Why was Gimli allowed to go to Valinor?

[@Askorti]

The part about Legolas waiting for 120 years despite his sea-longing got to me. That's real friendship right there.

[@dlxmarks]

Although 120 years to an elf is a short wait.

[@Balegrian]

Imagine living for a couple thousand years and waiting for 120 years🤷‍♂️

[@jacobwkc]

​@Balegrian the way I feel time works is on reflection it seems to move faster but the moment always seems to move just as fast so I do think those 120 years would have been difficult for him but I do wonder how much becusse it seems Many elfs fight the the need to sail west.

[@Ruzzo14]

Makes me think of poor Cirdan. From the beginning his heart's desire was to go west, but he waited something like 10,000 years to go - all in the service of others.

[@dlxmarks]

@@jacobwkc I don't believe Legolas was under a strong compulsion to sail west that was on his mind 24/7. Seeing the ocean opened a desire to eventually sail that hadn't been there before. Lots of other elves, like those in Lindon and especially Círdan, felt the desire but would wait until the right time.

[@jacobshore5115]

I bet when he met Aulë, he was beyond speechless to finally be meeting the one who made the dwarven race!

[@dandiehm8414]

A nice thought - but I would surmise that he never met him. The exiled Elves and the Sylvan elves went to Tol Erressea, not Valinor. Although Aule could have come to Tol Erressea.

[@jacobshore5115]

@ that was my thought too. That Aulë would likely hear about a dwarf coming to Tol Erressea, and want to go there to meet him.

[@12classics39]

@@dandiehm8414No doubt the Valar were more than capable of traveling between Tol Eressëa and Valinor. So Aulë definitely was able to come to the island to meet Gimli.

[@SankaJonesCreations]

This would honestly be a beautiful ending for Gimli if it happened; not only getting to go to Elvenhome with his best friend and see the incomparable Lady Galadriel again, but being probably the only member of his race to actually get to meet Aulë (aside from maybe the very first Dwarves that initially got Aulë into trouble with Eru).

[@DrTimes99]

@@jacobshore5115 Aulë would probably have been ecstatic to finally meet a Dwarf after so many years.

[@RedSiegfried]

"There is always room for a friend." - Elrond

[@Wolfeson28]

Not only was Gimli unique in transforming into the greatest proponent of peace and amity between elves and dwarves, but he was also unique among dwarves in that he seemingly never succumbs to greed for gold and other treasures, instead desiring most to see and share the most beautiful natural wonders of Middle Earth. The scene where he describes the Glittering Caves of Aglarond to Legolas epitomizes this idea: he's aghast at Legolas' initial assumption that he wants to mine the caves, and instead is so rhapsodic about the idea of carefully opening up new caves and building lights to show the caverns' beauty that Legolas is moved. He also agrees to journey through Fangorn with Legolas in exchange for Legolas exploring Aglarond with him in order to each see and experience what the other would consider most beautiful in the world. Likewise, the thing that Gimli would value and treasure most is not a great hoard of gold, nor is it some object of great craft or monetary value like the Arkenstone or a Silmaril. Instead, it's the strands of Galadriel's hair - the symbol of an everlasting bond between dwarves and elves - that he wants to pass on to his descendants. This is especially symbolic when we remember that it was the coveting of a Silmaril that lead to the first great bloodshed and enmity between dwarves and elves, and desire for the Arkenstone which led to the most recent iteration of that feud which involved Gimli's and Legolas' fathers. With those character arcs in mind, I think being allowed to journey to Valinor with Legolas and see the Undying Lands makes an especially fitting end for Gimli's story.

[@RaynmanPlays]

We do not love characters for being ordinary. We love them for being extraordinary. And Gimli was certainly extraordinary.

[@davenewlin1112]

Well said.

[@ddmarsh21]

“We live only to discover beauty. All else is a form of waiting.”-Kahlil Gibran. Gimli really epitomizes this idea.

[@chriscooper654]

I loved that, too. "... your hands shall run with gold, yet over you, gold shall have no dominion."

[@Wolfeson28]

@@chriscooper654 I forgot that line. Good catch!

[@thehillsidegardener3961]

That last line, "...an end was come to the Fellowship of the Ring in Middle-Earth", coming after reading the entire epic, gets me in the feels every time.

[@ScottHess]

That and Sam’s “Well, I’m back”.

[@oussamaokbi]

I love that in universe the answer is " because he's the homie" xD

[@stingerjohnny9951]

Legolas: Nah he’s cool guys, let him in!

[@axdntprn]

I miss my dad. He passed away some 5 years ago now. He read all of tolkien, pretty much every year. We talked alot about it. I read the hobbit at 8, listened to cassette tapes to sleep, read lotr at 9 silmarillion at 12. I remember sitting on my dad's knee at 4 as he read the hobbit as our bedtime stories. I love listening to this channel cause it reminds me of him and makes me ache. Thank you.

[@cogitus73]

That resonated with me. My Dad is still with us, but I read the books and listened to the R4 series at about the same ages. 😊

[@fransmith3255]

Yes, there is something about those particular ages for reading these books, as if they were particularly ripe for young minds of these specific ages. The books and their themes seem to etch irretrievably on a young mind, and never loose their grip. I also read all of these at the same ages. Then over and over again, similarly.

[@kreuzrittergottes9336]

Then, be sure to read and reread all of Tolkeins works on memory of him.

[@jovetj]

My father also passed away 5 years ago now. He did not read much fiction, but he really loved book series like Harry Potter and The Song of Ice and Fire. I should have suggested to him to read some Tolkien. I wonder how well he would have appreciated it.

[@MariaVosa]

What a lovely father. Thank you for sharing this.

[@nicka731]

6:28 “Alas!” said Eomer “I will not say that she is the fairest lady that lives.” “Then I must go for my axe,” said Gimli.

[@allenrussell1947]

I love that exchange❤️

[@Whitpusmc]

and they agree that they have both chosen well! (Galadriel vs Arwen)

[@neodigremo]

@@Whitpusmc As Eomer said, had he seen her in any other company then he would have happily agreed with Gimli. Though as Gimli says "Nay, you are excused for my part, Lord. You have chosen the evening, but my heart is given to the morning. And my heart forebodes that soon it will pass away forever".

[@Whitpusmc]

@ Beautiful writing about beautiful women.

[@Whitpusmc]

@ beautiful writing about beautiful women

[@kreuzrittergottes9336]

Absolute best Tolkein channel ive found. Love that you reference the Letters, as thats the most tell tale sign somone has done their homework.

[@Grancigul]

I cant decide who i love more, IDG or Nerd of the Ring

[@ValkyriesMoon]

​@Grancigul nerd of the ring references Rings of Power too favorably, so IDG wins out in my eyes.

[@ATVatcher]

@kreuzrittergottes9336 I'm behind. But am so glad that so much material is out there for fans and enthusiasts.

[@kreuzrittergottes9336]

@@ValkyriesMoon yes. ROP cannot be mentioned at all outside the context of "fanfic" if one calls themselves a Tolkein lore master.

[@annesmith1210]

Many years ago, I found a clear crystal point in a tiny little gift shop in a small country town. When I picked it up and looked at it, I saw it had several straight gold threads through it - what's known as "Angel Hair Crystal". But what it reminded me of was Gimli's words about putting Galadrial's 3 strands of hair in crystal to treasure for eternity. I think Tolkien may have been thinking of Angel Hair Crystal when he wrote that part. So, I bought the crystal and it has travelled far with me and now sits on my shelf, with all my other LoTR treasures :)

[@hecate235]

Sounds like gold rutilated quartz. It supports the body, healing, and the immune system. I have a good sized pendant I try to keep on me. I need to get it "wrapped" and on a chain. Hadn't thought of Gimli's and Galadriel's gift before. Thanks for that!

[@samuelvine]

I wonder if Aule had any voice in allowing that blessing to Gimli. He was after all the father of the Dwarves and is revered by Dwarves for it. I also imagine that Yavanna (Aule's wife) would have been more than happy to meet the one Dwarf who pledged good will between the "Mountain and the Wood" as her love was the woods Gimli now appreciated, a rarity among her husbands' children. Hmm, while writing this comment I'm thinking more and more that Yavanna may have been a moving force, more than Aule even, for Gimli to be allowed. Not only did Gimli make that pledge of goodwill to the "wood" but was also one of the only, if not *the* only to have been allowed welcome by Fangorn himself. I remember from the Silmarillion that Yavanna requested the creation of the Ents in direct response to Eru Iluvatar's adoption of the Dwarves as beings with a Soul. For an Ent and a Dwarf to appreciate each other and have welcome between them would have been a dream come true for her. She might have greatly desired to see such a Dwarf herself. Not only did Gimli's friendships with Elves specifically, or with specific Elves as well, play a role in his welcome to Valinor, but the ripple effects of those specific relationships brought even more goodwill around Middle Earth.

[@MrNicoJac]

Smart insight!

[@wargey3431]

it would make sense wasnt yavanna basically the bleeding heart liberal of the valar who constantly interceded on behalf of someone or something

[@MrNicoJac]

@wargey3431 Please specify which definition of "liberal" you're relying on 😅😂 Are we talking American liberals, who support the full population? Or are we talking English liberals, who want laissez-faire economics? Since Tolkien was British, you can guess which of those options would've felt most-natural to him, I hope ;)

[@wargey3431]

@@MrNicoJac the latter to a degree the type of liberals who want to help each other but only intervene when most necessary

[@Alexwozere]

I'd also like to add into the part about Gimli getting 3 strands of Galadriel's hair and why it was probably part of the reason she along with Legolas helped Gimli travel to the west. In the first age when Fëanor asked Galadriel for 3 strands of her hair she refused him as she saw greed in his heart. Then in the 3rd age Gimli says he would ask nothing of her but if only maybe one straid of her hair and she gave him three. It mirrors what happened thousands of years earlier and shows the quality of Gimli's character vs arguebly the most powerful elf to ever live asking for it.

[@benrig89]

Wait Feanor asked her for 3 strands of hair?? I need to reread the Silmarillion. I never noticed that! What a big oof for Feanor.

[@morriganmhor5078]

Would Galadriel of the ROP do IT?

[@Tritachion]

That's the extra-kicker. He (Fëanor) asked for 1 hair and was denied 3 times. Then, along comes Gimli, a bumbling dirty old dwarf of all races (in the eyes of Fëanor at least) - and not only dares to wish for three hairs, but gets his wish granted right away. Fëanor must've had foam at the mouth.

[@kenduncan3221]

I don't think Feanor actually met a Dwarf. He had maybe heard of them from Aule though.

[@timothypower6435]

​@@benrig89 I don't think it's from the Silmarillion... It's from Unfinished Tales, from the chapter entitled "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn".

[@Fleckengamer]

Probably disguised himself with the three strands of Galadriels hair

[@RHCole]

HAAA!!!

[@charlesjones9860]

"Ooh, la dee da, I'm a wee elf-lass, lovely bread and fruits, shoot m'bow, elf elf elf..." as he casually strolls past the guards at the front door.

[@strangerdanger9395]

My mans went full trump and everyone said ‘let him in, ballsy mf’

[@gavelston3943]

@@charlesjones9860with an oddly axe-shaped bedroll!

[@NewMetallica]

LMAO! The Valar were bamboozled for sure!

[@errantwinds-up8uu]

This actually made me cry. I agree, it's a friendship for the ages, and Gimli deserved to go see it all.

[@Joey-rs7uq]

Our puppy we named Gimli died Christmas day. I wish he gets to go somewhere beautiful to be loved too.

[@camerongunn7906]

He is across the Rainbow Bridge. He awaits you there.

[@methos1999]

All dogs receive the blessings of the Valar and go to Valinor.

[@paulwest8575]

If I may, I think Tolkien was also thinking of his one remaining and lost friends from the Great War and paying tribute. It also serves as a poignant reminder to us the reader- to treat your close friends as treasures and tell them how much they mean to you before they depart this world. Better a moment of embarrassment than a regret the remainder of your life. Thank you Robert, this one hits especially hard this time of year. Happy Holidays and wishing you a great new year.

[@PaulCoyJR]

6:15 "Strange women lying in ponds, distributing hairs, is no way to run a system of interdimensional travel."

[@Chiberia]

depends on the hairs

[@jkranites]

Monty Python Reference?

[@bleachmon1]

I don’t recall Galadriel lying in a pond. Perhaps it should be “Strange women with magical birdbaths distributing hairs is no basis for a system of dimensional travel.”

[@Nathan-vt1jz]

I love the depth of friendship we see in Tolkien’s stories. Especially among those who fought together in war.

[@kalicom2937]

It is almost as if his writing was influenced by his experiences fighting in the war to end all wars....

[@neodigremo]

It's part of why I find those who read romance into the friendships of Tolkien's characters so off putting. Tolkien knew so intimately how close friends who literally pass through hell together could be. To suggest only romance could explain the closeness is to insult the depth of that brotherhood and freindship.

[@hooktraining3966]

@@neodigremo its basically what journalists default to nowadays. Oh, 2 male characters have a very close friendship and aren't cold and unfeeling? Must be gay!

[@methos1999]

@@hooktraining3966journalists?? I’ve never seen journalists analyzing fiction. But it does sound like something you’d hear coming from the “man-o-sphere” like Joe Rogan.

[@dondiegodelego]

​@@hooktraining3966 thats what im saying its so annoying, does every friendship has to end in the romance? its just doesnt work like that irl simple as that

[@gortauth3260]

It was final insult to Feanor from Galadriel.....look mate i give my hair to this guy instead of you 😂

[@i.b.640]

And not just one. Three!

[@Kaftan]

The dwarf she tells you not to worry about.

[@gortauth3260]

@@Kaftan 🤣🤣🤣 that is a good one

[@Yonkage-ik5qb]

Feanor was also banned from every returning to Valinor because of the Kinslaying, so this goes for double.

[@daniels7907]

@@Yonkage-ik5qb - Technically, Feanor is in the Halls of Mandos. The Valar simply aren't planning to reembody him until the end of the world.

[@sub7se7en]

Because nobody had the balls to tell him he can't go

[@Henkums]

that may be the true reason

[@CTDjevin]

Are you going to be the guy that tells him no? The defender of Galadriel's name in Rohan and elsewhere, a member of the company of the Ring Bearer, friend of Elrond and Gandalf, friend of Legolas, faithful friend of the High King of the United Kingdoms? His axe is near enough I reckon, and so is Legolas and Galadriel.

[@NV..V]

Bingo

[@brianhaugh152]

Gimli would refuse to be tossed.

[@joshuaeason3426]

We all saw/read the battle of Helm's deep. You don't say no to that guy.

[@thomasrinschler6783]

I hope he went to the Halls of Mandos just to say to Fëanor, "She gave me _three_ . " Not only would it be a very Gimli thing to do (especially towards one who had slighted Galadriel), but the Valar would probably be OK with that bit more of punishment for him...

[@garmisra7841]

"I myself am sitting pretty with.....Boom! Three"

[@wargey3431]

i could imagine Aule personally asking Mandos that it be allowed just to stick it that not just another elf may have had it but a dwarf

[@General12th]

Hi Robert! After decades of Orlando Bloom and John Rhys-Davies, seeing art that portrays Legolas and Gimli in any other way looks so weird to me. Whatever other faults people have with the six movies, the casting was great.

[@awesomehpt8938]

Because Tolkien cut Gimli some slack and gave him a happy ending with his best friend.

[@Bannerman1903]

Yeeeah like a massage happy ending

[@brentonstanfield5198]

A beautiful ode to friendship and peacemaking. Thank you for making.

[@scruggs108]

9:45 Well, now I'm crying 😂

[@tecreates2384]

Right!!

[@konspiracykid]

I can understand why!

[@Prom591]

Same...

[@istari0]

Best analysis of Gimli and his relationship with Legolas and Galadriel I've seen. Thanks!

[@12classics39]

Legolas and Gimli really became like family to each other. They were a package deal. If Legolas could no longer resist the call of the Sea, then they would answer it together. True ride-or-die besties.

[@danewright8145]

So nice to hear some thoughtful love for Gimli. I agree that he has one of the most profound character development and he is so often disregarded as the movie adaptation shows.

[@Tubesmaney]

I wish all videos about Middle Earth could be as well thought out and narrated as this one is. Thanks so much for making it!

[@heath_deadgerpvp1161]

All of your LOTR content is like an instantaneous remoralization when they appear on my sub feed. "IT'S ROBERT, THE EAGLES ARE COMING!" Keep up the good work of sharing the light and love that is Tolkien's life work.

[@joshkolchins7753]

This might be your best video yet, Robert. I have always deeply loved the dwarves of the Tolkien legendarium and Gimli most of all. That Gloinson is responsible for healing the ages-long rift between the dwarves and elves is a beautiful thing and of course, his love and respect for Galadriel is one of the best parts of the story - for me.

[@gregsurles4199]

The bond between Gimli and Legolas was truly unbreakable!

[@Mabon-sz9nz]

Men of the West spoke very highly of your videos in his Live Stream yesterday. I agree that your 'in depth' research is incredible, indeed. Thank you!

[@oxtim394]

"The real treasure is the friends we made along the way"

[@davesing]

Beautifully done. Gimli never seeks transformation. But through his journey he adapts to the circumstances that arise, and his best true nature carries him through to his final reward. It is his honor and friendship that allow a transformation to emerge from the path he follows.

[@hecate235]

"...would you cut down groves of flowering trees in the spring for fire wood?" That's how Gimle explains the beauty of the Glittering Caves to Legolas. It shows a real understanding of how the elves think. Gimli gets Legolas before Legolas gets Gimli.

[@superslayerguy]

I just love picturing in my head when all the members of the fellowship that made it to Valinor finally reunited. Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, Legolas & Gimli, all now very old men by this time, the smiles on their faces when they finally see each other again, Gimili and Legolas telling Frodo all about the adventures they had in Middle Earth after the war, traveling the continent hunting down orcs. I would imagine they were all held in very high regard by the elves once they made it across the sea.

[@danem.9402]

I am addicted to watching In Deep Geek answer questions that I, as a mere Lord of the Rings novice, have never asked even once.

[@willmercury]

Beautifully done, Robert.

[@scotthudson8722]

Damn you’re good at what you do!

[@DarkNaifu]

This was beautiful. I'm glad they were able to spend that time together.

[@PabloAlvestegui]

Brilliant!!! Thank you, Robert. A great year is coming up-Have a blast.

[@roderickfemm8799]

Thank you for the perspective, which I had not considered very deeply. He was indeed a hero, as much in his willingness to challenge his own beliefs and change them, as in the battles he fought. One of the more hopeful outcomes of that saga.

[@ceejay0137]

Thank you for these insightful videos, Robert. Since starting to follow your channel I have re-read The Lord of the Rings a couple of times, and found much more in the text than I was previously aware of thanks to the ideas you have presented. I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year!

[@muenchhausenmusic]

Nice analysis, I had never thought about it that deeply!

[@VTPSTTU]

This is very beautiful. Thanks for posting.

[@stevenwilgus8982]

this was a VERY well done video. I wish you great success. And as appropriate, a VERY Happy New and Prosperous Year.

[@JamesWjRose]

Thank you for all of these videos, they have been a wonderful way to learn more about the stories. Thank you, and I hope you have a wonderful new year

[@EdMcF1]

In short, because he was a heroic Dwarf.

[@javake72]

Got me

[@dandiehm8414]

Much more to it than that. Dain was also a heroic Dwarf (although he died in the War of the Ring). Gloin was a heroic Dwarf - yet he could not go there.

[@ModernEphemera]

Kind of, just as importantly he had ingratiated himself with Legolas and Galadriel who could then vouch for him.

[@adoctor729]

This was such an inspiring perspective that I already shared this with a cherished friend. Such an endearing tale.

[@korkronwarlord]

Can we just agree that Gimli's and Legolas friendship is perhaps the most wholesome thing ever in Middle-Earth?

[@monicabritt3769]

I love this so much. It’s made me cry with love for these two.

[@jamescorscadden1146]

I've been watching and enjoying your videos for a while now and this might be my favourite. Beautifully laid out 👏

[@Frankengruvin]

I really love what you do on this channel. Maybe it’s just me and my old age, seeing and understanding things in a different way than I did in my young age, but when you quoted that scene from Fellowship of the rings where the lady Galadriel asks Gimley what he will do with the gift she’s just given him, and he simply says treasure it I almost cried. What better and more heartfelt response could you give to someone who asks you what you will do with a gift they have given you when that person means so much to you?

[@nicholecooper3187]

This one really pulled tears from my eyes. Intriguing subject, thank you ❤

[@miradfalco251]

Well, I always took this to mean that the hobbits and Gimli wound up on Tol Eressea. Close enough for the peace of healing, not so close that it would have been overwhelming. All of these characters were safe to allow this, because they weren't trying to claim immortality, they just wanted peace at the end of their lives. The Numenoreans weren't allowed this because their motives were more aligned with wanting immortality, which wasn't possible for men. That hunger, surrounded by what they couldn't have, would have destroyed them.

[@davidarmstrong3741]

Another great video. And this one an example of why LOTR remains so appealing. It transcends genre.

[@lisfong]

My goodness this was such a touching video! Thank you!

[@drkcrstl]

Thank you for another beautiful video about MiddleEarth / LoTR. We love it and appreciate you. Happy new year! Hope you never run out of topics for this work of art

[@xina968]

Thank you Robert, great story of a beautiful friendship ❤

[@PrintAndPlayPodcast]

Some wonderful art in this one. :) I really enjoy seeing all the different interpretations

[@williamyediares7057]

Gimli has been my character reference about myself in so many random scenarios. Thank u

[@steamr0ll]

Thanks Robert, I really look forward to your LOTR videos and this one was great. Happy New Year to you and all my fellow nerds! (and I guess the squares too)

[@ThereIsNoSpoon4]

A bromance for the ages indeed, thank you for this. Most of my friends are all out of my life now. Wish I had one like Gimli or Legolas.

[@johnnymo4000]

I mean the dude ran full sprint across Rohan keeping up with Aragorn and Legolas, that's deserving enough.

[@georgiospappas]

Gimli was awesome. He immediately tried to Destroy the one ring. no bull approach. massive respect.

[@kfawell]

As happens with pretty much every video I watch, I appreciation of the books and the stories goes up so much more. Indeed, these videos are as important as the stories, at least for me. I tend to read and understand at a certain level that misses these kinds of grander understandings.

[@stevebton]

Another excellent video! Thank you.

[@lukeroberson2115]

Basically: Because Legolas isn't willing to give up his bromance, and Galadriel thought it'd be funny.

[@everettdepangher6131]

Thanks for the commentary. I haven’t taken those passages to mean that the journey was successful. LOTR explicitly emphasizes that Legolas lived well inland. He had no history with boating (with the partial exception of the River Running barrels), and I can’t think of evidence that he ever even visited the Gray Havens. If any elf could build a boat that could get to Valinor, Cirdan’s role would lack meaning. To me, more probable is that once Legolas and Gimli felt done with Middle Earth, they took a somewhat far-fetched shot at getting to Valinor on their own and knew that they would more likely drown in the attempt.

[@ericgeddes3353]

To paraphrase a quote. Your full of surprises Master Gimli.

[@TextbookNinja]

Thanks for all the LOTR content! If you ever get around to it, something going over the oathbreakers and why/how the curse worked that essentially turned them into the dead men would be super cool!

[@chriscooper654]

A good analysis. I'd only add that (IMO) Legolas also waited those 120 years for the other mortal members of the Fellowship (Merry, Pippin and last of all Aragorn) to die. Then, with all obligations and ties to Middle Earth fulfilled and Gimli's desire granted, the two of them could sail to Valinor.

[@jeffcordova9633]

Robert!!! Thank you for your content! My mother has taken a liking to these ones about tolkiens lore& the world of ice and fire

[@MarcusEye]

Heartwarming story, thank you for sharing!.🙏👍☮️

[@KH-vw9yl]

Thank you for continuing to produce quality product often

[@reginairvine3919]

Well now I'm bawling. I loved their friendship so much.

[@Icestorm9]

Low key “she gave me 3!” Is one of my favorite parts of LotRs. Even more so leaning from this channel just how special those hairs were

[@garmisra7841]

They called him Gimli Elf-Friend! Well-deserved, and his reward was well-earned. I love the idea that he was like Galadriel's champion! Gimli Lockbearer. And it's so sweet that she was thinking of him and watching over him from a distance to make sure he didn't ply his axe to the wrong tree! Among the greatest of the dwarves, descendant of Durin's line, lockbearer, Elf-friend, favored by Galadriel, lord of the Glittering Caves of Aglarond, companion and councilor to Elessar who was Heir to the Numenorean Kings, and the only Dwarf to see the light, wisdom and beauty of Elvenhome beyond the encircling seas, the one and only Gimli son of Gloin! May his name be spoken with honour and praise until the World is made anew! (In case it's not obvious Gimli's one of my fav characters LOL) I like that you mix up the artwork in these videos. It's funny having read the books multiple times before I saw the films, I had a picture of the characters' appearance in my imagination. Some of the characters still look to me like they looked before the films, but I can't see Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, or Galadriel in any other way than how they were portrayed in the films. But in recent years I'm picturing Radagast as being played by Ian Anderson around peak lunatic front man of Jethro Tull, about 1977, LOL.

[@taidee]

Gimli basically forces one to re-assess their originally stance on how Aule's children were like in a big way. Thank you Robert for yet another great presentation.

[@ediemackay2489]

that was truly beautiful. Thank you

[@francisjo3]

Great video as usual, but I especially enjoyed this one for some reason.

[@cheetarah9199]

Thanks Robert, I've wondered about this for ages. And a great explanation

[@Matt-xc6sp]

The guy who just sauntered up and tried to destroy the ring with his axe? Who’s gonna try and stop him?

[@michaelf8221]

Sadly he didn't attempt that in the books. Great moment though

[@suzzannegabel1636]

One of the best scenes in the movies was when the army of the West stands before the Black Gate and expects to be slaughtered. Gimli mutters, "I never thought I'd die fighting beside an Elf." Legolas looks down and asks, "What about beside a friend?" And Gimli looks up and smiles. "Aye. I can do that." Makes me laugh/cry every time. That scene wasn't in the books but should have been because it sums up just how far Gimli and Legolas have come.

[@thebeatles114]

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I had tears in my eyes by the time the video finished. Robert, you are not just a credit to the Tolkien community as a whole but to the whole of the arts & literature. You did Gimli & Legolas' friendship proud, my good sir.

[@Callumbbear]

Because the power of friendship triumphs all!

[@BinnyBongBaron_AoE]

This was a better video than I expected.

[@thebigdog2295]

I almost choked on a piece of a Pop-tart when i saw the reference to Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxie at 5:25. Douglas Adams is one of my favorite authors.

[@MargoB]

Made me cry, when you talked about what Gimli and Legolas were willing to sacrifice in order to be with their friend; also, your description of Gimli being given such honor and chance to see such beauty *at the end of his life.* 😊😢😊 (smile-crying) I want to be able to love like that. 🙏✝️💔💞

[@Renagade5150]

I would say that Legolas had other pursuits and responsibilities in those 120 years and wasn't simply 'waiting' for the end of Gimli's life but prepared for the day when they would sail off together to the undying lands. I would also suppose that the hobbits and Gimli were a real source of excitement and curiosity to those who dwelt beyond the spheres of Arda. For they had not met either race until then and never did they get to know these peoples. Surely Aule would have been grateful at the thought of getting to meet at long last one the people whom he had created! Not since he buried them under the mountains of middle-earth had he set eyes on one.

[@shauntempley9757]

Yes, because the Dwarves when they die go to Mandos, and stay until the end of the world, where it is told that they will help Aule remake the world. There exists one exception, and that is Durin himself. He gets to got to Mandos at his death, and gets to reincarnate in a new body later.

[@Renagade5150]

@@shauntempley9757 seven times will Durin return...

[@shauntempley9757]

@@Renagade5150 Yes, and the last time will be at the end of the world. Durin will lead the Dwarves in helping Aule in his task.

[@Rockin357]

Great thought for the new year. Real friendship. Always good to strive for ❤

[@michelhv]

Before Gimli, it was Feänor who first asked Galadriel for her hair, but he was not so courteous and she refused.

[@spacemissing]

Yes. She knew Feanor was unworthy of it and rightfully said no.

[@Danbutch24]

Quite simple answer really. The bromance between Legolas and Gimli is the why. They come as a package. Both or niether.

[@UkrainianPaulie]

"And my axe!"

[@Dr_Cole]

Beautiful story. I loved this.

[@nathdan08]

That was a lovely video, a wholesome end and story to a rivalry and feud. Sort of like families coming together at Christmas😂

[@joshuakarr-BibleMan]

Thanks, Robert.

[@empoweredshemphoward]

Proper friendship right there.

[@skeletonking4119]

That’s beautiful character and friendship! He break old curse, farm a bridge to two race. Travel world with his best friend. See his last one final time, truly the legend!

[@maestre97]

Such a beautiful video!