A fictional humanoid creature, typically depicted as brutish and evil, popularized in fantasy literature and games, especially Tolkien's works.
J.R.R. Tolkien adapted this from Old English 'orc' meaning demon or evil spirit, which derived from Latin 'Orcus,' the Roman god of the underworld. Tolkien transformed it into a race of corrupted beings in his Middle-earth mythology.
Tolkien's genius was taking an obscure Old English word for a supernatural being and creating an entire species that has become a fantasy staple. What's remarkable is how 'orc' has evolved from meaning any evil spirit to specifically referring to these green-skinned, brutish humanoids in popular culture.
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