Bard the Bowman

In the internal chronology of The Hobbit (Third Age 2941), Bard is introduced as a man of Lake-town (Esgaroth) and a direct descendant of Girion, the last lord of Dale (the city previously destroyed by Smaug). During Smaug's assault on Lake-town he remains at his post as captain of a company of archers, ultimately firing the family heirloom called the Black Arrow to slay Smaug. After the dragon's death he asserts his hereditary claim to the treasure of Dale and leads the rebuilding and restoration of Dale, ruling as its king for thirty-three years.

Described in sources as tall and grim with black hair. He is portrayed in the narrative as the captain of a company of archers of Lake-town and is associated with his family heirloom arrow, the "Black Arrow." Adaptations and merchandising depict him consistently as an archer figure, but canonical textual description limitedly records height, hair color, and grim bearing.

A mortal man noted for exceptional martial skill with the bow and leadership among the men of Lake-town. He is the only archer reported to remain at his post during Smaug's attack and succeeds in killing Smaug by shooting the Black Arrow into the dragon's weak spot. He leads Lake-town's people in negotiations and combat in the aftermath, reclaims ancestral rights as heir of Girion, and organizes the rebuilding of Dale, reigning there for thirty-three years.