Fair Compensation in Tolkien's Middle-earth

The allure of rewards and compensation in J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium is a fascinating aspect of the complex society of creatures, particularly focusing on the orcs. These beings, under the control of powerful beings such as Morgoth and Sauron, receive various forms of compensation that keep them loyal and organized.

Pay and Benefits: Beyond Basic Survival

While orcs in Middle-earth get paid with food, shelter, weapons, and training, additional compensation like actual currency is a subject of debate. According to the text, Sauron did pay orcs with gold, meat, and other items. For instance, Azog the Defiler provided Nár with a small bag of coins. This indicates that orcs were indeed rewarded for their services with tangible objects of value.

Moreover, some orcs, like Shagrat and Gorbag, remain hopeful that they can still secure some form of payment after the war. They dream of setting up their own camps where they can live independently and enjoy the spoils of their labor. This suggests that even in the dire circumstances of Mordor, orcs were still prone to seeking rewards and independence.

Sauron's Control and Rewards

Sauron's control over orcs is another aspect to consider. He can marshal these creatures into powerful armies, but when his forces are destroyed, as they were with the destruction of his ring, orcs revert to a more primitive and scattered state. This illustrates the extent of Sauron's influence and the dependence orcs had on him for both survival and advancement.

Life in Mordor: Working Conditions and Rewards

Life as a servant or subject in the dark lands of Mordor presented a harsh reality. While some orcs certainly received material rewards, the environment was often brutal. The farms in the region were worked by slave labor, and orcs required sustenance to survive. Even with these basic provisions, the working conditions would have been highly demanding, reminiscent of the desperation of Slavery in the Legendarium.

Compliance and good service were rewarded, but not only in a positive manner. Those who failed or rebelled faced severe consequences. For instance, in The Choices of Master Samwise, whippings were described as a regular feature, even for orcs who tried to improve their standing. This harsh reality underscores the cost of survival and advancement for orcs under Morgoth and Sauron.

Conclusion: The Complexities of Rewards in Middle-earth

The question of whether orcs received tangible rewards for their services in Middle-earth is intriguing. While food, shelter, weapons, and training were standard, additional forms of compensation were possible, as evidenced by Nár's receipt of coins from Azog. Furthermore, the highly controlled and brutal nature of life under Morgoth and Sauron illustrated the grim rewards and the underlying power dynamics within the world of Middle-earth.

Keywords: Orcs, Middle-earth, Rewards, Sauron, Morgoth