The Mysterious Orcs of Gundabad in the Lord of the Rings Universe

The Orcs, a race of Middle-earth that are often overlooked, are commonly depicted as mindless adversaries of the protagonists, existing solely to be defeated in order to save the world from the evil of Sauron. However, while their role in the story may be limited, Tolkien made a concerted effort to expand the lore of Middle-earth, including providing a backstory for the Orcs. This backstory reveals that the Orcs have a complex history, originating from diverse origins and even having their own societies in some instances. One group of Orcs, the Gundabad Orcs, play a significant role in The Hobbit, intersecting with the journey of Bilbo, Thorin, and the rest of the Dwarves, and creating obstacles for them along the way. But who exactly were the Gundabad Orcs, and what set them apart from their counterparts?

Who Are The Orcs Of Gundabad?

Mount Gundabad, located near the north end of the Misty Mountains, held immense significance for the Dwarves as it was where they first awoke after the Awakening of the Elves. However, their reverence for the mountain was short-lived as Orcs invaded the stronghold during the Second Age, occupying it until the end of the era. The Orcs regained control of Mount Gundabad in the Third Age, adding to the Dwarves' long-standing animosity towards them. The War of the Dwarves and Orcs eventually resulted in the victory of the former and the cleansing of the mountain from Orcs. However, the Orcs returned to fortify the stronghold before the events of The Hobbit, marking their intersection with the world of Middle-earth.

Who Is The Strongest Gundabad Orc?

The Orcs hailing from Gundabad are often recognized as more formidable and ferocious compared to other Orcs present in Middle-earth. This is not necessarily due to the mountain producing stronger Orcs, but rather because Gundabad served as the primary hub for Orcs in the North, attracting the strongest among their kind. The mountain's ancient fortress still bore traces of dark magic from Sauron and the Witch King, which may have aided in the creation and attraction of these powerful Orcs.

Among the individual Orcs, Azog is frequently mentioned as one of the strongest to emerge from Gundabad. He was an imposing figure, responsible for the assassination of a prominent Dwarven leader. King Thrór had returned to Khazad-dûm to reclaim it for his people, but Azog was determined to maintain Moria as an Orc stronghold. In a brutal display, he beheaded Thrór and carved his name into the Dwarf's head, inciting the wrath of the Dwarves. Thrór's son, Thráin II, rallied an army seeking vengeance against Azog. It took many years, but this event marked the start of the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, culminating in Azog's eventual defeat and beheading at the hands of the Dwarves.

What Happened To Gundabad?

After the defeat of their leader, the Goblin King, the Orcs sought revenge and gathered under the command of Bolg at Mount Gundabad. They joined the Battle of the Five Armies, hoping to take advantage of the dragon Smaug's demise. However, their efforts proved futile as they suffered a significant loss, leaving their army greatly reduced by the end of the Third Age. Despite its origins as a sacred place for the Dwarves, Gundabad remained a crucial location for Orcs for many years and was never fully reclaimed by the Dwarves.