Orcs > Orc Origins  > "Orcs"

    In the Silmarillion it is said that in the Dark Days Morgoth enslaved all Elves whom dared roam near his lands. Those who were taken were tortured for a lifetime of tears. Then, he bred them into hideous monsters (in derision of the Elves, who became their bitterest foes). Elves were harassed by them for all their ages in Middle-earth. Orcs multiplied after the manner of the Quendi and they had life, but no life of their own. Veiled in these mindless monsters' hearts they resented Morgoth, maker of their misery, but it it was he whom they served-- in great fear.

Reference: The Silmarillion 
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