In the third chapter of The Rings of Powerthe elf wander and his companions have become slaves to a group of orcs, who keep them imprisoned and doing forced labor. However, while they break their backs, their captors use clothing and awnings to cover themselves from the sun. In addition, they take refuge in passageways in which they are even further away from the king star. The reason is that they have a great sensitivity to the sun, which in the novels of Tolkien explained in its origin, since they were created when Middle-earth was shrouded in darkness and gloom. However, if we get scientific and fantasize beyond our own fantasy, it could be that they had some disease.
There are numerous pathologies that are characterized by a great sensitivity to sunlight. It is the case of the sun allergywhich is not really a disease as such, but the result of Many sicknesses. And also of certain pathologies that cause photosensitivity or that worsen if exposures to solar radiation are lengthened.
Therefore, if the orcs were human, we could explain what happens to some of them. It is not the case, but to imagine that it does not remain.
The reality of the photosensitivity of the orcs of ‘The Rings of Power’
Before seeing what would happen to orcs if they were human, we must not forget what are the causes of their photosensitivity in The Rings of Power.
In JRR Tolkien’s novels it is described that orcs were created by Melkor, the first dark lord of Middle-earth. It is not exactly clear what he created them from. In fact, the books themselves point to different theories, from the corruption of elves, elves mixed with men or other racesuntil the creation from rocks.
Be that as it may, it seems that he did it at a time when Middle-earth was shrouded in darkness. Therefore, as they prospered, they got used to the dark and the arrival of sunlight was a great impact for them. Come on, if we human beings had grown up without sunlight, we would have reacted the same. Although, well, it’s also possible that we wouldn’t have survived.
Porphyria: the disease of vampires and perhaps also of orcs
Porphyria is a set of diseases that are suspected of giving rise to vampire legends.
This is due to your symptoms. For example, one of them, the erythropoietic porphyria, counts among its symptoms with the appearance of red spots on the teeth, which seem stained with blood. In addition, the gums recede, so that the fangs appear more big and sharp.
On the other hand, most porphyrias are accompanied by anemiawhich generates a large pallor in patients. To solve this, in the past they were made to drink blood, so we can already begin to see the relationship with vampirism very clearly. But also with the orcs of The Rings of Power. His teeth fit perfectly with the recession of the gums, the color of his skin is not the healthiest and, as if that were not enough, the cutaneous porphyrias generate photosensitivity and photophobiawhich can affect both the skin and the eyes.
What exactly is sunlight allergy?
An allergy to the sun is considered to be the appearance of a rash, accompanied by itching, in response to exposure to sunlight. This can happen for many reasons, from the consumption of certain medicines to exposure to everyday products, such as some perfumes. Interestingly, not all people develop it equally, since there also seems to be some genetic component.
But on the other hand, other skin diseases can also cause sun allergy. For example, it is quite common in people with dermatitis. Could the orcs have The Rings of Power a dermatitis that causes allergies to the sun? It’s possible.
Autoimmune diseases in ‘The Rings of Power’
According to the Spanish Society of Rheumatology, exposure to sunlight can worsen the progression of some autoimmune diseasesAs the systemic lupus erythematosus and the dermatomyositis. However, it is also not good not to take any sun at all. For this reason, it is recommended to expose yourself for short periods and with the greatest possible number of protection measures.
This includes the use of creams with a high sun protection factor, as well as sunglasses, hats and umbrellas. You should also not sunbathe in the central hours of the day and reduce exposure. Ultimately, these patients should take the same measures as the rest of the populationbut in a more conscientious way.
Perhaps this is the least suitable example of disease for the orcs of The Rings of Powerbecause it repels even the smallest amount of light.
Also some rare diseases
There are several rare diseases that have photosensitivity among their symptoms. One of the most extreme cases is that of xeroderma pigmentosum. People who suffer from it show a malfunction of DNA repair mechanisms. For this reason, the slightest exposure to solar radiation causes serious burns. Also, are extremely prone to foot cancerl.
Perhaps this would be a good option for the orcs of The Rings of Power. In any case, all of these diseases are applicable to humans. We must not forget that they are a different race, or at least the corruption of a different race. Let’s leave it then that they were born in darkness. The rest is just a simple assumption.