Bard the Bowman's Quest for Justice in The Hobbit: A Summary of His Goals and Actions

The Hobbit is a beloved work of fantasy literature, and Bard the Bowman's character stands as a testament to themes of leadership and community resilience. This summary explores his pursuit of justice and the rights of the people of Laketown,
specifically focusing on his goals and actions in the aftermath of the dragon Smaug's defeat.

Bard's Leadership and Sense of Responsibility

As we delve into the narrative of The Hobbit, we see Bard, the Bowman and leader of Laketown, Esgaroth, display a profound sense of responsibility towards his community. Following the victory over the dragon Smaug, who caused immense destruction to the town, Bard's primary goal is to ensure that the hoard of treasure found within the Lonely Mountain is used to benefit the people of Laketown.

Bard's intentions reflect his leadership qualities and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his community. By advocating for a just distribution of the treasure, he prioritizes the needs of his people over personal gain, demonstrating a high moral compass and a genuine desire to rebuild and support the town, which many inhabitants have lost their homes and livelihoods in.

The Quest to Rebuild Dale

Bard, a descendant of the ancient Lords of Dale and the keeper of the legendary Black Arrows, sets out to re-build the kingdom of Dale, a quest that was thought impossible due to Smaug's oppressive presence for a century. The thrush, a creature with advanced communication skills, overhears Smaug's vulnerability - a gap on the left side of his chest. This information is shared with Bard, who uses his knowledge to finally defeat the dragon and reclaim the stolen treasures.

With Smaug defeated, Bard becomes the new king of Dale, a position he believes he deserves since the treasures belonged to the kingdom. The Black Arrows, gifted to each Lord of Dale by King Thror, are known for their accuracy, and Bard has used each one of them up until the fateful final shot that culminates in Smaug's defeat.

The Complexities of Post-Smaug Relations

The process of reclaiming the treasures is complicated by the negotiations between Bard and the dwarves, particularly Thorin Oakenshield. Thorin is keen to return the stolen treasures but believes that doing so by force would be considered theft. Thorin's resistance highlights the tensions between romanticized notions of bravery and the pragmatic realities of leadership.

Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit who accompanies the dwarves, initially suggests that giving Bard the Arkenstone could resolve the situation and prevent a war. However, his proposal backfires, leading to a worsening of the conflict. This episode underscores the unpredictable nature of political and social dynamics, even in the hands of someone with good intentions.

Given the complexity of the situation, Bard's decision to claim a fair share of the treasure (1/12th) is seen as a reasonable compromise. Even if Bard had given up his share (1/14th), the contentious nature of the Arkenstone might have still led to a protracted and costly conflict. By claiming 1/12th, Bard strikes a balance between reclaiming his rightful land and ensuring peace, further emphasizing his leadership and strategic thinking.

Concluding Thoughts

Bard the Bowman's story in The Hobbit is a rich narrative of leadership, justice, and the complexity of social and political situations. His quest to rebuild Dale and restore the rights of his people serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, strategic thinking, and moral integrity in leadership.

For those interested in further exploring the themes of leadership and justice in The Hobbit, it is recommended to read both The Hobbit and The War of the Five Armies, where Bard's story reaches its climax. These works provide a deeper understanding of Bard and the broader context of the campaign against Smaug.