Other "races"
Many fantasy stories and worlds refer to their main sapient humanoid species as "races" rather than species. In most such worlds these races are related, and capable of producing viable offspring together, typically having diverged from one root species – most often either elves or humans – by magical or divine influence. The usage of the term in this context was popularized by J. R. R. Tolkien and was further adapted and spread by the use of races in Dungeons & Dragons role-playing games. Many fantasy settings use the terms "race" and "species" interchangeably.
In role-playing games, "race" typically refers to any species that can be used as a player character. In older editions of Dungeons & Dragons, the primary non-human player races (dwarf, elf, gnome, halfling, and half-elf) were called "demi-humans". Later games such as Shadowrun use the term "metahuman", and define these humanoid races as subdivisions of Homo sapiens.
Other races include Orcs, which were popularized in Lord of The Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. They are now used in many fantasy worlds and are often depicted as large, green brutish creatures with more muscle than brains (although Tolkien's Orcs, while savage, are cunning and probably as intelligent as a man).
Other races include various humanoid creatures that appear like animals like wolves, bears, boars and other animal species.
Read more about this topic: Fantasy Tropes And Conventions
Famous quotes containing the word races:
“For the most part we stupidly confound one man with another. The dull distinguish only races or nations, or at most classes, but the wise man, individuals.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“This Administration has declared unconditional war on poverty and I have come here this morning to ask all of you to enlist as volunteers. Members of all parties are welcome to our tent. Members of all races ought to be there. Members of all religions should come and help us now to strike the hammer of truth against the anvil of public opinion again and again until the ears of this Nation are open, until the hearts of this Nation are touched, and until the conscience of America is awakened.”
—Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908–1973)