What Happened to Goblins, Orcs, and Uruk-hai After the Third Age in Lord of the Rings

In J.R.R. Tolkien's expansive Middle-earth, the characters of orcs, goblins, and Uruk-hai have always fascinated and intrigued readers. However, the fate of these creatures after the events of Lord of the Rings is left ambiguous. This article delves into the possible outcomes for these enigmatic beings, exploring the implications based on Tolkien's works and the lore surrounding Middle-earth.

The Different Origins and the Fate of Goblins and Orcs

One of the first questions many readers ponder is what happened to the goblins and orcs after the Third Age. It is crucial to consider the different origins of these creatures, which can give us different outcomes.

Elvish Ancestry

If we consider the possibility that some of the goblins and orcs have descended from elves, their fate might be similar to that of the Avari. The Avari are the elves who did not join the Great Journey to Valinor and instead remained in Middle-earth. Tolkien described them as fading and becoming the ancestors of some of the other races, including theMethodImpl::execute mischievous folkloric creatures. Thus, it is plausible that some of the goblins and orcs could have faded into a more mischievous, ghostly existence, akin to European folklore's depictions of goblins.

Human Ancestry

If, on the other hand, they descended from men, it is more likely that they would assimilate into human society. Tolkien described orcs as being biologically fine with men, suggesting that there is nothing inherent in orc biology that would prevent them from intermarrying. Given the ability of elves and orcs to interbreed, it is not a stretch to imagine that some orcs could have integrated themselves into human communities over time. This integration could have allowed them to adapt to human society and perhaps even pass themselves off as humans.

Biological and Social Integration

Tolkien provided some clues in his writings that orcs and humans shared a biological affinity. For instance, in The Hobbit, goblins and hobbits are described as still existing, with hobbits often avoiding the company of goblins. Meanwhile, goblins are mentioned to have become arms dealers, suggesting a significant integration into human society. This integration could be seen as a form of survival for the goblins, as they found a niche within human societal structures.

Biologically, the idea of orcs and humans being the same species is supported by the fact that they were always interfertile. This means that orcs could have passed on their genes to humans, leading to the possibility of an orcish strain among humans. The existence of such a strain would not be entirely surprising, given the scale of the wars and conflicts that occurred during the Third Age.

Uncertainty and Lore

After the Third Age, the fate of orcs remains uncertain in Tolkien's lore. While the primary focus of Lord of the Rings is on the wars between good and evil, the aftermath of these battles is not explicitly described. It is reasonable to assume that orcs, goblins, and Uruk-hai would continue to exist in various forms, serving different masters. However, their ultimate destiny is left to the imagination, with multiple possibilities such as fading into the background, assimilating into human society, or continuing to serve dark forces.

Conclusion

The fate of goblins, orcs, and Uruk-hai after the Third Age remains an open question in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Whether they fade into folklore, integrate into human society, or continue their dark path, the possible outcomes are diverse and open to interpretation. Tolkien's works leave room for infinite possibilities, allowing fans to build their own stories and interpretations around these fascinating creatures.