<P> While the overall concept of orcs draws on a variety of pre-existing mythology , the main conception of the creatures stems from the fantasy writings of J. R. R. Tolkien , in particular The Lord of the Rings . In Tolkien 's works , orcs are a brutish , aggressive , repulsive and generally malevolent species , existing in stark contrast with the benevolent Elvish race and generally pressed into the service of an evil power . Tolkien 's concept of orcs has subsequently been adapted and imported into other works of fantasy fiction as well as into fantasy role - playing and strategy games ( such as Dungeons & Dragons , Warhammer , and Warcraft ) , broadening the recognition of the creatures in popular culture . </P>
<P> While the overall concept of orcs draws on a variety of pre-existing mythology , the main conception of the creatures stems from the fantasy writings of J. R. R. Tolkien , in particular The Lord of the Rings . In Tolkien 's works , orcs are a brutish , aggressive , repulsive and generally malevolent species , existing in stark contrast with the benevolent Elvish race and generally pressed into the service of an evil power . Tolkien 's concept of orcs has subsequently been adapted and imported into other works of fantasy fiction as well as into fantasy role - playing and strategy games ( such as Dungeons & Dragons , Warhammer , and Warcraft ) , broadening the recognition of the creatures in popular culture . </P>
where did the idea of orcs come from
where did the idea of orcs come from
the fantasy writings of J. R. R. Tolkien , in particular The Lord of the Rings
the fantasy writings of J. R. R. Tolkien , in particular The Lord of the Rings