Gimli Helm Project

This is my Gimli helm project page. 

Updated: 7/23/2005

   This helmet is what I envisioned as a gift from Legolas to Gimli at the parting of the fellowship. Click on the pictures below to see larger images.  If you have any questions, comments, learn to do it, or would be interested in having some work done please e-mail me James Secord. 

© 2001-2005 James Secord – All Rights Reserved

Legolas and Gimli had a unique friendship and their parting was too abrupt. They became unlikely brothers in arms, rarely is a bond forged so strong.  Four brother- in-arms sat quietly in the pub safely back in the shire, they reminded me of Marines returned from war. They carry with them all the horror and pride that war has to offer. Their faces were etched with the distance that often follows men back from war. Who but they could understand what was endured. Gimli and Legolas were different.. 

  Legolas and Gimli were warriors from the start. They came from vastly different societies that harbored distrusted for the other. Their friendship was unique and profound. Their bond was forged in the common cause and shaped by their similarities. Their obvious differences and social mistrust were quickly erased by deeds of valor. They stood as an example of how a difference in appearance is unimportant when compared to the similarities of what really matters!

   I felt a gift exchange was appropriate for these two warriors. I chose to make a helm for Gimli in an elf style. Elf style includes flowing designs and refined curves. Dwarf style as presented in LOTR is bold and subject to abrupt angles. This would have been a helm commissioned by Legolas for Gimli with several special and specific elements incorporated into the design. Creating an item that would show influences from both cultures was a challenge. The bold shapes of the dwarves and the subtle refinement of the elves are in direct conflict. Organic curves and mechanical angles may seem to have no place together. You decide! Do you like it? Would Gimli wear it? How much has Legolas learned from his new brother. These were a few questions I jotted down and used for inspiration while considering this project.

  The elements I incorporated are as follows. First, the iron bands across the top would have been fashioned from the swords of their defeated foes. Notice how the bands appear as bent and broken swords, I also made them pattern welded for visual effect. Second, I forged the bands in a manner that creates “stars” in the pattern. I also ground and arranged the large rivets on the bands to appear as stylized stars as well. Gimlis’ name translated means star. To incorporate this in the motif shows genuine attention to detail on the part of Legolas. Third, the bronze plagues that make up the majority of the helm band have nine intertwined beasts. I figured this was a great way to represent the whole fellowship.

  No dwarfs were harmed in the making of these pictures.

 I was pressed for time so the cheek plates and the aventail are temporary. I have ideas for both but the person that has commissioned this helm wants to wear it at the San Diego Comicon.2005 Several changes will be made after the convention. Many of the in-production changes that were necessary, came about because of ideas from the man that is having this helm made. This helm represents roughly 60 hours of design and fabrication, with a total of 100 hours estimated when I get a chance to complete the cheek plates and aventail as I envision it. With this kind of effort going into a prop, you can only imagine his expectations. As for price, there are zeros involved. 

 I hope you enjoy this helmet, please feel free to contact me with questions, comments, and ideas you wish to see become reality.

James “Jackman” Secord

See every step in the gallery below!