67 Across

NYT Daily ? September 23, 2025

Flesh-eating creature in "The Lord of the Rings"

Answer:

ORC

Hint:

This brutish soldier serves under Sauron or Saruman, often wielding crude weapons and known for its greenish skin and love of battle. Think of a creature that’s neither goblin nor troll but shares their vicious nature.

Explanation:

This clue refers to the brutal, monstrous beings that serve as soldiers for the dark forces in The Lord of the Rings. Orcs are the flesh-eating, green-skinned creatures known for their savagery and loyalty to Sauron or Saruman. The answer is straightforward—no wordplay here—just a direct reference to one of the series’ most iconic villains. If you’ve seen the movies or read the books, "orc" is the obvious fit.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints