The Races of Middle-Earth for Beginners

For latecomers to the world of Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, here is a legend to the key players.

To Tolkien, the machine represents a means to attain power over others. His orcs – deformed and ugly creatures, whose hands are sometimes replaced with weapons – embody this lust for power. Mark Pokorny/ Warner Bros. and MGM Pictures

For latecomers to the world of Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, here is a legend to the key players.

The Free Races

“Free” generally means not under the dominion of the dark lord Sauron. It also indicates a higher stature of morality.

Dwarves

Short, barrel-chested, scary-strong, and long of beard, dwarves love mountains and caves. Their kingdoms were the Lonely Mountain and the Mines of Moria (Khazad-dum). They build and create with precious metals and gemstones. They are aggressive, supremely stubborn, and fierce in battle.

Courtesy of Warner Bros./ New Line Cinema