Bard the Bowman - Definition and Overview

A fictional character in The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, Bard the Bowman of Esgaroth was one of the most skilled archers among Men, and the heir of Girion, the last king of old Dale. Bard was able to slay the dragon Smaug after a tip from the old thrush (who had overheard Bilbo Baggins' description of Smaug) had revealed an unarmored spot on the dragon's underside. Bard claimed a twelfth of the treasure amassed by the dragon, which he subsequently shared with the Master of Esgaroth to rebuild the town, but the Master stole the money and ran off into the wild where he died. After its rebuilding, Bard was the first king of restored Dale, followed by his son Bain, grandson Brand, and great-grandson Bard II.