[Gwaihir the Windlord]

I think you misunderstand me. The Orcs, it is true, cannot be held 'accountable' as you say, Lord of Angmar, and yes, they are to be pitied. It isn't their fault. They simpy are that way. This does not change the fact that they are evil beings.

As I said in that quote-ridden post, the fault does indeed lie with Morgoth. He corrupted the Orcs, and as a result of this, they have become evil. Stupid and evil. I do not hold them responsible for their being this way, but, unfortunately, they are.

I was referring to races as a whole, and certainly you could not say that all of the Ainur, or more specifically all the Valar, were in any way, shape or form evil, although Melkor certainly was.

No, as the Ainur are very variable. The Orcs are all very similar; and they proceed from Morgoth (the evil Vala that you mentioned) who is the source of evil in Ea (although ultimately the primary source is in Illuvatar).

There are no nice Orcs in Middle-Earth. They are all cruel and nasty.

Edit: The quote

...at least a few of them would wish not to meddle in the affairs of the other races of Middle-earth, as illustrated in Shagrat and Gorbag's conversation in the Two Towers. (Lord of Angmar)

They were considering becoming highway bandits. As I say, stupid and evil. Just sort of bad all through, really.

[ July 27, 2003: Message edited by: Gwaihir the Windlord ]