Orc (Middle-earth)
In J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy writings, Orcs or Orks are a race of creatures who are used as soldiers and henchmen by both the greater and lesser villains of The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings — Morgoth, Sauron and Saruman. The Orcs also work independently as the common antagonists in The Hobbit, though in that work they are more often called Goblins.
Although not entirely dim-witted and occasionally crafty, they are portrayed as miserable beings, hating everyone including themselves and their masters, whom they serve out of fear. They make no beautiful things, but rather design cunning devices made to hurt and destroy.
Read more about Orc (Middle-earth): Tolkien's Influences, Middle-earth Terms For Orcs, Physical Appearance, Types of Orcs, Orkish Culture, Orkish Language, The Origin of Orcs, Individual Orcs, Influence On Later Fantasy, Adaptations