Soldier of Sauron in “The Lord of the Rings” (3) NYT Crossword Clue

The NYT Crossword puzzle on November 18, 2024, revealed the answer to the crossword clue "Soldier of Sauron in 'The Lord of the Rings'": ORC. Orcs, malevolent creatures created by Sauron, are central to the series' pivotal battles, such as the siege of Helm's Deep and the confrontation at the Black Gate.