Rings of Power: The History Behind The Moriondor

gamerant.com:

Rings of Power seems to be the place of origin stories when it comes to Middle Earth. It tells not only how the famous characters in the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit got their beginnings, but also how certain places formed within the world, like the creation of Mordor. In the latest episode of the series, the interrogation that takes place between Adar and Galadriel hints at another origin story, which has long been debated among the fans of Tolkien’s works: What exactly are orcs, and where did they come from? There are two opposing sides to the argument presented by the characters in the scene. But interestingly, they both fall in line with different versions of the Moriondor, the ‘sons of the dark,’ and the history of how they were created.

One of the difficulties in getting to the heart of the matter is that Tolkien re-wrote and refined his works and his theologies several times throughout his life. This revision is why there is some uncertainty over what constitutes the full truth. It is clear from his works, and from the Rings of Power series, that the orcs in question are a much older, more archaic form than those seen in the later Peter Jackson movie adaptations. The orcs in these films are far more barbaric, and are able to move freely in the sunlight. The Uruk-hai from Saruman’s lair and the warriors that attack at Helms Deep are all more straightforward, as they seem outright evil. Meanwhile, the Moriondor and their origins present a much more problematic viewpoint. If they are indeed elves who have been corrupted, are their elven consciences still in there somewhere? And if so, is it possible for them to one day find salvation?

LOTR: Rings of Power — Was The Dwarven Mine Collapse Caused By The Balrog?

The