Gimli

Gimli

273
    The Lord of the Rings
Photo Credit: Everett Collection

Character Analysis

(Avoiding Spoilers)

Grew Up… among his people, the dwarves. Too young (he was “only” in his 60s) to accompany his father Gloin on a great quest to reclaim the honor of the dwarf people, Gimli missed out on a heroic opportunity. But there would be more to come before the sun set on Gimli’s glory days.

Living… with the Fellowship of the Ring, a group of various races formed to protect the Ring-bearer Frodo Baggins as he travels to Mordor to destroy the Ring in Mount Doom. This is the only way to end the War of the Ring that is raging in Middle Earth. Gimli is happy to offer his service in this grand quest.

Profession… warrior. Gimli is a great fighter, wielding multiple axes. His dwarf strength is all he needs to crush orcs and goblins alike. He may not be the brightest warrior out there, but who needs wits when you have unadulterated brawn?

Interests… counting his slain opponents and quibbling with elves. Dwarves and elves have a history of strife between them, and being in a Fellowship with the elf Legolas doesn’t mean that Gimli is going to go easy on him. They bicker and nag each other from the beginning of the quest to the bitter end, but eventually come to like and respect each other.

Relationship Status… single. As Gimli jokes, “It's true you don't see many dwarf women. And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance, that they are often mistaken for dwarf men.” He’s probably not joking. Gimli does fancy the beautiful royal elf Galadriel, and he asks for (and receives) a lock of her hair. But that’s more a schoolboy crush than a potential relationship.

Challenge… getting the Ring to Mount Doom safely. Battling orcs, goblins, trolls, and human conspirators who want the Ring of Power for themselves, Gimli has more than enough on his plate when it comes to protecting Frodo and company.

Personality… crass, grumbling, earthy, and darkly humorous. Gimli is a loyal companion, but his pride as a dwarf often gets in the way of being a peaceful member of a group. His rivalry with Legolas is a war that sometimes becomes more fierce than the battle they’re fighting against the orcs. But without his mighty axe and fighting strength, the Fellowship would be far weaker.

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