


In terms of how it applies to lore, it is because they are a product of their culture. Considering the fact that it is not uncommon to meet smart Orcs, Nords and Redguards depending on their location, then it doesn't really imply that they're naturally stupid in any way. This is because Intelligence in terms of stats is merely the title given to the stat that defines one's magical aptitude with certain schools, as well as spell points, not a measure of how smart they are like the title implies/shares name with - proof? Look at their Willpower. It also shows both Nords and Redguards to be less intelligent than Orc females.

The stats only show that males are slightly less intelligent than most races with females being equal to most races outside of the most intelligent and magically inclined, like Altmer and Bretons.
