Uruk-hai

It is important to note that Saruman did not "invent" them. That dubious honor goes to Sauron himself. Though Saruman appears to have improved on the original design by cross breeding with humans.   So, lets look for a second here at criteria for a good monster I introduce discussing Mordor and Melkor's creations. The role they fill is that of normal, rank and file foot soldiers. In that sense, they are actually an improvement over orcs - as was the intent. The uruk-hai were known for their fierce discipline and loyalty. They also represented a clear upgrade over orcs in terms of endurance, strength and height. But not being killed by or afraid of sunlight was one of the bigger practical advantages.   One thing that Saruman is weak regarding is time and industrial resources. Which means he is unable to rely on the huge waves of unrelenting attacks that Mordor would. He also lacks what is needed to outfit them. While he does have a decent industrial base, it would appear that he lacks critically the fuel needed to power the furnaces. Which means that he cannot outfit a massive orc army even if he could find enough. The result is he needs to get more value out of each soldier. The limited numbers of orcs and wild men seem like they would be ideal for the logistics while the actual fighting is handled by uruks. Which means that they fill a vital function that could not be accomplished with existing assets.   Is their design practical for that role? Yes - very much yes. They are so much of an improvement that real tactics can be used. Not just the wasteful human wave attacks of Mordor. We see uruks use a wider range of weapons, withstand much more damage and fight with more skill. But unlike say a balrog, they are I would imagine that they are also an improvement over humans in terms of infantry too. I would say that the uruks are the best mix of skill and numbers of a Middle Earth army. I would say that the elves and dwarves are better individually, but not near as numerous. Orcs are way more common, but not near as good in a one on one basis. As one could probably guess, they certainly are sufficiently resistant to damage and deadly.   Now, the issue of their impact on other combatants. Their improvements in quality means that the Dunlending allies of Saruman would be sufficiently intimidated into not challenging Saruman. The orcs have been show to be a bit less compliant in the face of uruks than one would hope for. There were cases of numbers and dirty tricks gave the upper hand to traditional orcs. But after the uruk hai becoming a major part of Saruman's forces, there was a check on the orcs. Saruman now could dispense with the orcs if he so wanted without suffering unacceptable losses. Not to say there would not be costs, but costs that could be paid without too much pain. Meanwhile the orcs remained much more at Saruman's mercy. If they rebelled, they would much more likely be crushed. They could flee to Mordor, but that would be the best they could hope for.   So for orcs, the uruks are somewhat of a mixed bag - able to control and manage the orcs but not able to secure uncontested obedience. They appear to be much more of a failure against the Free People and wargs. There was a noticeable uptick in fear in humans facing them, the elves and dwarves we see go up against them are not deterred at all. The elves at Helm's Deep do not suffer enough fear to lose combat effectiveness and their concerns appear more related to the numbers more than anything. Gimli was the only dwarf to fight them and he appears to relish the challenge. With him, their improved combat performance somewhat backfired.   For the wargs, the working relationship with orcs means that they seem to mainly cooperate with orcs. The orcs have the skills needed to control the wargs too and are small enough to actually ride them. Wargs, being so powerful in their own right means they can probably massacre a respectable number of uruks and would not be scared by uruk displays of force. So uruk actions against the wargs would cost Isengard its only mounted force, something the orc riders, wargs and Saruman would know. So they fail as a control force against the wargs.   Now, uruks appear to be smart enough to handle the tasks they are needed to in order to be effective soldiers. But not more. It is difficult to get a clear idea on what exactly the upper limits to their intelligence is, but we do have some clues. First, orcs do appear able to outsmart them. Also, the taming of wargs and the work in the factories is provided by orcs. Lastly, they are only trained in one weapon. Even when swords would be a good idea as a side arm and relatively simple to learn the basics.   The warg riding can be the product of orcs being already familiar with wargs and small enough to effectively ride them. So there would be no benefit to trying to reinvent the wheel. Uruks also were arrogantly under the impression they were superior to all other beings. Which makes me wonder if they were really less intelligent than orcs or their bias got in the way of their ability to fully use their intelligence to recognize orc scheming. The training could be a product of the limited time Saruman had to produce his army. Those that attacked the Fellowship appeared able to use bows and swords. Lastly, the industrial work makes sense in terms of traditional division of labor. Why would you waste good soldiers on manufacturing when you have another pool of labor less suited for the battlefield?   All in all, it they appear good enough for what is needed of them. Exactly how smart is not that clear. But what we can assume is that they are not going to be questioning orders. More importantly, they will not be plotting against Saruman. This is also one of the weaknesses that Saruman can exploit to control them. His persuasive power can dominate almost all beings in Middle Earth. But naturally, the more limited the intelligence, the easier this is. So building in a cap on uruk intelligence allows Saruman to essentially mind control them into being obedient. Or giving up on their rebellious plotting or turning on those who lead said plots.   Their arrogance is also a flaw that can be exploited too. Feeling themselves superior and taught from birth that they are unstoppable as a fighting force, what happens when defeats arrive? Well, routs. Their morale shatters and they lose all unit cohesion. Prior to the tide turning, they have the aggression and elan needed to pull off the cult of the offensive style tactics. But break that and they lose their effectiveness entirely. Which is a quite useful tool if you wish to retain political control over them.   This is reinforced with their armor. Essentially, there was no protection for their backs. Yes, this is cheaper to produce and a force fighting as a phalanx does not need near the coverage there. But it does have a lot of solid political implications should there be the will to exploit them. First and somewhat obvious is it reinforces the notion that survival requires the uruks successfully take their objectives. If they turn their backs on their enemies, they become easier to kill. Then, one can put essentially political commissars in the rear to kill uruks not advancing properly. Thus they have to obey and win or die.   To me, they do not appear that much of a threat to their masters at all. They can be easily beaten by someone like Saruman who knows their weaknesses and is able to dominate them. Plus, obedience grants them a natural outlet for their bloodlust and aggressive impulses. Plus, their relationship with orcs provides a nice opening for divide and conquer tactics to undercut any potential rebellion.   They are also one of the best creations in terms of being battle tested. Sauron recognized the downsides of orcs and created the first round of uruks. He then unleashed them in his own wars. Then, Saruman learned how to create them for Isengard's forces. He then had the raiding parties he sent out to find the Fellowship and the Battles of the Fords of Isen to test his creations and their tactics/weapons. So I would say that the bad guys did their homework here.