10 Down

NYT Daily ? September 16, 2025

Elf's foe

Answer:

ORC

Hint:

This brutish humanoid often serves as a grunting warrior in fantasy battles, known for its green skin and love of raiding villages. Think Tolkien’s less refined creations.

Explanation:

In fantasy stories like The Lord of the Rings, orcs are brutish, warlike creatures often pitted against elves. The clue "Elf's foe" plays on this classic rivalry, where orcs serve as the natural enemies of elves in battles and lore. It’s a straightforward reference—no wordplay, just a nod to well-known mythical conflicts.

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General solving tip

Location/language tags (in Paris, in México, in Roma) often want an answer in that language. Try the basic word in French/Spanish/Italian, confirmed by crosses.

More tips → General Hints