You’re walking through Vernworth, probably carrying way too many monster parts, and you see a tall, somewhat anxious-looking Elf standing near the weaponsmith. His name is Glyndwr. He’s staring at a bow like he’s never seen one before, which is weird, because everyone knows Elves are the masters of archery in fantasy tropes. But here’s the thing—Dragons Dogma 2 loves to subvert your expectations. This is the start of Gift of the Bow DD2, a quest that seems like a basic fetch-and-carry task but actually serves as your golden ticket into the isolationist culture of Sacred Arbor.
Honestly, it’s easy to walk past him. You've got dragons to kill. You've got a throne to reclaim. But if you ignore Glyndwr, you’re locking yourself out of an entire region's depth and one of the most useful late-game languages.
The Weird Logic of Glyndwr’s Dilemma
Glyndwr is an outcast. Not because he’s a criminal, but because he prefers the "human" style of archery. In the Elven lands of Sacred Arbor, they use "Greatbows" or magic-infused styles that feel alien to him. He wants a human-made bow. Simple, right?
To kick things off, you need to hand him a bow. Any bow. If you’re playing as an Archer, you probably have a spare. If not, just turn around and buy the cheapest one from Rodrigo’s Smithy right there in Vernworth. It’s a small investment for what comes next. Once you give it to him, he doesn’t just say thanks and vanish. He invites you to a training ground.
This is where the game tests your patience with its travel systems. You have to meet him near the Mountain Ruins, north of Trevo Mine. It’s a trek. You’ll probably run into a Griffin or a pack of Goblins that think they're tougher than they are. When you get there, the quest becomes a literal target practice.
Why the "Human Bow" Matters
The game doesn't explicitly tell you this, but Glyndwr is practicing in secret. He’s self-conscious. There's a subtle bit of world-building here: Elven society in DD2 is incredibly rigid. By helping him, you aren't just completing a quest; you're participating in a cultural rebellion.
👉 See also: Grand Theft Auto Games Timeline: Why the Chronology is a Beautiful Mess
During the training, he asks you to show him how a human uses a bow. If you aren't an Archer, don't panic. You can just switch vocations at the Vocation Frustrated questline hub or any guild hall. Even at rank one, you just need to hit the targets. Use the Steady Shot (R1/RB) to aim precisely. Knock down the targets, and Glyndwr will be genuinely stoked. It’s a rare moment of earnestness in a game where most NPCs just want you to clear out a cave.
Navigating the Follow-up: A Trial of Archery
Completing Gift of the Bow DD2 is actually just the appetizer. The real meat of the story happens a few days later. You need to wait—or do what most of us do and doze off on a bench for 24 to 48 hours—then find Glyndwr back in Vernworth.
He’ll tell you about the "Trial of Archery." This is where things get serious. His sister, Doireann, has been kidnapped by an Ogre. This isn't just a rescue mission; it’s his chance to prove that his "human" training actually works.
The journey to the Ancestral Chamber is long. It’s tucked away in the forest, and the path is winding. My advice? Bring a Mage with Anodyne. You’re going to be fighting in tight corridors where the camera might become your biggest enemy. Inside the cave, you’ll find the Ogre holding Doireann.
- Don't just go in swinging. If you kill the Ogre and he falls on Doireann, you might fail the quest or have to use a Wakestone.
- The Goal: You need to stagger the Ogre so he drops her, then pick her up (using the grab button) and carry her out of the room.
- Glyndwr's Role: He will provide cover fire. Let him. It’s his moment.
Once she’s safe, you’ve done it. You’ve bypassed the "Humans keep out" sign that basically hangs over the Elven forest.
✨ Don't miss: Among Us Spider-Man: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With These Mods
The Language Barrier and the Secret Perk
The reason everyone tells you to prioritize Gift of the Bow DD2 isn't for the XP, though that’s decent. It’s for the Woodland Wordsmith’s Tome.
When you first arrive at Sacred Arbor, the text is gibberish. You can’t read the shop menus. You can’t understand the innkeeper. It’s frustrating. But by finishing Glyndwr’s arc and his father’s (Taliesin) subsequent requests, you gain favor with the Elves.
Eventually, you can get a Pawn specialization called "Woodland Wordsmith." If your main Pawn learns this, or if you hire a Pawn with this skill, the Elven language is automatically translated into English (or your chosen language) in the UI. This is vital for upgrading your gear. Elven smithing is the best in the game for Magick Attack and Magick Defense. If you’re a Sorcerer or a Magick Archer, you literally cannot afford to skip this quest.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
I’ve seen a lot of people mess this up by being too fast. Dragons Dogma 2 is a game of "hurry up and wait."
If Glyndwr isn't showing up at the ruins, check your quest log. You might have another active escort quest. The game's AI struggles with multiple "VIP" NPCs following you. Finish your other business first.
🔗 Read more: Why the Among the Sleep Mom is Still Gaming's Most Uncomfortable Horror Twist
Also, watch out for the Chimera that occasionally spawns near the ruins. It’s a nasty surprise if you’re low-level. If you’re struggling with the Ogre in the Ancestral Chamber, use fire. Ogres hate fire. A simple fire-enchanted weapon or a Mage’s Flagration spell will make him drop Doireann much faster.
The Real Reward: The Greatsword and the Bow
By the time you finish the entire chain—which starts with Gift of the Bow DD2 and ends with "A Trial of Archery"—you’ll get the Repeller Bow. For an early-to-mid-game Archer, it’s a powerhouse. It has a high knockdown power that lets you stagger bosses much more effectively than the junk you find in chests around Vermund.
But more than that, you get access to the Arborheart. This location is central to the "true" ending of the game (the Unmoored World). Having a foothold here early makes the endgame transition significantly less chaotic.
Actionable Steps for Your Playthrough
To get the most out of this questline without wasting hours running back and forth, follow this specific rhythm:
- Preparation: Buy a "Hunter's Bow" from the Vernworth market before even talking to Glyndwr. It costs 4,240 Gold. Don't waste your high-tier gear on him; he just needs something functional.
- The Meeting: Give him the bow, then immediately go handle a different quest nearby—like the one for the Caged Magistrate—to let a day pass.
- The Training: Meet him at the Mountain Ruins. If you aren't an Archer, use the campfire nearby to change your vocation if you have a camping kit, or just plan ahead.
- The Rescue: When you trigger "A Trial of Archery," bring a Pawn with the "Chirurgeon" specialization. They will automatically use potions on Doireann if she takes damage during the escape, which saves you a lot of stress.
- Language Access: After the quest, gift Glyndwr or his sister a bunch of flowers (Bunch of Flowers can be crafted by combining different sunbloom/noonbloom plants). Do this once a day for a few days. Eventually, they will give you the Woodland Wordsmith’s Tome as a sign of friendship.
The quest is a slow burn. It’s not a 10-minute dash. But it's the difference between being a stranger in a foreign land and being a hero who can actually read the price tags on the best magic gear in the game. Get it done as soon as you reach Vernworth. Your future Magick Archer self will thank you.