Balu (Lotru)

Balu, in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional world of Middle-earth, specifically within certain fan communities and role-playing games (RPGs), refers to an Orc of the Misty Mountains. The name appears specifically in materials related to Iron Crown Enterprises' Middle-earth Role Playing (MERP). In the MERP system, Balu is depicted as an Orc leader residing in the region surrounding Lotru, a geographic location also detailed within MERP supplements. Information concerning Balu, his tribe, and his activities is largely derived from these secondary sources and not from Tolkien's primary works, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, or The Silmarillion. Therefore, Balu is not considered a canonical character in Tolkien's legendarium. Information about his specific motivations, abilities, or significance would be detailed within MERP or similar RPG sourcebooks. His presence serves to enrich the setting within those gaming systems, providing antagonists and scenarios for player characters to interact with in the larger context of Middle-earth.