What is the history of the orcs?

Orcs are a fictional race that originated in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, specifically in his Middle-earth legendarium. In Tolkien's mythology, orcs are an evil race of creatures that were created by the dark lord Melkor, also known as Morgoth, in the First Age of Middle-earth. They are described as ugly, brutish, and warlike, with a deep hatred for elves, dwarves, and humans.

Throughout Tolkien's works, orcs are portrayed as a constant threat to the free peoples of Middle-earth, and are often depicted as the foot soldiers of evil armies, such as the armies of Sauron in The Lord of the Rings.

Since Tolkien's time, orcs have become a staple of fantasy literature, role-playing games, and video games. They have been featured in numerous books, movies, and video games, often with variations on their origins and appearance. While their portrayal varies from story to story, they are generally depicted as savage, brutish creatures that are difficult to defeat.