# I identify with Gimli. How about you? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 10, 2010, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256 "2010-09-10T02:22:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Airk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Airk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airk)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/21 "2010-09-10T16:08:49Z")
> [@The\_Hamster\_King](#): > > I do as well. He’s as big a bad-ass as Legolas or Aragorn, but without all the showboating or emo dithering. He just gets the job done with good humor and gusto. Erm. You must be talking about MOVIE Legolas and Aragorn. x.x If there was one thing book Aragorn did NOT do, it was dither. Anyway, I have always had a soft spot for Gimli, but I attribute this largely to my being an easy sell for minor/less developed characters. Maybe it’s just that I’m able to “fill in the blanks” in a way that pleases me, I don’t know, but I really thought Eomer, Faramir, and Imrahil were totally awesome too. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/22 "2010-09-10T16:19:36Z")
Definitely a nazgul. ---
**Author:** ![DJ\_Motorbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@DJ\_Motorbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DJ_Motorbike)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/23 "2010-09-10T16:37:32Z")
I most strongly identify with Eowyn. I like her in-your-face attitude. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/24 "2010-09-10T16:48:28Z")
**Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!** He showboats a little. Gotta love it! ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/25 "2010-09-10T16:50:42Z")
> [@Airk](#): > > If there was one thing book Aragorn did NOT do, it was dither. Gotta disagree with this. He questioned his own judgment quite a bit, particular after what happened at the lake shore near Cair Andros. “All my choices have gone amiss.” ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/26 "2010-09-10T17:32:41Z")
I don’t see myself as “heroic”, so it’s difficult to identify with anyone in LOTR. The closest I can see myself emulating is if I can go back to The Hobbit, and pick [Bard the Bowman](http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Bard_the_Bowman). He’s just a guy that did what needed to be done, selflessly, and knowing that doing it would probably cost him his life. He organized the Lakemen to fight the dragon and used every advantage he had to eventually win. When they defeated Smaug, he petitioned the Dwarves for assistance rebuilding Dale. After the Five Armies fight, he behaved honorably towards his people, serving as a loyal custodian of their share of the hoard, and contributing his own wealth to help rebuild his town. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/27 "2010-09-10T17:36:57Z")
> [@Kyla](#): > > > [@Superhal](#): > > > > I identify with that lame ass hobbit who gets carried around all the time. > > I think that’s Pippin. He hangs out with the Ents while Merry hangs out with the Gondor people. Or do I have that backwards? He’s pretty much who I identify with, too. Someone who has no freaking clue what they’re doing and needs to be carried around by walking trees. Yup, that would be me. Pippin goes to Minas Tirith, capital city of Gondor, and in payment of his weregild to Denethor becomes a member of the City Guard, though he is not truly expected to fight. He helps save Faramir and goes to the last battle at the Black Gate. Merrry stays in Rohan and becomes squire to Theoden. He’s more involved in teh Battle of Pelennor Fields than Pippin (he helps Eowyn slay the Nazgul), but like her and Faramir is too gravely wounded to go to the Black Gate. Merry’s the smart one. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/28 "2010-09-10T17:39:54Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > Merrry stays in Rohan and becomes squire to Theoden. He’s more involved in teh Battle of Pelennor Fields than Pippin (he helps Eowyn slay the Nazgul), but like her and Faramir \*\*is too gravely wounded \*\*to go to the Black Gate. > > Merry’s **the smart one**. Make up your mind. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Rieux](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Dr.Rieux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Rieux)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/29 "2010-09-10T17:40:39Z")
From the ages of sixteen to thirty-five or so, I identified with Pippin. Since then, however, I’ve identified most with Sam. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/30 "2010-09-10T17:40:53Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > > [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > > > Merrry stays in Rohan and becomes squire to Theoden. He’s more involved in teh Battle of Pelennor Fields than Pippin (he helps Eowyn slay the Nazgul), but like her and Faramir \*\*is too gravely wounded \*\*to go to the Black Gate. > > > > Merry’s **the smart one**. > > Make up your mind. 😉 _Smart_ and _valorous_ are not mutually exclusive. ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/31 "2010-09-10T18:39:00Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > Depending on context I’d probably be like Aragorn but with Elrond’s immortality and I’d ride a dragon. So you’re a ringwraith? ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/32 "2010-09-10T18:43:14Z")
Gimli ? Forget it. That disgrace of a dwarf ought to shave his beard in shame. The guy has a bro-mance with an _elf_. And goes gallivanting with him in _boats_. Frickin’ race traitor. Now, me, I identify with Gollum. I often hold entire discussions that turn into flaming rows with myself. Plus, fella nicks \*my \*precious ? You’d better believe I’d hunt him, find him, and bite his farking fingers off on general principle. ---
**Author:** ![Aji\_de\_Gallina](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aji_de_gallina/32/260_2.png) [@Aji\_de\_Gallina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aji_de_Gallina)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/33 "2010-09-10T18:56:48Z")
Celebron. I’m married to a gorgeous woman who is more successful than I and who can kick my ass. ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/34 "2010-09-10T19:03:12Z")
> [@Aji\_de\_Gallina](#): > > Celebron. I’m married to a gorgeous woman who is more successful than I and who can kick my ass. You’re the most dimwitted character in the entire book, other than Barliman Butterbur?? Galadriel refers to Celeborn as the “wisest of the Galadrim”. This doesn’t speak well of the intelligence of the Galadrim. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/35 "2010-09-10T19:31:56Z")
Beorn. I like animals better than people, am hairy, and have been known to get pretty angry at times. Also, going outside at night is not always wise in my neighborhood. ---
**Author:** ![Aji\_de\_Gallina](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aji_de_gallina/32/260_2.png) [@Aji\_de\_Gallina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aji_de_Gallina)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/36 "2010-09-10T19:40:12Z")
> [@BrotherCadfael](#): > > > [@Aji\_de\_Gallina](#): > > > > Celebron. I’m married to a gorgeous woman who is more successful than I and who can kick my ass. > > You’re the most dimwitted character in the entire book, other than Barliman Butterbur?? > > Galadriel refers to Celeborn as the “wisest of the Galadrim”. This doesn’t speak well of the intelligence of the Galadrim. Dimwitted, sure; but I got myself a fantastic piece of tail, mind you. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/37 "2010-09-10T19:45:31Z")
> [@Gray\_Ghost](#): > > I don’t see myself as “heroic”, so it’s difficult to identify with anyone in LOTR. The closest I can see myself emulating is if I can go back to The Hobbit, and pick [Bard the Bowman](http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Bard_the_Bowman). > > He’s just a guy that did what needed to be done, selflessly, and knowing that doing it would probably cost him his life. He organized the Lakemen to fight the dragon and used every advantage he had to eventually win. When they defeated Smaug, he petitioned the Dwarves for assistance rebuilding Dale. After the Five Armies fight, he behaved honorably towards his people, serving as a loyal custodian of their share of the hoard, and contributing his own wealth to help rebuild his town. Pretty fair acquittal of a hero, I’d say. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/38 "2010-09-10T20:03:44Z")
I almost hate to admit it out loud, but I sympathize most with Boromir. A proud man of high honor and dignity, skilled and tough, noble in his way, but like all men mortally susceptible to temptation. (I’m not many of those things, but I understand them and know what temptation is.) ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/39 "2010-09-10T20:07:42Z")
Sauron ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256/40 "2010-09-10T20:24:08Z")
> [@Knorf](#): > > I almost hate to admit it out loud, but I sympathize most with Boromir. A proud man of high honor and dignity, skilled and tough, noble in his way, but like all men mortally susceptible to temptation. (I’m not many of those things, but I understand them and know what temptation is.) I don’t know why you’d hate to admit that. Boromir was a good man. He’s easier to empathize with than Aragorn, in fact. Partly because he failed, and partly because you know that he succumbed (briefly!) to the ring’s blandishments not because of a lust for power, but because of his compassion. He wasn’t lying when he said that he was afraid for Frodo and didn’t want to see him crushed by his quest. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-identify-with-gimli-how-about-you/553256.md?page=3)