The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is undeniably one of the most beloved and influential fantasy series of all time. It made its debut in 1954 with the publication of its first volume, The Fellowship of the Ring, and has been delighting fans ever since. In the early 2000s, Tolkien's enduring novels were adapted into an epic movie trilogy. Both the books and the movies are deeply enmeshed in global pop culture. If you haven't listened to the books, or if it's been a while since you've seen the movies, it can be hard to keep the cast of characters straight. Middle-earth is a complex world, after all, and The Lord of the Rings is full of major and minor characters, each with a unique backstory.
This guide will introduce you to Gimli son of Glóin, one of the nine members of the Company that sets out with Frodo to destroy the One Ring, and a major character in both the books and the movies. Who is Gimli? Does he have any children? Does he die? What's the deal with his friendship with Legolas? Read on for the answers to these questions and many more.
Who is Gimli?
Gimli, son of Glóin, is a Dwarf from the line of Durin of the Dwarves of Erebor. His father, Glóin, was one of the 12 dwarves who set out with Thorin Oakenshield in his quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug, as told in The Hobbit. Gimli was born in the year 2879, about 60 years before the death of Thorin in The Hobbit. He was still a rather young man (by Dwarf-standards) during the events of The Hobbit, and thus not present in that book.
Gimli rose to prominence, both among his people and in the wider world, during the events of the War of the Ring. He was one of the Nine Walkers who set out from Rivendell with Frodo on his quest to destroy the One Ring. He came to the Council of Elrond, along with his father, with the news that Sauron's servants had been visiting the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain, asking questions about Bilbo and the Ring.
Gimli is 139 during the events of The Lord of the Rings. Dwarves have an average lifespan of 250 years; thus, being young and strong, he was selected by Elrond to represent the Dwarves as part of Frodo's company. He later became known as Elf-friend, the only Dwarf to be given such a name, due to his great friendship with Legolas and his respect, reverence, and deep affection for Lady Galadriel.
Gimli and the Dwarves: Fact vs. Fiction
Gimli comes from the sturdy people of the Lonely Mountain of the Dwarves of Erebor. While excellent warriors, Dwarves are primarily artisans, architects, and stonemasons. They shape mountains into glittering cities, craft beautiful toys and trinkets, and make armor, weapons, and buildings that are unmatched in quality. Dwarves play a small but significant part in The Lord of the Rings, and they are sometimes quite misunderstood. Let’s clear up a few of the biggest misconceptions about Gimli, his people, and their role in the War of the Ring.
Myth: Gimli is the last dwarf.
Though Gimli has no children, he is not the last Dwarf of Middle-earth. After the fall of Sauron, his people continued to thrive in the Lonely Mountain. Gimli made his home in Rohan, in the Glittering Caves of Aglarond, and many of his kinsfolk came with him. After Aragon reestablished the Northern Realm of Gondor, many Dwarves also made their home in the North, in the Blue Mountains and Iron Hills, free from the shadow of Sauron's evil. While little is written about these Dwarf settlements in The Lord of the Rings trilogy or its appendices, Tolkien makes clear that many Dwarves remained in Middle-earth after the passing of Sauron.
Myth: There are no other dwarves in The Lord of the Rings.
Though Gimli is the only major Dwarf character in the trilogy and its prequels, he is certainly not the only Dwarf. Certainly, he is the only Dwarf to accompany Frodo on his mission. He is also the only Dwarf to fight alongside Aragon in the wars of Rohan and Gondor—but only because his kinsmen are busy fighting their own battles. During the events of the books, the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain are defending their home from Sauron's forces. Sauron's continued attacks culminate in the Battle of Dale, in which both King Brand of Dale and King Dáin Ironfoot, Lord of the Lonely Mountain, are slain.
Dwarves are also mentioned in the second half of The Fellowship of the Ring, when the company enters Moria. There, they find the tomb of Balin, who attempted to revive the ancient Dwarf city some 30 years before. They also discover a record-book detailing the colony's early success and eventual downfall at the hands of Orcs. Gimli may be the only major Dwarf character, but Dwarves are an important part of Middle-earth, and their presence is very much felt throughout The Lord of the Rings.
Myth: The dwarves don't fight Sauron in The Lord of the Rings.
The battles described in The Lord of the Rings chiefly concern the realms of men: Rohan and Gondor. But, like the Hobbits of The Shire, the Elves of Mirkwood, and the Elves of Lorien, the Dwarves of Erebor fight Sauron in their own lands. The appendix to The Lord of the Rings mentions the Battle of Dale, during which Sauron's forces attack the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. After King Brand (of men) and King Dáin (of Dwarves) are killed, the men and Dwarves of Dale are forced to retreat deep into the Lonely Mountain, where they survive by waiting out Sauron's forces. The gates of the Lonely Mountain hold, and the Dwarves of Erebor live to flourish in the Fourth Age.
What are Gimli’s weapons?
Gimli carries a battle axe, after the manner of his people, which he wields with tremendous skill. Throughout The Lord of the Rings, he is shown slaying Orcs with his axe, most notably during the Battle of Helm's Deep, during which he kills 42. Like most Dwarves, Gimli is strong and stout, with excellent night vision and endurance. He is also an expert miner, stonemason, builder of armor, and craftsman. Though most of The Lord of the Rings is concerned with war and adventure, Gimli's skill as an artisan is alluded to several times.
What happens to Gimli throughout the War of the Ring?
The Fellowship of the Ring
Gimli first appears during the Council of Elrond; he sets out from Rivendell with Frodo and his companions. He is one of the few members of the Company eager to enter the Mines of Moria following their failed attempt to cross the Misty Mountains over the Pass of Caradhras. His bravery and fearlessness encourage Gandalf; throughout the journey, Gimli walks proudly in the front, alongside the wise wizard. He is grief-stricken when the Company discovers Balin's tomb and learns of the fate of the Dwarves of Moria.
When the Company seeks refuge in Lorien after the fall of Gandalf, Gimli displays his characteristic pride and stubbornness. The Elves of Lorien insist on blindfolding him during their journey to the Elven city, but Gimli staunchly refuses. He is finally appeased when Aragorn agrees that the whole Company, including Legolas, will be blindfolded. Legolas and Gimli bicker back and forth about it.
In Lorien, Gimli immediately becomes enamored with Lady Galadriel. Upon first meeting her eyes and sensing her wisdom, power, and kindness, Gimli is overcome with feeling. As Tolkien writes: "And it seemed to him that he looked suddenly into the heart of an enemy and saw there love and understanding. Wonder came into his face, and then he smiled in answer."
Gimli's admiration and respect for Galadriel is cemented when the Company leaves Lorien. Galadriel gives each member of the Company a gift, and when she asks Gimli what she can offer him, he replies that he needs nothing: to have looked upon her is gift enough. When she presses him, he humbly requests a single strand of her hair to remember her by. Galadriel, charmed by his poetic words, gives him three strands of hair, along with a blessing: "Your hands shall flow with gold, and yet over you gold shall have no dominion."
It is in Lorien where Gimli's friendship with Legolas first develops. The two spend much time talking together during the many days the Company rests in Lorien, and they leave the forest dear friends.
The Two Towers
Gimli plays an important role in The Two Towers. After Boromir dies and Frodo and Sam depart for Mordor, Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn become the Three Hunters. They pursue a company of Orcs across the plains of Rohan, hoping to rescue Merry and Pippin, who have been captured. Throughout this section, Gimli exhibits strength and determination, and his bonds of friendship and brotherhood with Aragorn and Legolas deepen. When the Three Hunters encounter Éomer and the Riders of Rohan, Gimli expresses his disgust at Éomer's harsh words about Galadriel—and vows to defend her honor with his axe, if need be.
Throughout the rest of The Two Towers, Gimli continues to fight alongside Aragorn, playing a small but important part in the War of the Ring. He accompanies Aragorn to the hall of King Théoden, where, when asked to leave his axe at the door, he again exhibits his characteristic stubbornness. He shows particular valor during the Battle of Helm's Deep, where he and Legolas engage in a jovial competition to see who can slay the most Orcs. Ultimately, Gimli wins this battle, killing 42 Orcs. It is also during the Battle of Helm's Deep where Gimli first sees the Glittering Caves. He speaks to Legolas about them in detail, and his words move the Elf. The two make an agreement to travel together if they both survive the war; Gimli will visit the forest of Fangorn, and Legolas will venture into the Glittering Caves.
Gimli, while hardy and stubborn, is also kind and loyal—he values his friendships. When he is at last reunited with the Hobbits Merry and Pippin at the end of the novel, they spend a while sitting on the ruins of Isengard, catching up like old friends.
The Return of the King
In The Return of the King, Gimli accompanies Aragon on his journey through the Paths of the Dead. Though a Dwarf, and fond of underground places, he experiences fear unlike anything he's ever known during their journey through the dark caverns. He remains steadfast because of his love for and loyalty to Aragorn.
After Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli return to Minas Tirith in the midst of battle, having fought and defeated Sauron's forces in the south of Gondor and bringing much-needed aid, Gimli continues to represent the Dwarves throughout the final battles of the War of the Ring. He is with the Company that rides to meet Sauron at the Black Gates, as well as present at Aragorn's wedding to Lady Arwen after Sauron's downfall. His argument with Éomer comes full circle when they encounter each other again at Aragorn's wedding. Éomer refuses to declare Galadriel the fairest lady in the land but only because he gives that title to Lady Arwen. So, Gimli forgives him.
Gimli last appears in The Lord of the Rings when he parts ways with the Hobbits on their journey back to the Shire. He and Legolas, as agreed, take leave of the remaining Company to visit the forest of Fangorn together. "Well, farewell, my Hobbits!" he says. "You should come safe to your own homes now, and I shall not be kept awake for fear of your peril."
Gimli’s key relationships and friendships
Galadriel
Gimli is enamored of Galadriel from the moment he meets her. She speaks to him kindly, and her words, along with her great beauty, make a strong impression on the Dwarf. Galadriel herself cements Gimli's love for her with her parting gift to him of three hairs from her own head. Gimli remains a steadfast defender of Galadriel's beauty throughout the trilogy, and his love for her is one of the reasons he is later named Elf-friend.
Legolas
The friendship between Legolas and Gimli is described as one of the truest friendships between Elves and Dwarves ever to exist in Middle-earth. They become close in Lorien, spending much time together, and emerge from the forest lifelong friends. They ride together on one horse during all their future journeys, fight side by side, and are rarely separated. They make a pact to travel together if they both survive the War of the Ring, and they do this, visiting the places they each love, and eventually settling down near each other.
What happens to Gimli after the fall of Sauron?
Gimli's Friendship with Legolas
The deep friendship that develops between Gimli and Legolas during the War of the Ring turns into a lifelong relationship. They live near each other—Gimli in the Glittering Caves and Legolas just across the river in Ithilien. Neither Legolas nor Gimli marry; both remain single until they sail together to the Undying Lands.
Gimli, Lord of the Glittering Caves
After the downfall of Sauron, Gimli travels with many of his kinsfolk to the Glittering Caves of Aglarond. He becomes the Lord of the Glittering Caves, and prospers there for many years, doing great works for the Kings of Gondor and Rohan. He never takes a wife and has no children.
Voyage to the Undying Lands
The very last note in the "Tale of the Years," Tolkien's appendix to The Lord of the Rings that outlines the lives of the characters after the fall of Sauron, concerns Gimli. In the year 3141 (Fourth Age 120), it is said that Gimli, at age 262, accompanied Legolas to the Undying Lands: "Then Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien, and sailed down Anduin and so over Sea; and with him, it is said, when Gimli the Dwarf. And when that ship passed an end was come in Middle-earth of the Fellowship of the Ring."
Tolkien includes another note about this event, retelling it as it was recorded by the Hobbits in the Red Book:
"We have heard tell that Legolas took Gimli Glóin's son with him because of their great friendship, greater than any that has been between Elf and Dwarf. If this is true, then it is strange indeed: that a Dwarf should be willing to leave Middle-earth for any love, or that the Eldar should receive him, or that the Lords of the West should permit it. But it is said that Gimli went also out of desire to see again the beauty of Galadriel; and it may be that she, being mighty among the Eldar, obtained this grace for him."
Tolkien ends Gimli's story here. What happens in the Undying Lands is open to interpretation; some fans believe it to be a metaphor for heaven. Whether mortal characters, such as Gimli and Frodo, eventually die there, is left up to each listener's imagination.
The Best Gimli Quotes
"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." —The Fellowship of the Ring
"I will go forward free…or I will go back and seek my own land, where I am known to be true of word, though I perish alone in the wilderness." —The Fellowship of the Ring
"The legs of Men will lag on a rough road, while a Dwarf goes on, be the burden twice his own weight, Master Boromir!” —The Fellowship of the Ring
"My legs must forget the miles. They would be more willing, if my heart were less heavy." —The Two Towers
"No Dwarf could be unmoved by such loveliness. None of Durin's race would mine those caves for stone or ore, not if diamonds and gold could be got there. Do you cut down groves of blossoming trees in the springtime for firewood? We would tend these glades of flowering stone, not quarry them." —The Two Towers
"I will go with you even on the Paths of the Dead, and to whatever end they may lead." — The Return of the King
"Here is a thing unheard of! An Elf will go underground and a Dwarf dare not!" —The Return of the King
"You have chosen the Evening; but my love is given to the Morning. And my heart forbodes that soon it will pass away for ever." —The Return of the King
