What were orcs before Malacath?

The Orcs were supposedly created when the Daedric Prince Boethiah defeated the Aldmeri god Trinimac, transforming him into Malacath and his faithful, the Orsimer, into Orcs. Before this transformation, Malacath was known as Trinimac, the most powerful of the Aedra, the Altmeri ancestor spirits, and the Orcs did not exist as a distinct race.

Introduction to the Origins of Orcs

The origins of Orcs are deeply rooted in the lore of The Elder Scrolls and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, with both universes offering unique perspectives on the creation and nature of these fascinating creatures.

FAQs about Orcs and Malacath

Understanding Orcish History

1. Q: Were the Orcs in Skyrim before the Nords? A: According to some accounts, Orcs claim they have lived in Skyrim since before the Nords came, and that Malacath blessed the lands solely for them.
2. Q: What is the origin of the Orcs in Skyrim? A: The Orcish race was created when their patron god Trinimac was transformed by Boethiah, becoming Malacath and his faithful became the cursed folk, or ‘Orsimer‘, and were henceforth known as Orcs.
3. Q: Were Orcs once elves in the Elder Scrolls? A: Orsimer (Pariah Folk in Aldmeris), called Orcs by humans and Ornim in their own tongue, are a race of elves that was created from the Aldmer after the Aedra Trinimac was corrupted into the Daedric Prince Malacath.

The Transformation of Trinimac to Malacath

4. Q: How did elves become Orcs? A: The origin(s) of Orcs were explained as Trinimac, an Aldmeri god, being corrupted by Boethiah into Malacath, and his followers transforming into Orcs.
5. Q: Who is Malacath’s old name? A: Malacath was once known as Trinimac, an Aldmeri god who battled against Boethiah but lost and was devoured, only to be reborn as Malacath.
6. Q: Do Orcs worship Trinimac or Malacath? A: Orcs worship Malacath, who was once Trinimac before his corruption by Boethiah.

Tolkien’s Orcs

7. Q: How did Morgoth create Orcs in Tolkien’s lore? A: Morgoth created Orcs from stone and slime with dark sorcery, and also by capturing, torturing, and corrupting Elves.
8. Q: Who is the father of the Orcs in Tolkien’s lore? A: Morgoth is considered the creator of Orcs, with Adar being one of the first Orcs created, earning him the title of “father” among Orcs.
9. Q: Did Tolkien change goblins to Orcs? A: Tolkien initially used the term Goblin but later preferred Orc to distinguish his creatures from those in European folklore.

Orcs in Skyrim and Their Culture

10. Q: Are Orcs native to Skyrim? A: While their exact origins are complex, Orcs claim to have lived in Skyrim before the Nords, suggesting a deep history in the region.
11. Q: Can non-Orcs worship Malacath? A: Yes, other groups like goblin-kin and certain Reachmen tribes worship Malacath, showing his influence extends beyond Orcish culture.
12. Q: What is the lifespan of an Orc in Skyrim? A: Orcs seem to have lifespans similar to humans, around 50 years, but cultural factors and early deaths in battle can affect their average lifespan.

Dragonborn and Orcs

13. Q: Can the Dragonborn be an Orc? A: Yes, any race, including Orcs, can become the Dragonborn if chosen by Akatosh, though only Nords can naturally learn the power of the Voice.
14. Q: Did Morgoth create Smaug? A: No, Smaug was not created by Morgoth; instead, Morgoth bred other powerful dragons like Ancalagon the Black.
15. Q: How did Sauron breed Orcs? A: Sauron did not create Orcs but rather recruited and bred them for his armies, as the original Orcs were created by Melkor (Morgoth).