Understanding The URUK-HAI | Middle Earth Lore

[@FantasySci5]

I loved how the Uruk-hai were portrayed in the movies, they definitely feel different to the orcs; which I think would have been much harder to convey in the movies without this size difference.

[@jeambeam3173]

Its sad that most of the info of the different types of orcs comes from the movies/games and mods which arent even cannon

[@UnholyWrath3277]

@@jeambeam3173 well Tolkien didn't really leave us a ton to work with on that particular subject so it's only natural people fill in some of the gaps. However you are right I wish Tolkien woulda been able to give us a little more on the subject

[@johnhardebeck4243]

I feel like the orcs were around the size of the uriki in the book but how he made them bigger it really strikes fear

[@joshuastrickland5264]

The Uruk-hai were my favorite race in LOTR

[@utahvenator7728]

Uruk hai movie size make theme more like assault troops and snaga more like evil and vicious soldiers the two orcs types are scary but not at the same way

[@kenhammscousin4716]

You convinced me to subscribe. Great channel :)

[@kerrymandanny8135]

I loved how they were portrayed in the movies. In the books they are kinda interchangeable but in the movies the difference between the orcs goblins and uruk hai is awesome. Personally I prefer how the orcs looked. Small and menacing.

[@oscardinogetti3824]

Orc maggots! The movie Urukhai were perfect. Big, intimidating and evil. A great foe to face.

[@trexoxford9149]

The fighting Uruk-hai ! 💪 Great video. I'm really enjoying your channel, you've got yourself a new subcriber. Please keep up the good work !

[@C-Jay_Underground]

2:10 is when the video truly starts...

[@aresaurelian]

It was practical to make the Uruk-hai a bit larger than Orcs about the size of men, and easier when the cinematic experience was produced. This because the actors of orcs could be normal actors and extras of lesser or normal stature. At the time, computer graphics and the physics behind it had trouble portraying size differences well and that would have made the production more expensive. It was a production call more than editing aesthetics. It was a good call.

[@Avylyn]

Yes please more content! Orc maggots

[@oliveremmettknox7776]

Why didn't Sauron create the Black Uruks eariler during the Second Age?

[@ash96bc]

I felt that Jackson's Uruks were just a lot of ugly bluster. Sure they could withstand sunlight but they died nearly as easily as regular orcs. Boromir only died from their ranged attacks. In close combat, the Uruks weren't even able to wound or even tire the non-hobbit members of the Fellowship.

[@Puschit1]

Generally I liked Jackson highlighting the Uruk-Hai, however, I didn't like two aspects: 1) All that talk about how strong and dangerous they are, Gimli spelling it out for us with his speech about their thick armour and so on ... and yet, in battle, the get struck down by single arrows and single swings like any other ordinary orc. And that's not just by our heroes (Legolas killing multiple ones while shield-surfing a flight of stairs), when you look at fights going on in the background it's the same. 2) That Uruk-Hai are somehow born fully grown out of a slimy mud cocoon!? There are no mentions of female orcs in any of the books but the word "breed" is frequently used so I always assumed they reproduced sexually. I was astounded that the video didn't address this.

[@orneyfever2605]

Imagine the army of mordor only Being uruk-hai

[@joeleder]

I like the look of the movie urukhai. They gave a good visual menace compared to the typical Mordor orc

[@magatetus]

Ugluk: "Orc Maggots."

[@toddfeather5760]

The Peter Jackson version is awesome in movies as it makes them look more menacing but Peter should have looked at book more or asked Christopher lee as he knew Tolkien in real life

[@Mattatronian]

Subbed x

[@TheBrokenSword]

Thanks! 😊

[@deadeyeridge]

Video starts here 2:15

[@its_JJ2]

What about the nameless things found deep within Moria where gandalf and the belrog fell?

[@edmonddantes563]

“I don’t take orders from orc maggots” was such an alpha line

[@ulester3092]

Gosh

[@amcspaceape1580]

Lol watch the video of orcs talking with human voices

[@amcspaceape1580]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3XKo4JriayXmcU

[@snubbles9991]

Sigma Hai grind set

[@JulioMartinsVerso]

gosh

[@l.f.b5485]

They surely are one of the most badass looking soldiers in lotr. Especially with the white hand of saruman

[@loneronin6813]

That's why Lurtz stuck out to me so much and I do love the way the Uruk-Hai were portrayed in the movies. Lurtz was especially well-designed as he stood out as a lethal and commanding force to be reckoned with, even when surrounded by other Orcs as well as other Uruk-Hai. You could tell he was the battlefield commander. With The White Hand of Sauron marked on his face, the way he bellowed when he spoke, and even the weapons he wielded you knew he was in charge.

[@xRob]

Surely it is not the goal for the author or the director to make them look badass. Theres something deeper behind it.

[@koreancowboy42]

He was also created by the Director to be added. Cuz it was supposed to be Ugluk (idk if that's how it's spelled) the guy who said "looks like meats by on the menu boys" He was supposedly to be the commander of the raiders then of the army but they changed some thing sbit but overall it still goes to show that the uruk Hai are a strong force. Lurtz showing greater strength and combat prowess against Aragorn goes to show they can fight furiously and without fear. Even when Lurtz was disarmed and stabbed he still had the intent to kill. "This is not rabble of mindless orcs, these are Uruk-hai" Even tho Saurons armynis mass and large his army were rabble of orcs Even if they had overseers and orc commanders. They weren't armed as properly as Uruk-hai. The mordor orcs seem to be wearing scrapes of metal and such not so well armor compared to the uruk-hais.

[@Chameleon1616]

The physical look, armour design, and military composition of the Uruk-hai in the movies has made them by far my favourite fantasy army. The liberties the movie took distinguished them to level that has made them more iconic then they ever otherwise could have been. It was a good thing.

[@captaincook9993]

I love the books, but I did prefer the depiction of orcs, goblins, and Uruk-hai as separate evil parallels to men, dwarves, and elves

[@jamesaron1967]

That would have been quite interesting, but unfortunately Tolkien didn't have those exact counterparts in mind when he created these races.

[@zainshaikh527]

@@jamesaron1967 but then what of treebeards assumption, although no more than just a guess, as he stated, that uruk hai were like some mix of humans and orc with their tolerance to the sun and their temperaments/behaviors a parallel to the sins of the men?

[@zainshaikh527]

Flip orc with uruk hai in conjunction to elf and man and you're set! I see the merit in this, but this is more in sense to the steps in evolution as per the newer age in the war. The third age had more of an industrial age pushing against the love and sanctity of all that is good. The growing apathy in everyone and failing blood lines. The age prior was more mythical, biblical. The one before, that was more so, I suppose

[@jeebusyaweirdo3733]

To be honest, in both folklore and in Tolkien’s story they are actually the same exact thing. He refers to them as goblins only in the hobbit, however he was not a fan of the Norman period of England which is actually what prompted him to change the word for the creatures from goblins (being of Norman French descent) to terminology that he preferred that didn’t use French influence, and orcs and Uruks are also the same thing. Uruk is literally by definition another word for orc.

[@rangerofthenorth1970]

Orc maggots!!! In my opinnion Peter's Uruk-Hai are great. As a kid a was afraid of them now I enjoy them....James another great video, just keep going!!!!!!

[@SageKronsell]

I've always assumed that "Uruks" were simply improved orcs, while Uruk-hai was simply the name of Sarumans elite corps. Probably further enhanced. Maybe even with black numenorean blood, or Dunlending as is speculated. They also seem to have been a little bit more "independent" than Saurons orcs somehow. Maybe Saruman could not tie them to his will to the same degree as Sauron and so had to be a better boss to gain their willing allegiance, or maybe the very traits that gave them their advantages, ie. size and sunlight tolerance, precluded that? Evil degenerates is a major theme in the legendarium after all. Great Video. One of your best in a while. Kudos! Question of the day: While I, in general, feel the best parts of the movies was when they stayed as loyal to the text as possible, the Uruk change was fine to me. One of those adaptation issues that simplify matters as needed on screen rather than page.

[@FuckGoogle2]

Uruk-Hai orcs mixed with men for added daylight tolerance, Olog-Hai trolls mixed with, eh men? For the same reason.

[@SageKronsell]

@@FuckGoogle2 my best guess yes

[@jamesaron1967]

@@FuckGoogle2 To add further complexity to this subject, Saruman also bred _half-orcs_ and _goblin-men,_ which were distinct from the others and taller.

[@FuckGoogle2]

@@jamesaron1967 He sure was cooking up a storm, Saruman of many pots.

[@Enerdhil]

@@jamesaron1967 Ahhh. The sallow fellow at the Prancing Pony. Great point.

[@harry2269]

i like how regular standard orcs are portrayed in the films as well as the Uruk-hai. They were about perfect for what i want orcs and uruks to be and the differences between them. I also like how the original moria goblins in the fellowship were smaller and more squirrely and pretty different from even regular orcs. On a side note i am not a huge fan of the orcs and goblins from the hobbit films altho they arent all terrible.

[@KestralWolfe]

I appreciate the way Jackson emphasized the Uruk Hai. Their striking design very efficiently showed the difference between the evil and the good. It's shorthand; to show instead of giving information through unneccesary exposition.

[@isaackim7675]

The one thing I did liked in the movies is the weapons they wielded compared to the Orcs' weapons.

[@ShelvedGamer]

The stark distinction in the movies always was a positive one for me. It felt like specific geography affected orcs in different ways. Moria Orcs/Goblins having the big bulging eyes and more scrappy form vs the more brutish Mordor Orcs vs the specifically soldier-like Uruk-Hai. The only issue is that it kinda makes the threat peak with twin towers a bit. Rohan is in their element in the pelennor fields and so is Gondor within their walls. Pincered between those two, the Mordor Orcs hardly feel as scary as the Urak-Hai.

[@cioplasmmajic8327]

Orcs are strong, but they are also cruelly clever. Without the unity of Rohan and Gondor, Minas Tirith would be slowly tormented and broken down mentally and physically. Even more, Sauron didn't just have orcs at Pelenor Fields, he also had many Easterlings, and planned to have a whole extra fleet join the battle.

[@mankyscotchgit4986]

This is a long post, turns out I had much more to say about this subject than I thought I did (what can I say, I really like RotK). While I agree with you about the Moria orcs and the Uruk-Hai being really well done in terms of the visual storytelling, I disagree about the Mordor orcs seeming weaker by comparison. The films do a fantastic job of conveying the absolutely vast numbers of Mordor orcs, and when we see them fighting men on the walls and in the streets of Minas Tirith, they look seriously threatening. They are as tall and as strong as men, and they are absolutely feral, we see them ripping out men's throats with their bare teeth, beginning to cannibalise the dead before the fighting is even over at Osgiliath, which is a brilliant depiction of the absolute onslaught Mordor orcs are capable of. The combat in the streets and at Osgiliath particularly is so brutal and feels much more personal compared to Helm's Deep, and there are fewer heroic moments, the viewer is much more on edge watching Minas Tirith. They are also seriously hideous and twisted-looking even compared to the Uruk-Hai, which conveys the depth of Sauron's corrupting evil. And of course they are commanded by the Witch King and the other Nazgul on their flying mounts, and whereas Saruman only had the Uruk berserkers as shock troops, the Mordor army has armoured trolls (think of how threatening the one cave troll seemed in Fellowship, and then realise that there are dozens or even hundreds of them here, scary shit). The scale of the war in Gondor is just on a different level from Helm's Deep, compared to Sauron, Saruman is like a kid playing with toy soldiers. Also, the stakes are much higher in Gondor, since we see the massacre at Osgiliath beforehand, and in Minas Tirith there's a strong sense that there is no escape, everything will be decided here, whereas at Helm's Deep they're talking about the mountain pass that the women and children can escape by if it comes to that. The thought of what would happen to the defenceless people of the city if the orcs won is just horrific.

[@ShelvedGamer]

@@mankyscotchgit4986 That's fair. I don't mean to imply the Mordor orcs are weak by any metric than compared to the Urak-Kai Orcs in the movie. I get what you mean in that the Urak-Kai almost strike as sterile compared to the maligned Mordor orcs, though it read to me as Sauron pumped out twisted evil in large number where Saruman focused on a smaller, more elite group of Orcs. Of course this is purely based on the movies but that's how it seemed to me.

[@adrianaslund8605]

@@ShelvedGamer Yeah but Mordor had variety and way more beasts. Isengard only had Infantry at Helms Deep. And maybe some Warg riders at the back. No trolls and no flying creatures what so ever.

[@killer2434]

But Mordor had the orc lieutenant Gothmog, the Witch-King and the fell beasts, so the enemies’ fear factor definitely didn’t peak during the two towers

[@annatar6453]

I would be interested in a video about the men of the east (Harad, Rhun, Khand)

[@b_lea]

Ha ha don't even try it Annatar😂

[@Jonnell01]

Harad isn't even from the east, why does everyone keep thinking that haradrim are Easterlings..? They're from totally different parts of middle earth. Just because they allied with Easterlings in the third age doesn't mean they're from the same place

[@b_lea]

Well that's exactly the reason why we need that video...

[@urfacecalling101]

I thought the movie depictions were incredible, even they weren't completely accurate. They cut a more imposing figure in the movies and I like the differentiation of the different types of orcs in the movies as well.

[@carolesmith2619]

Loved the size of the Uruk- hai in the films, made sense that they were massive, I saw 'lurtz' in the science museum in london a few years ago, he was spectacular, stood about 7 feet tall, amazing to see 😊😊

[@Briguy164]

I think it's kinda funny that a science museum has a fantasy character on display

[@valentinomiller6251]

Morgoth was NEVER "in control" of Middle-earth. Morgoth constantly challenged the other Valar for control of Middle-earth, but NEVER wholly gained control.

[@Enerdhil]

Actually, he kind of ruled Middle Earth in the time between The Destruction of the Two Trees and when the Valar first arrested him. I think that is the time when all Men of the East and South first became corrupted by evil and became more susceptible to following Sauron later.

[@rageofinfinity2032]

I'd like to note that the Valar ended up moving to a different continent, and that Middle Earth was simply the continent on which Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit takes place. That being said... Maybe Morgoth didn't 'officially' control Middle Earth, but let's be clear, when the Elves awoke in the first age, they had NO idea where they came from, and wandered aimlessly because the Valar weren't even there. They had left already. So... if there's no competition to control Middle Earth... and his enemies literally went to live on another one.... How, exactly, did Morgoth NOT de facto control Middle Earth? Heck, the Orcs were corrupted elves who had strayed too far from the main groups! By Morgoth! I'd say he controlled all of that territory, even if there was no official statement of it.

[@Tarnraven12]

Morgoth ruled from his keep for thousands of years. The Valar were afraid to confront Morgoth because of the damage that would occur from there War. The Elves never could match Morgoth in battle. With Balrogs and Dragons. Morgoth ruled. He never figured the other Valar would come to the aid of the elves.

[@swordofcoffee]

I really liked the way PJ portrayed the uruk-hai. I thought that uruk-hai meant something like "high ork" given that they seemed to be better than the standard uruk and a far cry from their cave dwelling kin.

[@mankyscotchgit4986]

I'm pretty sure it means 'Orc Folk' (I think this is in the appendices). There are also Olog-Hai ('troll folk') who are described as trolls resistant to sunlight (similar to the Uruk-Hai). I kind of wonder if 'folk' in this context means 'men', as pureblood orcs and trolls famously can't deal with sunlight, and there was an explicit reference to cross-breeding with the half-orcs (although I'm very glad they went for the 'birthing pit' magical genetic engineering as an explanation for this in the films, as it avoids some nasty implications). Maybe Uruk-Hai are more like quarter-humans (and three-quarter orcs) or something, who have also been selectively bred as stronger soldiers.

[@quinnalexander3825]

The length of blades compared to width has everything to do with cutting power. Thicker blades are better for hacking and slashing, though curved scimitars are as well, but the stocky profile makes a straighter cleaver-like weapon better for cutting through armor rather than flesh (evident in this situation by the armor piercing spikes). The shorter length was likely to reduce weight. Uruks likely used their weapons for battlefields, rather than raids on unarmed peasantry that the ORC MAGGOTS likely carried out.

[@johanns8533]

I agree with the cutting power part, but no matter how great your weapon cuts - it's not going to cut through metal armor. Historically, the more armor the average person would wear, the more people would use pointier swords to get into the gaps in the armor. As well as blunt weapons & polearms

[@emmmortem]

I just realized I binge watched your entire channel the past few days and didn’t even subscribe! Just did! You’re doing an amazing job out there and my support, though small, hopefully helps

[@annaroselarsen4218]

I love how in lotr the 2 orcs wanted to have a normal life hangout and just wanted to have fun I imagine them on the beach with sweet tea and just chilling

[@alejandroblanco7369]

The ones in the two towers? Lol I was just rereading that book and the orcs were like no matter who wins we lose lol we could escape with trusted orc boys and live without masters lol poor orcs

[@annaroselarsen4218]

@@alejandroblanco7369 yes that's the one ! Yeah the poor orcs ever got their chance

[@JW-jd6sn]

@@alejandroblanco7369 it actually opens up a massive question, was there good orcs that wanted to break away from the control of sauron?

[@jasonhamsely6901]

Orc Maggots. Keep up the great work, subscribing now!

[@annaroselarsen4218]

Happy Hobbit week everyone! I'm celebrating early lol

[@erikavalentina4940]

I like how PJ depicted the uruk hai in the movie. I felt real fear when I first saw Lurtz and other Uruk in FOTR long time ago

[@MsPuffykinz]

Ah yes. Ariana grande Uruk, may fav.

[@erikavalentina4940]

@@MsPuffykinz why Ariana Grande? 😂

[@mzamethodman7134]

Idc what anyone days. The Uruk Hai in the films are simply terrifying and intimidating, the design of them still to this day instills that feeling of "yeah nah mate im not fighting that"

[@HinderYourGeneral]

I do like that the Uruks are larger in the film. Many people equate a large stature with danger and having such large men play the Uruk Hai plays upon that common thought from audience members.

[@RobSojourn]

In my reading, i thought the Uruks were slightly smaller than men (5'6"), as opposed to the standard orks which were dwarf sizes. I thought P Jackson did ok for the visual medium, and i liked how he showed the slightly older Uruk Hai having physical problems showing they weren't designed to last through many battles (white hair, cataracts etc)

[@MsPuffykinz]

In the movies the white hair and blotched skin, we’re meant to alude to their inbred nature. How Saruman bred them to be ‘ultimate weapons’ hence their tall nature. Again in the movies.

[@RobSojourn]

@@MsPuffykinz I am aware of this, i just thought it was a nice touch to show how they weren't as perfect as movie Sauruman thought they were.

[@spambot6959]

Damn 5,6 is still considered short even in fantasy I'm sad

[@loserinasuit7880]

@Roth Asta It is pretty normal to see guys 6 ft tall. That or they're slightly shorter.

[@scarwing2492]

@Roth Asta Why specify Americans, such a random baseless claim, nothing about what he said indicated that he was American, I love how people just randomly accuse Americans of doing things they don't do. Average male height in America is 5'9 while in Europe its 5'10, so not that different, only 1 inch difference, also being 6ft tall is not the norm in Europe either, only handful of countries in Europe have a average male height of 5'11.5 to 6'0. Most Americans I have seen, including me, are mostly within the 5'8 to 6'0 range. So if we're talking about Europeans being taller than Americans, then only slightly.

[@RevLJ]

Orc maggots! Love what you guys too. Been following and subscribed for several months. Keep doing what y'all do.

[@DIDDYKONG916]

When I think of the Uruks. I always view them as the films. I think the films got it right and better over the actual books.

[@erickluviano981]

I liked how they repeated “WE ARE THE FIGHTING URUK-HAI” over and over in most sentences.

[@DavidWesley]

Harder, better, faster, stronger? Was that an observation made by DaftPunk the Golden?

[@taylorcolebrook3959]

If saruman succeed at helms deep would he have been able to take on mordor?

[@chrispoirier463]

I would like to see a video on that!

[@adambeckett8394]

Interesting idea, but doubtful. Saruman's corruption came from his fear of Sauron's power, and his despair that nobody could defeat him. Most likely, if Saruman had won at Helm's Deep, he would have fallen further into darkness and madness, becoming a servant of Sauron's, equal to the Witch King in rank and status due to his knowledge and power.

[@sweeperboy]

The only way that Saruman would have had a chance at taking on Mordor would have been had he gotten hold of the Ring itself.

[@jacobgordon7998]

I am fine with the portrayal of Uruk-hai in the Peter Jackson films. His films were in fact my first exposure to the Tolkien's Middle Earth universe and are perfect to establish a visual foundation when reading the books. The books are far better, but the films are still amazing and help provide me a visual of Ea.

[@metalmadsen]

Loved the Uruk-Hai in the LOTR movies. They look a lot more awesome than the orcs in the Hobbit. All though it’s way cooler that the Hobbit-orcs talks in black speech than cockney.

[@RedStar441]

Isengard Uruk-Hai had the single best drip in Saurons forces.

[@KaosRunes]

You should do a video that shows the height of ALL the creatures of middle earth. Tallest to smallest or vice versa.

[@konnorrockkonnoisseur4970]

My favorite Uruk-Hai moment in the films is the “looks like meat’s back on the menu boys” scene. There’s a clear social separation between the orca of Mordor and the Uruks of Isengard, one where Uruks see the orca as scum, lesser, and are willing to protect the Hobbits they’ve captured in order to follow Saruman’s orders, and they are loyal to him, not Sauron

[@Magnus689]

Every Mallard is a duck, but not every duck is a Mallard.

[@BillB23]

I'm subbed. Here's a gratuitous comment for your analytics.

[@reinsama5436]

remember ugluck was insanly capable as second in command and lurtz even took down a main character and aragorn only won because of plot like that shield should have decapitated aragorn

[@reinsama5436]

i actually dont think uruk hai of saruman were evil they just did their job and when you look at ugluck that dude was even killing orcs that tried to interfere with his mission

[@seanpoore2428]

Gonna disagree with part of your interpretation. I believe uruks and uruk-hai are the same species. Hai in the black speech means folk/people I believe (ex. olog-hai) so it seems uruk-hai more like the proper way they talk about/refer to themselves vs how the free people's refer to them as uruks which sounds more like a derogatory term

[@janhumpal4216]

This needs to be on top.

[@jongutierrez9116]

So the real question should be, where does the 45-70 come into play in Middle Earth. I think it’s when you’re dealing with the Fighting Uruk-hai , I mean, I’m not worried too much about the regular Orc’s. I know I can easily smoke an Orc with a 5.56 but when you’re dealing with a Fighting Uruk-hai , they’re bigger and more aggressive for the 5.56. So yeah the 45-70 is a great choice to take them down. It definitely has a place. Trust me I’m a Rangers of Ithilien

[@lopirobinson1991]

That Uruk-hai that was made just for the film, the one that shot Borimir, looked genuinely creepy.

[@shadowwarrior2197]

Orc Maggots

[@AudraT]

Greater size and threat were fine for the movie adaptation. The only thing is Jackson's vision of the Uruks/goblins/orcs was too scary for my taste. There are still scenes from the movie I cannot watch because the creatures are too satanic looking. When I read the books I imagined the orcs/goblins/Uruks more like apes. Hairy, but with a face slightly shaped more like a man and a body shaped more like a man.

[@reinsama5436]

imagine if ugluck helped in the 1 vs 1 of lurtz vs aragorn

[@hopegorman2784]

Orc maggots. I dont mind how Peter Jackson portrayed the Uruk kai in the movies. But I never liked how they showed them being created. Coming out of the mud or whatever. I dont know if I'm just not versed enough in Tolkien lore but I dont remember anything like that in the books.

[@zintosion]

Uruk-Hai are made when Daft Punk Harder Better Faster Stronger is being played during the orc breeding process.

[@shag24]

Are they evil? Or just corrupted? Not under Morgoth or Sauron’s control, if they grew and thrived, do you still believe they would be evil after a thousand years?

[@ΓιωργοςΑργυροπουλος-ι8ω]

"Well there you are a hobbit amongst Urukhai, keep up your hobbitry at heart and think that all stories feel like that when you are in them. You are inside a very great story" That brought tears in my eyes Tolkien actually implies that we should keep our values no matter what evil surrounds us

[@gregorybuttari8651]

The increase in size and mass made them feel like a living representation of the shadow and symbol of hate that our heroes have to overcome to get to the light.

[@davidtatro7457]

We're not sure if Saruman's tweaking of the Uruk breed to create the Uruk Hai included increasing their height and size or not, so l think the movie versions were within a reasonable size range given what relatively little we know about their physical details from the books. Nice job on the video.

[@WickedPrince3D]

Peter Jackson took a great many liberties with the story for his movies. I'm less "distressed" by the size of the orcs than I am by the size of the "oliphants" and the choice to use the ghosts to fight them because Peter made them too big to be defeatable by mere mortals. But overall I think he remained true to the core of the story in any case.

[@waynepurcell6058]

Peter Jackson occasionally suffers "Star Wars" syndrome where "bigger" is always supposed to be "cooler" for some reason. The size of the oliphants was ridiculous and I'd rather Jackson had left the ghost army out altogether instead of showing them as some sort of invincible force.

[@WickedPrince3D]

@@waynepurcell6058 I agree; it would have been more dramatic IMHO for Peter to have the sailors of the city in southern Gondor (I forgot the city name and can't seem to find it, I vaguely remember it as Belfalas or something similar. The Oliphants that could crush the winged mounts of the Nasgul were overblown. So yes I agree with you, though I accepted it as "artistic license."

[@sci-figaming8631]

Could Saurmon's Uruk-hai army have invaded Mordor?

[@willrogers3793]

On the issue of the Uruk-Hai’s swords being shorter and broad-bladed: one *could* interpret it to mean that their swords are more like cleavers or machetes, but it occurs to me that the gladius also fits that description. This was the sword made famous by the Roman legionaries, a short, straight, one-handed sword made for thrusting. Considering the Uruk-Hai’s reputation as being elite foot soldiers, with greater capacity for discipline and tactics than ORC MAGGOTS, I think the concept of them being armed and equipped similarly to legions of Rome would fit pretty well.

[@adamparr6464]

I do remember reading that Urukhai were around 5’6”. But the one’s that Peter Jackson made do fit. They ought to be taller than man to be an intimidating breed.

[@ClassicHarleyQuinn]

So the breeds are like this then Orcs > Uruks > Uruk-Hai Then there's Olog-Hai but they are trolls or as their name translates to Troll folk.

[@jameshatfield2473]

The Uruks were a larger breed of Orc , fighters. Some were smaller breeds used for tracking like Sam and Frodo encountered in Mordor. Some were used mostly for slave work. The Uruk Hai of Saruman were not Orcs. They were half Orcs bred with Men. That's why they were as large as Men. This is made plain when Treebeard said to Gandalf that Saruman had done something to the Orcs. They can travel in the Sun . The ones he bred with men that came out looking more like Men than Orcs he sent as spies to the Shire and Bree.

[@wardchute851]

You must be watching Nerd of the rings.

[@TheYoungOwl-2003]

Uruk-Hai are practically Super-soldiers

[@Thrudd2]

I love PJ's Uruks in the two first movies.

[@TheVampireFreddo]

I liked how imposing they were in the movies, even if their sizes were a little exaggerated. It made their threat more concrete.

[@karerabbe7829]

You don't know the height of the Uruk Hai, so you can't say The movies are wrong either...

[@leonardofaber5823]

We can only guess by descriptions and passages from the books. They (normal orcs) were shorter than normal Men; some were as tall as a hobbit (2-4 feet). From that, since Uruk-hai were bigger than normal orcs, MAYBE they were as high as a normal Men (way below 6'4"). The muscular Uruk-hai from the movies, although nicely done, are about 6'3", making them higher than they should be

[@KevDaly]

I wish the movies had retained the aversion of the ordinary Orcs to light, and the use of darkness by Sauron. It's hard to film but it's a key part of the mood og despair.

[@NecrosAcolyte]

They did. Watch the extended cuts and try not to be retarded this time

[@MellowMutts270]

I appreciated the movies representation of the Uruk-hai. They were menacing and hulking which ratcheted up the tension at the end of the Fellowhip. Then seeing Sarumans army of them heading to Helms Deep was mind blowing to my kid self.

[@dylancorley1663]

Lord of the Rings orcs > Every other universes orcs

[@thevillageblacksmith8550]

Like most people I liked PJ'S version of the the evil races. Having clear distinguishable characters that made it that much more engaging. I even think people make such differences on thier own as they read the books. I did before the movies came out because it made them that much more frightening.

[@hiddendesire3076]

6:10 Got some Mandalorian flashbacks

[@nicholascocuzzi8943]

Small orc: goblin Medium orc: Orc Large orc: Uruk-hai

[@sotiriospeithis6659]

Saruman uruk hai look amazing in the movies. I think they kept Tolkien's idea for the mordor uruks : they are nowhere near as large as saruman's uruk hai, but some are clearly larger than normal orcs.

[@marcopolo2418]

Did Uruks or Uruk-Hai ever ride wargs or horses?

[@Purple.Dog17]

BUUUUUUUUNNNNAAANNNNNUUUHHHHH DUMMM DUMMM DUMMM

[@LycaonsMemories]

if orcs were corrupted elves, wouldnt orcs/goblins be elf size? and thus uruks be man sized? and as far as the saying goes, i would think uruks would represent the career millitary/standing military

[@LycaonsMemories]

and a "broader sword" would not be a shorter one, just a wider (not thicker) blade

[@sweeperboy]

If I recall correctly, Tolkien pretty much said that races made "in mockery of" the original races (i.e. corrupted forms) would be lesser than the originals. Thus, a single Orc is weaker than an Elf, a single Troll not quite as strong as an Ent, a Fellbeast not as mighty as a Great Eagle, and so on.

[@archivesofarda986]

Visually I loved how the Uruk Hai's are born in the movies. The slimy, earthy egg sack kinda scenario. However it raises soooo many questions. Like...is he actually growing them from the soil...like potatoes?

[@holyarchangelmichael]

If I recall correctly, Saruman is creating them by corrupting dead Elves or something along those lines in the movies.

[@archivesofarda986]

@@holyarchangelmichael yeah its described similarly to how Morgoth created the Orks in the first place...I find this very vague tho. what does "corrupted" actually mean in this context? Somewhere its said they were tortured, but surely torture would only get you less of an Elf but not more of an Ork.

[@deckardcain9789]

Obviously, the best Orcs are made, not born.

[@leonardofaber5823]

@@archivesofarda986 Elves were tortured, twisted and corrupted through who knows what foul arts. Then they bred and bore orcs

[@TaylorForbes1996]

Orc Maggots !!

[@gryphon9507]

What I liked of the Uruk-hai was their discipline and intelligence. Ugluk makes it clear to the Mordor Orcs what their mission is "Alive and Unspoiled." It's a Uruk-hai who first complained, "I'm starving we ain't had anything but maggoty bread for three stinking days." Yet when it comes to it the Uruk-Hai are not the ones who break discipline and decide to eat the Hobbits, the Mordor Uruks and Orcs do. Even after Ugluk warns them off one of them tries anyway. "Looks like meat is back on the menu boys!!" They are definitely more intelligent and less animal like it seems from the movie.

[@tonybujanovichiii8850]

Love these videos a lot, I just bought the silmarillion a few days ago and I am loving the lore behind it, my favorite poem would be the battle of Finrod Felagund against Sauron, could it be possible for a video on Finrod and who he was? Keep up the amazing work in what you do. Have a great day!

[@TheBrokenSword]

Thanks so much! Yeah definitely at some point 😁

[@jackromero4648]

I like that they had made them bigger, badder, faster, and stronger it simply just wouldn't have felt as serious or endangering had they stuck with the original in my opinion

[@MrBracey100]

I liked them being so large and distinctive in the films.

[@Youtubesucks916]

I subbed along time ago! Also I like to think goblins are a more primitive version or orcs and orcs are the bread that branched off and is smart and builds great structures and of course Uruk hai are bread for war

[@DraconimLt]

Those descriptions are Mordor Uruks though, not Uruk-hai. Does it actually say the height of Uruk hai though? They could be as tall as an average man if they are an improvement over the Uruks, especially if Treebeard is correct over the way they are bred...

[@Huskytabby]

What-if video idea for you to do: What if Gandalf never fell at the Bridge of Khazad-dum and continued with the fellowship to Lothlorien and forward?

[@samkendlinhobbs8494]

Would recommend the fanfic ’For the Want of Rope’ mate. It’s actually really well written and poignant

[@MahkRonAKash]

04:31 Wait... Boromir Son of Denethor... 2475. Supposedly not at all the Fellowship Boromir... but in the video about Boromir you stated he and Faramir broke the Osgiliath bridge, where this video says this OLD Boromir did the same damn thing? "It's great stone-bridge was broken." Either Boromir is 550 years old or this is an amazing coincidence.

[@thijshagenbeek8853]

Saruman as a Maia was extremely competent. Hé understood logistics and humanity to the Bone and that made his Uruk-Hai what they where. His logistics allowed him to turn Isengard nearly overnight from a place of learning to a Industrial power house. Being able to supply and arm about 10 - 15000 Uruks in record speed. And not Just anny armor. It might not be Gondorian steel, but his design was brilliant enough that it worked as well. Not to mention his armamants where simple but cunning tools of war. And thought out with the Uruk-Hai's natural strength and up and close manner of fighting in mind. The humanity hé part bred in them allowed him to teach his troops and instruct them that gave them more then a cleavers edge on the battlefield. With Lurz in particular history, battle tactics, formation drills, archery, siege warfare, chain of command. But also obedience as Ugluk would later show. Saruman knew hé could never out produce in bodies the great pits of Barad-Dur, so he went for quallity. Every Uruk-Hai had to be the death and bane of annything that Mordor/Gondor/Rohan/Rivendell could put in the field and come out on the other end. Considering the Uruks we see at Helms Deep are Just two maybe some as young as 3 weeks imagine what veteran Uruks and Sarumans Genious at work could produce. They are purpose bred troops. And I'd put them against anny foe in the field anny day. Elves and men dont reproduce as fast to keep up and in raw quallity Uruk-hai are more then a match and lower quallity troops like orcs are but rations. Its expected they will resist, but there will be Meat on the menu.

[@wokeurukhai7639]

Thank you. Finally someone identifying the difference between Uruks, Uruk Hai's, Orc's & Goblin's. Our next step is getting that fucker Talion canceled.

[@bobsbigboy_]

The Uruks are perfect in the films! They're so intimidating... Especially with their respective soundtracks