After Legolas and Aragorn, it's Gimli's turn. The proud Dwarf warrior is the comic relief of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He brought a certain lightness to the epic and dramatic tale. But those who have read J.R.R. Tolkien's books know how different the son of Gloin is from his film version. The founding novelist of the fantasy work described his character with much more sensitivity.
#4 His personality is different
Gimli is very popular with fans of the Lord of the Rings films. This is quite normal, the Dwarf almost single-handedly brings together all the comic elements of the trilogy. When it's not very funny punchlines, it's his rivalry with Legolas that offers the most comical passages to temper the dark tone of the story. The character almost becomes a caricature of the gruff, grumpy, beer-drinking Dwarf.
While he remains very proud in J.R.R. Tolkien's novels, his personality traits change radically: he expresses himself less, boasts less, and his interventions are more thoughtful. He represents the pride of the Dwarven people and is always very humble.
#3 Gimli has the soul of a poet
Described as the pride of the Dwarven people and a very cultured person, his words are often full of poetry. Knowing Dwarven songs, he intervenes to highlight the beauty of the world. Several examples attest to this depth of soul: he quotes a poem glorifying the kingdom of Khazad-Dûm when the Fellowship of the Ring enters Moria. Later, when the group arrives in Lothlorien, he is full of praise for Galadriel, describing her in terms filled - again - with poetry. Furthermore, he asks for a lock of her hair. The lady of Lorien finally gives him three (although she refused them to her uncle Fëanor). A gift granted for his pure heart and the beauty with which he sees the world. The Gimli of the films is - as we have said - very different. No, or almost no, trace of poetry escapes from his words (just as Legolas never sings). It was necessary to create a burlesque and awkward warrior to please the general public.
#2 His relationship with Legolas is not built in the same way
The most beautiful friendship in Middle-earth, and the symbol of the reconciliation of Elves and Dwarves after millennia of hostility. This bromance was not built in the same way, depending on whether you watch the films or immerse yourself in the literary trilogy. Fans of the feature films will have noticed that after a very strong hostility, the two proud representatives of their race turn the page and quickly become accomplices. After a few rescues and the need to complete a shared quest filled with danger, they end up becoming friends, even as rivals. This relationship materializes with humor. The culmination: the killing contest in The Two Towers
In Tolkien, Gimli, like Legolas, are very distant from each other. However, the situation does not escalate. Also, their relationship gradually evolves towards mutual respect, with more modesty. Reconciliation between the two peoples is also more emphasized. Gimli is fascinated by the beauty of Lorien and Galadriel, which touches Legolas, who goes so far as to defend him against the mistrust of Haldir and the Galadhrim. A scene absent from The Fellowship of the Ring.But the most beautiful proof of this friendship comes after the fall of Sauron, when Legolas shows his friend around Fangorn Forest, then offers him his ticket to the Undying Lands.
#1 He is a quieter warrior
While Gimli makes the fights lighter and more suitable for the general public in the films, Tolkien always portrayed him as a very humble and disciplined Dwarf warrior, who does not seek to boast about his exploits. He doesn't count his victims and even holds a passage all by himself, without boasting.
Want to read more? Discover these 8 secrets you might not know about Gimli.
0 Comments