guys I can't get over how the movies nerfed Gimli for a bit of comedic relief and somehow also nerfed Legolas by not letting him be the comedic relief
in the books, Gimli is an incredible, poetic, charming, heroic, axe wielding sexy man!!
and Legolas is a skilled but funny, cheeky, whimsical, singing prince of Mirkwood!!
this is really apparent in the battle of Helm's Deep
in the books, Eomer is already with them and has dramatically charged out into battle with Aragorn when he's overwhelmed by orcs. Gimli heroically launches himself into danger and beheads several, saving Eomer from death, then he wonders back up to his position on the wall and greets Legolas with the news of his kills. Legolas is the first to mention their competition and tease Gimli with his higher score
later, Gimli and Eomer are separated from Aragorn, the situation is clearly grave and he rejoins Legolas and informs him of where he last saw Gimli. Legolas frets but ultimately breaks the tension by saying he wished to see Gimli so he could boast of his even higher kill count
just ugahhsjh I can't explain my thought very well
just let Gimli be the smart, sexy, warrior and let Legolas be the sweet, dramatic, poet