Slayer of Smaug; King of Dale. Bard was descended from Lord Girion of Dale, whose wife and child had escaped to Lake-town when Smaug ruined Dale and took the Lonely Mountain in 2770. In 2941, when Smaug emerged from the Lonely Mountain and attacked Lake-town, Bard led the defense of the town. He had the bridges cut and organized a company of archers to fight the Dragon.

Bard himself fired many arrows with his great yew bow. He was down to his last arrow when a thrush came and perched on his shoulder. Because Bard was of the race of Dale, he was able to understand the thrush's words. The bird told him of the weak spot in Smaug's armor that Bilbo Baggins had discovered. Bard fired his Black Arrow and struck the hollow by Smaug's left breast and the Dragon fell from the sky, landing on Lake-town and destroying it. 

Bard escaped into the lake and swam ashore. The people wanted him to be their King, but he said he would continue to serve the Master of Lake-town for the time being. Bard took charge of organizing shelter and aid for the refugees and sent messages to King Thranduil of Mirkwood asking for help. Then Bard and Thranduil led their armies to the Lonely Mountain, seeking a share of the treasure. 

