Gimli facts for kids

Gimli is a name that can refer to several different things! It might make you think of a place, a famous event, or even a character from a fantasy story. Let's explore the different meanings of "Gimli."

Gimli, Manitoba

Gimli is a lovely place located in the Canadian province of Manitoba. It's known as a rural municipality, which is like a large local government area. This area is situated on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.

History of Gimli

Gimli was first settled by Icelandic immigrants in 1874. They were looking for a new home and found this beautiful spot by the lake. The name "Gimli" itself comes from Norse mythology, meaning "home of the gods" or "heavenly dwelling." This shows how much the early settlers loved their new home.

What to Do in Gimli

Today, Gimli is a popular spot for tourists, especially in the summer. People enjoy the beaches, fishing, and boating on Lake Winnipeg. There's also a strong Icelandic heritage in the area, celebrated with festivals and museums. The town has a charming harbor and a vibrant arts scene.

Gimli's Political Area

Within Manitoba, there is also a provincial riding called Gimli (electoral district). A "riding" is another name for an electoral district. This is an area that elects a representative to the provincial government, similar to how a state elects someone to its government. This riding covers the rural municipality of Gimli and surrounding communities.

The Gimli Glider

The Gimli Glider is the nickname given to a Boeing 767 aircraft that was involved in a very unusual incident. On July 23, 1983, this Air Canada plane was flying from Montreal to Edmonton, Canada. It was carrying 61 passengers and 8 crew members.

What Happened?

During the flight, the plane ran out of fuel at 41,000 feet (about 12,500 meters) over Red Lake, Ontario. This happened because of a mistake in calculating how much fuel was needed. The pilots, Captain Robert Pearson and First Officer Maurice Quintal, had to think fast. They realized they needed to land the plane without engine power.

A Remarkable Landing

The pilots were highly skilled. They managed to glide the huge aircraft for about 17 minutes, covering over 100 kilometers (60 miles). They aimed for a former Royal Canadian Air Force base in Gimli, Manitoba, which had a long runway. The plane landed safely, and thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. This incredible feat of piloting made the "Gimli Glider" famous around the world.

Gimli, Son of Glóin

Gimli son of Glóin is a beloved character from J. R. R. Tolkien's famous fantasy books, The Lord of the Rings. He is a brave and loyal dwarf, known for his strength and his skill with an axe.

Who is Gimli?

Gimli is a member of the dwarf race, who are known for their love of mountains, mining, and craftsmanship. He is the son of Glóin, one of the dwarves who went on an adventure with Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit.

Gimli's Role in The Lord of the Rings

In The Lord of the Rings, Gimli becomes an important member of the Fellowship of the Ring. This group sets out on a dangerous quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the evil Lord Sauron. At first, Gimli has some disagreements with the elf Legolas, as dwarves and elves often had old rivalries. However, as their journey continues, Gimli and Legolas become the best of friends, showing that even old enemies can find common ground and respect. Gimli is a fierce warrior and a true friend throughout the entire adventure.