Bard is a Man of Lake-town, descended from Girion, who was Lord of Dale when that town was destroyed by Smaug. He is noted to be the gloomy captain of a company of archers. Bard uses the black arrow, said to have been passed down to him from his father and “he from of old”, to bring down Smaug during the attack on Esgaroth. Bard then serves as both a “negotiator” during treasure-related talks with Thorin and as the leader of Men during the Battle of Five Armies, where his allies include Elves and Dwarves. His ability to lead appears to have also been instrumental immediately after the destruction of Lake-town and later during the rebuilding of the town of Dale. The people of Lake-town refer to him as “King Bard” after he kills the dragon, and although this term is not used of him again in The Hobbit, Gloin’s reference to his grandson, Brand, as a “strong king” (in LOTR, “Many Meetings”) suggests that Bard took on this title.

Memorable Quotes

• “The dragon is coming or I am a fool!”
• “A just question … But you are not dead, and we are not robbers.”
• “Gather your wisdom ere we return!”
• “There let it lie till the Mountain falls!” (placing the Arkenstone on Thorin’s tomb)