November 26, 2002

Gloin, Gimli and Balin - a Clarification
Illuvatar

A reply to Numenorean's query about Balin and Gimli's relationship:

'Cousin' does not necessarily mean 'First Cousin' i.e. your uncle's children. According to Appendix A of LOTR (Durin's Folk) Balin is Gloin's cousin and therefore Gimli's SECOND cousin - Fundin, father of Balin and Dwalin was the brother of Groin (unfortunate name...), Oin and Gloin's father. Is that clear enough?