
The Lord of the Rings · Character
Gimli
Also known as Gimli son of Glóin
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 16
A stout dwarf with stout legs and deep eyes that can hold a strange light, show smouldering fire, or glint in dim light, and are keen in the dark. Skin tone, hair, height, and age are unspecified. He wears a short shirt of steel-rings with a broad-bladed axe in his belt and dwarf-boots. He is also provided with a hood and a cloak made according to his size of light silken stuff that appears grey with the hue of twilight under the trees, yet shifts to green as shadowed leaves, brown as fallow fields by night, or dusk-silver as water under the stars, fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- young adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 16
- Books
- 3
Gimli, son of Glóin, begins as a proud, battle-ready Dwarf of the Lonely Mountain, joining the Fellowship as a representative of his people. Across the trilogy his role expands from wary warrior to trusted companion, most notably forging an unlikely but enduring friendship with the Elf Legolas. By the end of the War of the Ring he has become a respected statesman, offering Dwarven stonecraft to rebuild Minas Tirith and later journeying with Legolas to the Glittering Caves and beyond, symbolizing the reconciliation of ancient enmities.
Description
A stout dwarf with stout legs and deep eyes that can hold a strange light, show smouldering fire, or glint in dim light, and are keen in the dark. Skin tone, hair, height, and age are unspecified. He wears a short shirt of steel-rings with a broad-bladed axe in his belt and dwarf-boots. He is also provided with a hood and a cloak made according to his size of light silken stuff that appears grey with the hue of twilight under the trees, yet shifts to green as shadowed leaves, brown as fallow fields by night, or dusk-silver as water under the stars, fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver. A short, stout dwarf with a compact, stone-hard build, stout legs and a round head stands firmly planted with axe in hand. He has a thick dark beard framing a weathered fair face, dark eyes that flash with intensity, and wears a superior short corslet of northern forge-work beneath Elvish traveling clothes, topped with a fitted cap of iron and leather while carrying a small shield. His entire frame radiates endurance and readiness, a hardy mountain warrior of compact power and unyielding loyalty. A compact, sturdy Dwarf warrior with a long beard that he strokes as he walks. He wears practical, travel-ready clothing and carries a battle axe, standing with a purposeful, watchful bearing. His face is focused and resolute, suited to a seasoned companion on a dangerous journey.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Aragorncompanion
Begins as a wary ally in the Fellowship; by the end of the quest Gimli is devoted to Aragorn, following him through the Paths of the Dead and pledging Dwarven aid for the rebuilding of Minas Tirith.

Legolasclose friend
Starts as a competitive comrade whose rivalry in Orc-slaying evolves into a deep, lifelong friendship; together they explore Fangorn and the Glittering Caves, and their companionship outlasts the War of the Ring.

Peregrin Tookrescuer
Initially exasperated by the young Hobbit’s recklessness, Gimli’s affection grows; he rescues Pippin on the Pelennor Fields and later speaks warmly of their bond.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of the Lord of the Rings
- Represents Dwarves at the Council of Elrond and volunteers for the Fellowship
- Receives the Elven cloak and brooch from the Lady Galadriel
- Travels south with the Company, axe ever at the ready
BOOK 2The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of the Lord of the Rings
- Pursues the captured Merry and Pippin with Aragorn and Legolas as one of the Three Hunters
- Defends Helm’s Deep and slays forty-two Orcs in a contest with Legolas
- Explores the Glittering Caves of Aglarond and is awed by their beauty
BOOK 3The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings
- Accompanies Aragorn through the Paths of the Dead, overcoming his fear of ghosts
- Rescues Pippin on the battlefield of the Pelennor Fields
- Travels with Legolas to visit Fangorn and the Glittering Caves after the war
Key events
- Book 1
Ch. 17The Council of ElrondElrond convenes the Council at Rivendell where the history of the Rings is recounted. Gandalf reveals Saruman's betrayal and his own imprisonment; Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli share tidings. Frodo volunteers to destroy the Ring in Mordor. - Book 2
Ch. 6Gandalf the White RevealedAragorn, Legolas, and Gimli track Merry and Pippin into Fangorn Forest. They encounter a mysterious old man they fear is Saruman, but he reveals himself as Gandalf reborn, empowered after his victory over the Balrog.
Gallery
Book 1: The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of the Lord of the Rings
Book 2: The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of the Lord of the Rings
Appearances
Meet Gimli in Bookworm
Meet Gimli in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to the book you're on.


