Gimli

Gimli, son of Gloin, is a well-respected dwarf warrior in Middle Earth. He is a member of the Fellowship of the Ring, and is the only dwarf to readily fight alongside men and elves in the war against Sauron at the end of the Third Age.

Involvement with the Ring
When the One Ring is discovered, Elrond summons representatives from the various races and nations of Middle Earth to Rivendell to formulate a way of destroying the ring. Gimli is one of the dwarven representatives. When others start to volunteer to accompany Frodo Baggins on the journey to Mordor he volunteers, in no small part out of suspicion over Legolas Greenleaf, who had also volunteered.

When the Fellowship of the Ring fractures, Gimli accompanies Aragorn and Legolas in pursuit of Merriadoc Brandybuck and Perregrin Took, who had been captured by the forces of Isengaard.

Eventually the three are reunited with Gandalf, and become more readily involved with the war. Gimli plays a critical role in the defeat of the forces of Isengaard at Helms Deep, and then in the defense of Minas Tirith.

Life after the War
Despite his initial mistrust of Legolas (caused by the long-standing feud the two races hold), during the course of the war the two become good friends. After Sauron is defeated, Gimli takes Legolas to his home in the north, and in return Legolas takes him to visit Mirkwood.

Later Gimli plays a critical role in the rebuilding of both Gondor and Baradur after the end of the war against Sauron. Eventually, it is rumored that Gimli sails with his friend Legolas over the sea and into the west, leaving Middle Earth for the eternal land.