Although there hasn't been a ton of footage released for Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings Of Power, the creators have rewarded fans for their patience by giving them hints of what is to come. One thing that has been made clear by the promotional material is that there will be much more interaction between Elves and Dwarves than previously seen (as during the Second Age, a friendship between the races was more common).
Thus far, the only such friendship portrayed on screen in any Tolkien media is that of Legolas and Gimli. These two share laughs, danger and an epic journey together. Though they may not have been close when they first met, their relationship evolves into one of the closest in the film trilogy.
When They Weren't Friends At All
Legolas and Gimli meet at the Council of Elrond, where Legolas causes Gimli to flatly declare "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!" Later, as Gandalf explains that Dwarves hide their doors so well they sometimes forget how to find them again, Legolas mutters loudly "Why doesn't that surprise me?"
This back and forth sometimes injects a little humor, but it also gives excellent context to relations between Elves and Dwarves in this time. They both oppose Sauron but are deeply distrustful of each other. It makes it all the more meaningful when their relationship does turn around and it feels earned.
When Legolas Grabs Gimli's Beard
As the Fellowship flees through the Mines of Moria, they come across a huge, cracked staircase with a sheer drop on either side. Legolas's Elvish agility helps him leap across the chasm easily, but Gimli's stubborn (an unmistakable Dwarvish trait) attempt is a bit short. He nearly falls, but Legolas grabs him by the beard (over his protests) and hauls him to safety.
It's another injection of humor into a very tense scene, but it also demonstrates to the audience that while these characters may not like each other, they still feel obligated to one another. They ARE on the same side and will risk their lives for each other if necessary.
When They Discuss Galadriel's Gift
In a scene pulled from the books for the extended edition of Fellowship, the Company is leaving Lothlorien in the boats gifted by the Elves. Gimli talks wistfully of Galadriel and of the gift of three golden hairs she gave him while Legolas paddles quietly and smiles.
It's the first moment of real affection shown between the two, and it comes in a really lovely moment. It softens Gimli, showing how he responded to Galadriel's kindness with a new perspective on Elves in general. He and Legolas are able to understand one another much better, and it's clear that he is now comfortable bearing his closest feelings to the Elf.
When Legolas Is Ready To Fight Éomer
After the breaking of the Fellowship, Legolas and Gimli follow Aragorn through Rohan to rescue Merry and Pippin. Intercepted by the Riders of Rohan led by Éomer, short words between the parties lead Éomer to remark on how easily he could cut off Gimli's head. Legolas swiftly bends an arrow to his bow and threatens Éomer in kind.
Gimli himself finds this a bit of an overreaction, but it goes to demonstrate just how close the pair have become. Since loyalty to his friends and a quick temper are some of Legolas's most unmistakable traits, even a threat of violence with more sarcasm than seriousness towards one of them is enough to draw a lightning-fast response from Legolas.
When They Tease Each Other
As the Uruk-hai draw closer to Helm's Deep, Legolas and Gimli stand on the walls and watch them approach. Only Gimli's helmet can be seen over the parapet, and he grumbles at Legolas "You could have picked a better spot." Struggling to see, his request for information is met with the retort "Shall I describe it to you, or would you like me to find you a box?"
Used again to provide comic relief in a tense scene, it's clear that the pair's friendship is now fully grown. A short pause makes the audience wonder if the Dwarf took the remark personally before he gives a hearty chuckle. It's another sure sign that they're no longer just quest acquaintances, they're true comrades.
When They Play The Counting Game
As the battle of Helm's Deep begins in earnest, Gimli brags to Legolas that he's already bagged two Orcs. Legolas replies that he's on seventeen so far, quickly shooting two more to emphasize his point. Gimli loudly refuses to be outdone and gets back to his ax work.
Though it's a bit grim, it's another excellent use of humor that keeps the cinematic battle scenes grounded, supplemented by some of the best insults in the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. It's also lifted straight out of the books, a device that Tolkien himself used to illustrate the brotherly feeling growing between the two. In both sources, Gimli wins, though the movie increases the shared total by one Orc.
When Gimli Tells Legolas To Shoot Saruman
In the battle's aftermath, Legolas and Gimli accompany Gandalf to Isengard to confront Saruman. He verbally assails them from the top of his tower, and Gimli becomes fed up. He whispers to Legolas to shoot Saruman, and without so much as a look toward Gandalf to check, Legolas starts reaching for an arrow.
It's a quick moment, and Legolas is quickly stopped by Gandalf. It's also absurd and hilarious that Legolas is completely willing to shoot and kill such an important figure in the ongoing events of Middle-Earth just because his buddy is done listening to him talk.
When They Play The Drinking Game
Returning to Edoras to regroup, the remaining members of the Fellowship find a night to relax. The ale flows heavily, and soon Legolas and Gimli are drawn into a last-man-standing drinking game. They make a proper showing of it, but Legolas's Elvish fortitude gives him the win.
It's another extended edition-only scene of comic relief, and probably the biggest intentional laugh of the film trilogy. Such gags used to be relegated only to the Hobbits and show how Legolas and Gimli's friendship has moved to the forefront. Many fans find the use of Gimli as comic relief to be one of the most unnecessary changes to the Jackson films, but this scene at least underscores his friendship with Legolas.
When They Follow Aragorn On The Paths Of The Dead
After receiving his ancestral sword and words of guidance from Elrond, Aragorn resolves to summon the Army of the Dead to fight on behalf of Gondor. Legolas and Gimli accompany him, but only Gimli's shame at his fear of the Paths of the Dead and his friendship with Legolas compel him to go on.
This is another detail lifted from the novels: Gimli is the last to take the underground road, and only his loyalty to his friends keeps him going. The path is so frightening that no mortal is supposed to be able to stand it at all, so it's another testament to the strength of their friendship that Gimli is able to endure.
At The Black Gate
As the final battle in the war of the Ring looms, Gimli and Legolas stand next to each other and watch the enemy army gather. Gimli tries to use sarcasm to cut the tension, grumbling that "I never thought I'd die fighting side-by-side with an Elf." Legolas meets him with sincerity, replying "What about side-by-side with a friend?"
It's an incredibly emotional pay-off to the journey of the two characters. They have been through battles and adventures that few of the greatest heroes in Middle-Earth could equal, and it has taught them a respect and love for each other that neither could have predicted when their journey began.