The Uruk-hai: Sauron's Experiment in Isengard

 

The "Uruk-hai," a term meaning the Uruk people, were unlike any other orcs seen before. They were a terrifying force, faster, stronger, and smarter than their counterparts. They could travel long distances during the day without tiring and were larger in size, albeit shorter than humans.

It was unclear whether the Uruk-hai of Mordor were identical to the Uruk-hai of Isengard, who might have been a more advanced version of the race created before the War.

Serving Saruman and bearing the (S) symbol on their white metal helmets, the Uruk-hai were distinct. Their shields displayed Saruman's white hand on a black field. Their weapons differed from other orcs, using short, broad-bladed swords and large bows similar to those used by humans.

Saruman began breeding this lineage in Isengard around the year 2990 when the shadow of the enemy loomed over Rohan. These Uruk-hai formed the core of the massive army Saruman assembled in competition with Sauron. This army was sent to eradicate Rohan in the Battles of Isen and Helm's Deep. Prior to that, Saruman dispatched a smaller force to capture the Ring-bearer, setting up an ambush led by Lurtz. This force successfully captured Merry and Pippin.

Despite their conflicts with Mordor orcs, the Uruk-hai eventually turned towards Isengard. On February 29, 3019, Treebeard observed that Saruman had done something drastic to the Uruk-hai, making them more like villains as they could endure sunlight despite hating it. Treebeard wondered whether Saruman had corrupted the orcs or mixed them with men, an act he considered unforgivable.