Bolg

Bolg is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. The name is principally associated with an Orc chieftain described as the son of Azog the Defiler, a leader among the Orcs during the various conflicts that involve dwarves and the northern realms.

In the canonical writings, Bolg appears as a prominent Orc leader during the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. He is said to have commanded Orc forces at the Battle of Azanulbizar, where he is slain by Dáin Ironfoot, a significant event that shifts Orc leadership within the northern territories. The episode is often cited as a turning point in the long struggle between dwarves and Orcs in Tolkien’s legendarium.

In modern adaptations, Bolg is featured prominently in Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of The Hobbit. In these films, Bolg is depicted as the son of Azog and serves as the Orc chieftain who leads the attacking army at the Battle of the Five Armies, expanding the character beyond the brief textual references found in the original writings.

Name usage and variations: The name Bolg is used for more than one Orc figure across Tolkien’s works, and the exact details of Bolg’s lineage and deeds can vary between sources. As a result, Bolg's portrayal may differ between canonical texts and adaptations, with the latter often expanding his role for dramatic purposes.

See also: Azog the Defiler, Battle of Azanulbizar, Orcs, Dáin Ironfoot.