[aragornreborn]

I agree with everyone's reasons here (Galadriel commanding him to make a request, healing the rift between the dwarves and elves, and Gimli's charm), but I was just wondering if there was something singularly special about Gimli himself. As I was thinking about this topic some more, I though about the part in the appendices of ROTK where it says,

"We have heard that Legolas took Gimli Gloin's son with him [to Aman] because of their great friendship, greater than any that has been between Elf and Dwarf. If this is true, then it is strange indeed: that a Dwarf should be willing to leave Middle-earth for any love, or that the Eldar should receive him, or that the Lords of the West should permit it. But it is said that Gimli went also out of desire to see again the beauty of Galadriel; and it may be that she, being mighty among the Eldar, obtained this grace for him. More can not be said of this matter."

Now, despite the fact that are a whole ton of ifs and mays in there, if we whould believe that as true, that is an amazing thing. First, we learn that Gimli forged a friendship with Legolas greater than any between Dwarf and Elf (and this was not in the age when they invited each other over for tea, if you know what I mean). Second, we learn that Gimli, a Dwarf, abandoned Middle-earth. No smal feat for a Dwarf. Third, we know that, yes, he thinks Galadriel is really beautiful. So, it's not too hard to imagine him leaving ME. But, it seems incredible that he was permitted to enter Aman. Now, I've only read the Silmarillion once, but if my memory serves me right, only one non-elf (or non-spirit) ever entered Aman, and that was a man. A man who bore a Silmaril, if I remember right. If not, it was an important man, nevertheless. So, it seems incredible that the Valar would accept a Dwarf into an Elf-haven merely because an two Elves (one of whom wasn't in their good graces for quite some time) asked them. Gimli must be really special. But, why? I read more in the appendices and it could sound like Gimli single-handedly (on the Dwarf end of things) restored the kinship between Elves and Dwarves. So, maybe Aule got him in with Galadriel and Legolas' help. I don't know. Any more thoughts?