circumstances. Previously, both Sauron and the Elves posed threats to the orcs’ existence in “The Rings of Power” universe. Sauron aimed to enslave them, while the Elves sought to eliminate them. The Uruks were caught between a rock and a hard place, with no beings seeming to genuinely support their improvement beyond their preconceived notions. Given this context, it seems doubtful that the elves would have accepted an orc offering to fight alongside them for good during the early Second Age.

In the second season of “The Rings of Power,” Sauron’s menace intensifies, potentially altering the usual orc dynamic. It seems that Galadriel and Adar, reluctantly, might forge an uneasy alliance. Through this bond, elves may come to realize that orcs are not mere tools of evil but complex beings with their own names, feelings, and choices. As Adar stated in season one, each Uruk possesses a heart, indicating the possibility for them to transcend their orcish nature in Middle-earth’s “The Rings of Power,” at least for the moment.

To put it straightforwardly, it appears that the Uruks from The Rings of Power yearn deeply for a place they can call home and peace. Here’s hoping that the Uruk nation finds what they seek. And as for Adar, we wish he could stand with his kin in the Last Alliance when the time comes.

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2024-08-28 20:02