<Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> An orc / ɔːr k / (also spelled as ork) is a fictional humanoid creature that is part of a fantasy race akin to goblins . </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> <P> Earlier references to creatures etymologically or conceptually similar to orcs can be found in Anglo - Saxon sources; including Beowulf and 16th - century Italian folk tales, in particular those of Giambattista Basile . </P>

Where did the idea of orcs come from