Esgaroth

Esgaroth, the Lake-town, is a human settlement built entirely upon the Long Lake, near the eastern eaves of Mirkwood and at the foot of the Lonely Mountain. It is the town from which Bard the Bowman, descendant of the lords of Dale, launched the black arrow that killed the dragon Smaug, an act that ended the dragon's desolation and reshaped the political landscape of the North. In the years that followed, the town was rebuilt and prospered under King Bard and his line, becoming a vital center of trade and alliance between the Dwarf-kingdom of Erebor and the surrounding lands of Men.

Geography and Founding

Esgaroth is a town of Men built entirely upon the waters of the Long Lake, its houses and walkways constructed on wooden piles driven into the lakebed. It lies in the region of Wilderland, east of Mirkwood and south of the Lonely Mountain. The town's location made it a natural trading post, connecting the Dwarf-realms of the Mountain and the Iron Hills with the human settlements of Dale and the wider lands to the south and west. The town's prosperity was built upon this commerce, particularly the trade in goods from the Dwarf-mines and the rich fisheries of the lake itself.

The Dragon's Desolation and the Town's Destruction

For many years, the dragon Smaug the Golden lay upon the treasure-hoard within the Lonely Mountain, driving away the Dwarves and laying waste to the surrounding lands. The town of Dale was ruined and deserted, and the Men of Esgaroth lived in fear of the dragon's wrath, paying tribute to him in the form of goods and treasure. This state of terror and impoverishment lasted until the arrival of Thorin Oakenshield and his company of Dwarves, accompanied by the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins. Their quest to reclaim the Mountain ultimately led to Smaug's awakening and his vengeful attack upon the Lake-town. The dragon descended in flames, destroying much of the town and killing many of its inhabitants. It was during this attack that Bard, a descendant of the ancient lords of Dale, used his last black arrow to pierce a weak spot in Smaug's armor, slaying the dragon and ending his reign of terror.

Rebuilding and Prosperity under King Bard

After Smaug's death, the survivors of Esgaroth, led by Bard, began the work of rebuilding. The treasure from the Mountain was used to restore the town and to refound the kingdom of Dale, with Bard becoming its king. The town was rebuilt, and its fortunes revived. In the years that followed, under Bard and his son Bain, and later his grandson Brand, Esgaroth and Dale grew strong and prosperous. The Dwarves of Erebor under King Dáin Ironfoot became their close allies, and the two realms together formed a powerful bulwark against the growing shadow of Sauron in the East.

Role in the War of the Ring

During the War of the Ring, Esgaroth and Dale were attacked by a great host of Easterlings from the East, allies of Sauron. King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot fell in battle before the Gate of Erebor, and many Dwarves and Men took refuge in the Mountain, where they withstood a siege. When news of the great victories in the South reached them, Sauron's northern army was filled with dismay, and the besieged forces sallied forth and routed them. After the war, Brand's son, Bard II, became King in Dale, and Thorin III Stonehelm, Dáin's son, became King under the Mountain. Their realms remained ever after in friendship with Gondor, under the protection of the King of the West.