Bard

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Bard (巴德)
Alias(es)	Great Archer; Master Archer; Dragon-slaying Hero
Species/Race	Man
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Dale; Lake-town; Li Wei's Free City-State
Occupation/Role	Deputy and later Lord Deputy of Dale and Rhovanion; administrator of the Dale Region; archer and military commander
Status	Deceased; died peacefully in 2977 305
First Appearance	Chapter 71

Background / History

Bard was the descendant of Girion, the former Lord of Dale. He inherited the Black Arrow from his father and maintained that his father had struck Smaug during the dragon's attack on Dale; Balin confirmed that the arrow was a genuine Dwarven-made magical weapon. 71

While living in Lake-town, Bard advocated for ordinary residents and earned widespread respect despite supporting a family through honest labor. Alfred framed him for the Dwarves' theft of Lake-town weapons, leading to Bard's imprisonment. He accepted arrest without resistance after telling his son Bain to look after the family. 72 77

The Dwarves later broke Bard out of prison because only a descendant of Girion could use the Black Arrow against Smaug. With Bain guiding the rescue, Bard recovered the arrow and helped obtain the Wind-bow from Lake-town's watchtower. Townspeople covertly obstructed the guards, demonstrating Bard's influence among them. 77 78

At Erebor, Bard joined Li Wei and Thorin's plan to trap Smaug in a narrow passage. He first used an ordinary arrow to dislodge the diamond covering Smaug's missing scale, then fired the Black Arrow through the exposed gap into the dragon's heart. Li Wei subsequently executed the mortally wounded dragon. 79 80

Bard immediately returned to Lake-town upon learning of the approaching Orc army, prioritizing its people over dragon treasure or Thorin's promise. After Gandalf publicly confirmed Smaug's death, the townspeople rallied behind Bard, and he organized their evacuation to Dale. 81 83 85

Li Wei could not claim ruined Dale while Bard retained its recognized inheritance. Bard therefore renounced his inheritance in exchange for Li Wei's protection of Dale and its people, allowing Dale to become Li Wei's territory. 84 86

Li Wei appointed Bard as Dale's deputy, entrusted him with one fifteenth of Lonely Mountain's treasure for reconstruction, and gave him full authority over Dale's affairs. Bard also served as mayor of Lake-town before the two settlements were merged under his governance as Governor. 97 116

Over the following decades, Bard directed Dale and Lake-town's restoration, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, and military development. His administration helped transform the region into a prosperous part of the Free City-State. 111 117 130 303

In his old age, Bard could no longer personally manage complex affairs and increasingly relied on Bain. Before his death, he reflected with Li Wei on the peaceful, prosperous homeland they had built; his final request was for Li Wei to pour him tea. 303 305

Appearance

In later life, Bard had hair mixed with black and white, eventually becoming fully white. Age diminished his physical stamina, though he retained his composure and archery ability. 291 299

Personality

Bard is defined by responsibility toward Lake-town and Dale. He repeatedly places the safety and future of his people above wealth, inherited status, or personal recognition, whether returning to warn Lake-town of an Orc army or accepting the burden of administration. 81 83 97

He is practical, observant, and highly capable at organization. Although he enjoys rest and tea when time permits, he methodically handles financial matters, reconstruction, defense, and long-term development with little need for supervision. 130 146

Bard is also merciful without being naïve. He allowed Alfred an opportunity to atone for his crimes, but continued to supervise him and did not allow him access to territorial tools while his reputation remained negative. 111

Abilities & Skills

Master Archery

Bard is a renowned archer whose accuracy, power, environmental awareness, and control surpass even Roadside Fortress's Legion Champion in direct comparison. 287

• Used a precisely timed two-arrow sequence to expose Smaug's weak point and drive the Black Arrow into its heart. 80
• Shot down the Fire Demon with a greatbow nearly as tall as himself, restoring his confidence in his skill despite his age. 291
• Provided decisive supporting fire against the Fire Demon alongside Bain using Dragon Bone bows. 290
• His Dragon Bone Arrow required a stronger bow or crossbow to realize its full potential. 287

Leadership and Administration

Bard served as the primary human leader of Dale and Lake-town under Li Wei's lordship.

• Organized Lake-town's evacuation and Dale's defense during the approaching Orc invasion. 83 85 88
• Managed reconstruction after the Battle of Five Armies, including the allocation of labor, rebuilding of Dale, and resettlement of residents. 97 111
• Oversaw the merger of Dale and Lake-town, later governing the combined region. 116
• Proposed territorial expansion through an Eastwood Bend outpost and a transport route connecting Dale, Cairn Town, Rohan, and Gondor. 274

Military Command

Bard combined battlefield courage with practical command judgment.

• Led civilians in arming themselves and taking positions on Dale's walls during the Orc assault. 88
• Served as Li Wei's deputy during the expedition against the half-orc town. 175
• Killed the goblin commander with a single shot while supporting Li Wei's charge. 177
• Distinguished himself as Dale Region's administrator during the defense against Orcs and Ringwraiths. 253

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Black Arrow — A Dwarven-forged magical heirloom inherited from Bard's father; exceptionally difficult to lose and able to return to its owner. It pierced Smaug's heart through the gap left by a missing scale. 71 80
• Wind-bow — Lake-town's powerful crossbow, used to fire the spear-like Black Arrow. 78 80
• Greatbow — A bow nearly as tall as Bard, used to shoot down the Fire Demon. 291
• Dragon Bone Arrow — A high-penetration arrow gifted by Li Wei; Bard recognized that he needed a stronger bow or crossbow to use it effectively. 287

Relationships

• Li Wei — Lord and close friend. Bard renounced Dale's inheritance to secure Li Wei's protection for its people, then governed Dale and Lake-town under Li Wei's authority. Their long partnership endured until Bard's death. 86 97 305
• Bain — Son. Bain guided the Dwarves to Bard's prison, later became an accomplished archer and soldier, and succeeded him in regional leadership. 77 230 305
• Thorin Oakenshield — Ally in the campaign against Smaug. Thorin enlisted Bard's archery and Black Arrow, while Bard earned his respect through the dragon-slaying plan and defense of Dale. 77 79 81
• Balin — The Dwarf who recognized Bard's lineage and the Black Arrow's significance, encouraged him to confront Smaug, and helped rescue him from prison. 71 77
• Gandalf — Advisor and ally. Gandalf publicly supported Bard against Alfred's accusations and helped guide Lake-town's evacuation. 83 85
• Alfred — Former political adversary and later subordinate. Alfred framed Bard and had him imprisoned, but Bard granted him a chance to atone; Alfred eventually became a respected laborer. 72 111 292
• Brand — Grandson. Bard's family legacy continued through Brand, who later succeeded Bain as Grand Governor. 299 337

Notable Quotes

“Whether it's your bow, the Dwarves' crossbows, or even the Black Arrow, none of it will work.”
— Responding to Li Wei's warning about the Balrog, Bard refuses to retreat if needed. 145 146

“We did it, Li Wei.” 305

Trivia

• Bard's descendants, known as the Bard Family or Governor Family, possess the old Dale bloodline's ability to understand thrushes. 337
• A statue of Bard and Li Wei stands in Dale's city center. 130
• Bard's death marked the end of an era in Dale; Bain was elected Lord Deputy of Dale and Rhovanion afterward. 305