Bard the Bowman

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Bard the Bowman is a man from Lake-town (Esgaroth) and a descendant of Girion, the old lord of Dale. He becomes king of Dale after killing Smaug the dragon. When Smaug attacks, a thrush shows Bard the dragon’s weak spot under his left breast. Bard shoots his family heirloom, the Black Arrow, and kills Smaug, but Lake-town is destroyed in the dragon’s fall.

The survivors are helped by the elves of Mirkwood, and they plan to share Smaug’s hoard. Bard has a rightful claim to the treasure as heir of Girion, but Thorin Oakenshield refuses to share. Bilbo Baggins gives Bard the Arkenstone to press for peace, while a larger threat looms. Goblins and Wargs attack, and Beorn and the Eagles arrive to help. Bard leads the men in the Battle of the Five Armies; Thorin dies, and Dain Ironfoot becomes King under the Mountain.

Dain later redeems the Arkenstone from Bard and uses a portion of the treasure to help re-establish Dale. Bard rebuilds the city over three years and rules for 33 years, with his son Bain and grandson Brand continuing his line. Some readers see Bard as a forerunner to Aragorn and as a hero who brings peace to his people, echoing Wiglaf from Beowulf. In the films, Bard is portrayed by Luke Evans.