The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Introduces a Non-Canon ‘Orc with an Arc’

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has introduced a brand new character, MarnГ»kh, who is an orc with an arc. This character is a significant departure from J.R.R. Tolkien’s original works, where orcs were depicted as monsters with a singular desire to destroy the world of men in Middle-earth.

According to co-showrunner J.D. Payne, the idea of an orc who defects to the Elves was born out of a desire to explore what orcs were before they became soulless, mindless slaves to Sauron’s will. Payne explained, ‘We love the idea of exploring what orcs were before they became soulless, mindless slaves to Sauron’s will. So out of that was born this idea of an orc who would risk everything to defect, go to the Elves and say: ‘We have a common enemy.’

MarnГ»kh, played by Adam Young, is a morally challenged character who has free will. He is not a ‘nice guy,’ but he is complex and multifaceted, with a depth that sets him apart from the typical orc character.

One of the most interesting aspects of MarnГ»kh’s character is his poetic side. At one point in Season 3, he delivers a short rhyming verse that showcases his creative side. Co-showrunner Patrick McKay explained, ‘We wanted to make room to get to know that character. What does he talk about? What food does he like to eat? What is it like to be an orc? We think it’s really important to find room amid all the epicness for stuff that’s really small and human (as it were). Maybe he’s making up a little rhyme! We found that to be one of the things that draws you in – but maybe he’s fooling you. Part of the tension there is: can they trust the orc?’

MarnГ»kh is not the only non-canon character in Season 3 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The season also features a speaking Balrog who battles Sauron and an early version of the Ringwraiths called the NazgnagГҙl. The focus of Season 3 is on Sauron’s bid to forge the One Ring, the introduction of Galadriel’s husband, Celeborn, and Gandalf becoming full-on Gandalf.

According to the showrunners, MarnГ»kh is a character who will keep viewers guessing. Payne explained, ‘He’s sort of sweet and funny, and there’s something sensitive to him. And even dare I say, poetic and soulful about him. But then, also, he’s constantly sort of undercutting things, and there’s part of him that’s gross and frightening. And so he constantly keeps everyone guessing.’

The first four episodes of Season 3 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere on November 11, 2026. Episodes five and six will be available to stream on November 18, and the final two episodes of the season will be released on November 25.