The name Orc - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Måns · 08-10-2003, 03:16 AM

Something just came across my mind when I reread a litttle hsitory of the Macedonian realms, there was this General called Poliorketes as a by-name, given later in his life because of his plundering fo many cities in the Persian war. Now, his mane, Poliorketes means basicly "City-sacker" or something to that effect. As we all know, Pólis means city, and thus we are left with orketes for the sacker/plunderer.. It seems quite likely in my mind that Tolkien knew of the Greek word and used it to indicate something vioolent. What d'you think?

Måns

08-10-2003, 03:16 AM	#1
Måns Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Stockholm Posts: 63	The name Orc Something just came across my mind when I reread a litttle hsitory of the Macedonian realms, there was this General called Poliorketes as a by-name, given later in his life because of his plundering fo many cities in the Persian war. Now, his mane, Poliorketes means basicly "City-sacker" or something to that effect. As we all know, Pólis means city, and thus we are left with orketes for the sacker/plunderer.. It seems quite likely in my mind that Tolkien knew of the Greek word and used it to indicate something vioolent. What d'you think? Måns __________________ "One death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a stastistic." Josef Stalin