- NOTE: This article is only about the original book, 1977 TV special, graphic novel and 2003 game versions of Bard the Bowman as his Peter Jackson version can be found here: Bard the Bowman (Peter Jackson).
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“ | The dragon is coming, or I am a fool! | „ |
~ Bard. |
Bard, also known as Bard the Bowman is a major character in J.R.R. Tolkein's The Hobbit and its many adaptations such as the 1977 Rankin-Bass film adaptation, 1989 graphic novel and 2003 game.
He was voiced by the late John Stephenson in the 1977 film adaptation.
Biography[]
Book series[]
Bard is the Lake-man responsible for slaying Smaug after discovering his one weak spot. He is depicted as a champion of the people against the greedy Master of Lake Town.
He rallied the guards to defend the town when the dragon attacked. Bard was able to slay the dragon Smaug with the Black Arrow after a tip from an old thrush, which had overheard Bilbo Baggins' description of Smaug's one vulnerability - a bare patch in his armor. Later on, he leads the men of Lake-town in the Battle of Five Armies.
Rankin and Bass' The Hobbit[]
Bard appears in the 1977 Rankin and Bass film adaptation of The Hobbit. He appears to be in charge of the city, Lake-town, as there is no Master of Lake-town present.
He later forges alliances with Thranduil to take their share of the treasure by force. Later, they forge an alliance with Thorin Oakenshield in defeating the Orcs.