Snaga (orc of Mordor)

An orc, addressed as Snaga, was part of the garrison of the Tower of Cirith Ungol. He was one of the few survivors of the Battle of Cirith Ungol on March 14, T.A. 3019. Snaga first comes into the story when he encounters what he thinks is the "Great Elf-warrior" on the stairs. He flees. Snaga was then ordered by Shagrat to send word to Sauron that they captured a Halfling. Snaga refused, and after a short chase, makes his way to the top of the tower. There, he lashed the prisoner, Frodo Baggins, with a whip. He was quickly overcome by Samwise Gamgee, and fell through the trap door to his death.<ref>J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Tower of Cirith Ungol"

Portrayal in adaptations

1980: Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King:

Two Orcs appear in the role of Snaga, though none are called or credited as such. Sam encounters one on the stairs, who runs, trips and falls to his doom. A second orc is lashing Frodo. After a short fight, he too falls to his doom.

1981: BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings:

Snaga was voiced by Gordon Reid.

See also

• Snaga, the Black Speech term.
• Snaga (Orc of Isengard), another orc called Snaga