Nobility in the books

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by mark12_30

perhaps Gimli; although he is of the 'house of Durin' I don't recall any indication that he was 'ruling class".

If you look at the line of the dwarves of Erebor in appendix A of LOTR (unless it is simplified), Gimli and his father are the closest living relatives of Dain the King and his heir. Clearly it is not merely due to Gloin's prior knowledge of Rivendell that he was chosen as an emissary. Gimli was the "noblest" dwarf of Erebor.who could have reasonably been sent on the quest. He also had enough status among his own fold to become their lord when he removed with them to Aglarond.