Orcs are a fictional humanoid race that originate from the writings of J.R.R Tolkien and have since appeared in many works of fantasy fiction. They are often depicted as big, muscular humanoids with animalistic features like tusks, pointed ears, and green or grey skin. When it comes to their height and size, there is considerable variability between different fictional universes. Some works portray orcs as being around the same height as humans, while others depict them as much larger and taller. In this article, we’ll take a look at how tall orcs can get according to different notable examples from literature, film, and games.
Tolkien’s Orcs
In J.R.R Tolkien’s Middle Earth writings, orcs are generally described as being around 4-5 feet tall on average. They are stocky and broad rather than tall, with long arms and short legs. Tolkien wrote that orcs “were squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes: in fact degraded and repulsive versions of the (to Europeans) least lovely Mongol-types.” While Tolkien’s orcs are certainly on the short side, there are some instances of larger orc breeds. The fighting Uruk-hai bred by Saruman were “man-high” meaning around 6 feet tall. Larger orc chieftains like Bolg were also described as being bigger than the rank and file orcs. But overall, Tolkien’s orcs tend to be on the shorter side compared to humans.
Dungeons & Dragons Orcs
In the various editions of Dungeons & Dragons, orcs have varied more in height. In D&D, orcs are described as powerfully built humanoids, with most males standing between 6 to 7 feet tall and weighing between 200 to 280 lbs. Females are slightly shorter and lighter. The grey-skinned mountain orogs can grow even larger, averaging 7-1/2 feet tall. Half-orcs, the hybrid offspring of orcs and humans, stand between 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 feet tall on average. So in D&D, orcs tend to be significantly taller than humans, with grey orcs being able to reach over 7 feet in height. Their size and strength make them formidable adversaries.
Warcraft Orcs
The orcs that appear in the Warcraft video game franchise are notable for their hulking size and green skin. Male orcs average between 6 to 7 feet tall and weigh between 250 to 300 lbs. Important orc characters like Orgrim Doomhammer and Thrall are described as being near or above 7 feet in height. The rare blackrock clan orcs can grow to well over 7 feet tall due to their origins near the dark portal. So in Warcraft, most orcs are taller than humans but around the same stature as elves and tauren. Only the largest orc champions approach 8 feet in height.
Elder Scrolls Orcs
In the Elder Scrolls games like Skyrim, orcs are one of the playable races. They are described as being taller and stronger than humans on average. Most male orcs stand between 6-1/2 to 7 feet tall, while females are 6 to 6-1/2 feet tall typically. Orcs are broad and muscular with greenish skin tones. Notable orc chiefs like Gortwog gro-Nagorm have been described as approaching 8 feet tall. So Elder Scrolls orcs get quite big, easily surpassing the height of humans.
Shadowrun Orcs
In the Shadowrun cyberpunk fantasy setting, orcs are referred to as Orks. Male Orks average between 7 to 8 feet in height and weigh 200 to 350 lbs. They have prominent tusks and greenish-gray skin. Especially large ork specimens can approach 9 feet tall. The Orks in Shadowrun are notably taller and bulkier than humans. Their great size and strength makes them well-suited as guards and enforcers.
Magic: The Gathering Orcs
In the Magic: The Gathering trading card game, orcs come from various worlds and planes. On average though, orcs tend to be a bit taller and broader than humans. Most orcs fall in the 6-1/2 to 7 foot range for males. Females are slightly shorter. Notable orc planeswalkers like Sarkhan Vol have been depicted around 7 feet tall. So in Magic, orcs have a fairly typical size range, though legendary individuals may grow taller.
Forgotten Realms Orcs
In the Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons setting, orcs vary more in size between subraces. Common grey orcs average between 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 feet tall for males and 5 to 6 feet for females. The larger mountain orcs average 6-1/2 to 8 feet tall. Orogs, the offspring of orcs and ogres, can grow to over 8 feet tall and weigh up to 500 lbs. The orcs of Many-Arrows are taller than common grey orcs at around 6 feet for males. So Forgotten Realms features orcs of varied size, with mountain orcs and orogs being significantly taller than humans.
How Orcs Get So Tall
In many fictional settings, orcs are depicted as being naturally taller and heavier than humans. There are several potential explanations for their larger stature:
- Genetics – Orcs may have genetic traits for increased height and muscularity. Selective breeding for warriors may play a role.
- Environment – Harsh upbringings in mountains and harsh lands may drive natural selection for stronger, heartier orcs.
- Culture – Orc culture may value and encourage greater size and strength as seen in their chiefs.
- Diet – A protein-heavy diet with much meat and hunting may fuel the growth of young orcs.
- Supernatural origins – In some settings, orcs were magically crafted to be powerful warriors and laborers.
So a combination of biological and cultural factors may cause orcs to tend towards great stature compared to humankind in many fictional settings.
Height Comparison Table
| Fictional Setting | Average Orc Height |
|---|---|
| Tolkien’s Middle Earth | 4-5 feet |
| Dungeons & Dragons | 6-7 feet |
| Warcraft | 6-7 feet |
| Elder Scrolls | 6-1/2 to 7 feet |
| Shadowrun | 7-8 feet |
| Magic: The Gathering | 6-1/2 to 7 feet |
| Forgotten Realms | 5-1/2 to 8 feet |
Maximum Known Orc Height
While average orcs tend to be taller than humans in most settings, truly massive orcs can reach even greater heights in rare cases. Some of the maximum known heights for orcs include:
- 9 feet – Shadowrun ork specimens
- Over 8 feet – Orc chieftains and champions in Elder Scrolls, Forgotten Realms, etc.
- 8 feet – Largest orc breeds like Orogs and Blackrock Orcs
- 7-8 feet – Particularly tall orc individuals
So while not common, the tallest, most massive orcs could potentially reach around 9 feet in height. These would be rare specimen blessed with incredible genes and growth. Your average orc warlord would likely stand 7-8 feet tall at their peak size.
Conclusion
In conclusion, orcs in most fantasy settings stand significantly taller than humans on average. Typical orc height ranges from around 6 feet to 7 or even 8 feet for males. The tallest known orcs could potentially reach up to 9 feet, though these cases would be uncommon. Factors like genetics, environment, diet, and culture drive orcs towards greater stature. Their imposing size and strength makes them formidable foes and laborers. So while they vary between different fictional worlds, orcs consistently inspire fear and awe thanks to their hulking height and muscular builds.