Gimli, son of Gloin, is one of the most memorable dwarven characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved fantasy works The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. As a member of the legendary Fellowship of the Ring, Gimli played a pivotal role in the quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat Sauron. However, not much is said about Gimli's background and family within the main text of the stories in LOTR.

The dwarf kingdom of Erebor, also called the Lonely Mountain, was once a great realm of wealth and power under King Thrór. However, it fell into ruin when the dragon Smaug descended upon Erebor and drove the dwarves out. Gloin was a dwarf lord of Durin's folk who lived during this tumultuous time. He was present in Erebor before its sacking and was forced to flee along with other survivors, including his cousin Oin, to the Blue Mountains. It was in the Blue Mountains that Gloin married and had his son Gimli, who would grow up among the exiled dwarven community.

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Who Is Gimli’s Father?

Gimli's father, Glóin, a skilled dwarf of the House of Durin and a member of Thorin's company, was born in the Blue Mountains in TA 2783 after the dragon Smaug had driven the dwarves out of Erebor. He hailed from a great dwarven lineage, being the son of Gróin and the brother of Óin, both of whom also joined Thorin's quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain.

Glóin, a descendant of Durin the Deathless, the progenitor of the first house of the dwarven people, was known for his adeptness with a tinderbox, often aiding in starting fires during the company's encampments. He valiantly fought in the Battle of Five Armies, defending the treasure of Erebor from the armies of goblins and wargs. Following the battle, Glóin settled in the Lonely Mountain with his kin, achieving prosperity and respect. In TA 2879, he and his wife welcomed their son, Gimli, into the world of LOTR.

Glóin fostered amicable relations with the elves, particularly those of Lothlórien. He was captivated by the beauty and wisdom of Galadriel, the Lady of the Golden Wood, who bestowed upon him a silver belt and a chain of diamonds as parting gifts. Additionally, Glóin formed a close friendship with Legolas, the son of Thranduil, the King of the Woodland Realm. The two exchanged tales and songs about their respective cultures, learning to appreciate each other's differences.

A loyal and valiant warrior, Glóin partook in numerous battles against the forces of evil. He played a role in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, seeking vengeance for the death of his grandfather, Thrór, who was slain by the orc chieftain Azog. Furthermore, Glóin fought in the War of the Ring, joining the army of Dáin Ironfoot, the King under the Mountain, to defend Erebor from the Easterlings. Surviving the war, he witnessed the crowning of Aragorn as the King of Gondor and Arnor.

What Happened To Gloin After The Hobbit?

Following the events of The Hobbit, Glóin made his home in the Lonely Mountain, serving King Dáin Ironfoot. He was a prosperous and influential dwarf, with a large family and a wide circle of friends. Glóin’s thoughts often turned to his cousin Balin, who had led an expedition to Moria, the ancient realm of the dwarves.

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In October TA 3018, Dáin Ironfoot dispatched Glóin and his son Gimli to Rivendell to seek the counsel of Elrond, the Lord of Rivendell, regarding the fate of Balin's colony in Moria. They also bore news of a peculiar messenger from Mordor, who had inquired about hobbits and rings and had proposed the return of Moria in exchange for allegiance. Although Dáin had rebuffed the offer, he remained apprehensive about the enemy's intentions.

During their time in Rivendell, Glóin encountered Frodo Baggins, the hobbit who had accompanied Bilbo on his adventure and was now the bearer of the One Ring. He also participated in the Council of Elrond, where he learned of the demise of Balin and his followers at the hands of orcs in Moria, and of the necessity to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. Glóin lent his support to the decision to send a company of nine to accompany Frodo on his quest and took pride in his son Gimli's selection as a member of the Fellowship of the Ring.

Following the Fellowship's departure, Gloin lingered in Rivendell for a time before returning to the Lonely Mountain. There, he rejoined Dáin Ironfoot's army and fought in the Battle of Dale against the invasion of the Easterlings. He survived the conflict, bearing witness to the destruction of the One Ring and the downfall of Sauron. Additionally, he joyously welcomed the return of his son Gimli, who had forged a friendship with Legolas and had been honored by Galadriel.

Quick Facts:

• Gloin was a distinguished warrior and leader of his kin.
• Married and had Gimli, keeping their family line of Durin intact.
• Fought in both the Battle of Azanulbizar and the Battle of Five Armies.
• Helped rebuild Erebor after Smaug's fall and the victory over the orcs.

Through raising Gimli and passing on the legacy of Durin's Folk, Glóin helped ensure the survival of his noble bloodline and people. Even centuries later, the dwarves of Erebor still tell tales of great lords like Glóin who helped restore their homeland after the dragon's desolation.

The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings is one of the most iconic names in entertainment. The franchise started with novels from J. R. R. Tolkien before being adapted onto the big screen by Peter Jackson in one of the most critically-acclaimed film trilogies of all time. There have also been numerous The Lord of the Rings video games of varying quality.

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