So you’re wandering through the Vernworth marketplace, probably trying to figure out why everything is so expensive, and you see this lanky elf standing near Roderick’s Smithy. That’s Glyndwr. He looks a bit out of place, right? Most elves in Dragon's Dogma 2 treat humans like we’re a particularly loud species of squirrel, but this guy actually wants to talk. He’s obsessed with "human-made" bows, and honestly, meeting him is the only way you’re getting into the Sacred Arbor without feeling like a total outsider.
Gift of the Bow DD2 isn't just a random fetch quest. It’s the gateway to a massive chunk of content, including the Archer Maister skill and a whole elven subculture. If you skip this, you’re basically locking yourself out of the best archery gear in the game.
Starting the Quest: The Elf at the Forge
First off, you need to have finished the "In Dragon’s Wake" main quest. If you haven't done that, Glyndwr won't show up. You’ll find him loitering outside Roderick’s Smithy in the Merchant Quarter.
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He’ll start yapping about how elven bows are all about "form" and "grace," but he’s heard human bows are more... practical. Basically, he wants a human bow to practice with. You don’t need to go on an epic trek to find a legendary relic for him. Just turn around, walk three steps into the smithy, and buy the cheapest bow Roderick has. Usually, that’s the Hunter’s Bow. Hand it over, and he’ll be delighted.
Why the Choice of Bow Doesn't Matter
I've seen people online stressing about whether they should give him a high-end weapon. Seriously, don’t bother. A 1,000-gold Hunter’s Bow works exactly the same as a 15,000-gold one for the purposes of this quest. He’s just going to use it for target practice, not to slay a Drake. Save your gold for your own upgrades.
The Training Grounds: Don't Forget Your Vocation
Once you give him the bow, he’ll invite you to his training spot at the Mountain Ruins. This is northwest of Vernworth. It’s a bit of a hike, but nothing too crazy if you’ve been exploring.
Here is the part everyone messes up: You must be an Archer yourself when you meet him there.
If you show up as a Fighter or a Mage, Glyndwr will just stand there looking at you expectantly. He wants to see your form. If you aren't an Archer, run back to the Vocation Guild in Vernworth (or any campfire if you have the right gear/pawn skills) and swap over. You don't need to stay an Archer forever, but for this specific afternoon, you’re Robin Hood.
At the Mountain Ruins
When you arrive, Glyndwr will be standing near some water by the ruins. Talk to him, and he’ll ask you to show him how a human uses the bow.
- Look for the hanging targets (they look like wooden circular boards).
- Aim and fire.
- You only need to hit one.
After you nail the target, he’ll take a few shots himself. He’s pretty good, actually. Once the dialogue finishes, the quest technically ends. You get 1,600 XP, 8,500 Gold, and a Ring of Proximity, which is actually decent for early-game archers because it boosts damage when you're close to the target.
Where Did Glyndwr Go? (Common Bugs and Fixes)
This is where the Gift of the Bow DD2 quest gets a little wonky. People often finish the training and then can't find Glyndwr to start the follow-up, "A Trial of Archery."
Honestly, the guy is a bit of a wanderer. If he isn't back at Roderick’s Smithy in Vernworth after a day or two, he might be dead. No, really. Dragon's Dogma 2 is brutal. A stray Drake or a pack of Saurians could have jumped him while he was walking home.
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Check the Morgue
If he’s missing for more than three in-game days, go to the Vernworth Charnel House (the building with the coffin icon). Check the coffins. If you see Glyndwr’s name, you’ll need a Wakestone to bring him back. It’s annoying, but it happens more often than you’d think.
Sometimes he also gets stuck at the Mountain Ruins. If you go back there and he’s just staring at the targets, try picking him up and putting him down, or just resting at the nearby campfire. Usually, that resets his "brain" and sends him back to the city.
Why You Should Care About the Follow-up
Completing Gift of the Bow is the prerequisite for A Trial of Archery. That quest is the real meat of the story. It takes you deep into the forest to the Sacred Arbor. Without Glyndwr as your guide, the elves there will speak to you in Elvish—which just looks like gibberish on your screen.
Even better, finishing his entire questline is how you get the Heavenly Shot skill from his father, Taliesin. It’s the ultimate Archer move—it consumes all your stamina to fire one massive, devastating arrow. If you’re planning on playing Archer or Warfarer, you need this in your toolkit.
Quick Checklist for Success
- Vocation: Be an Archer before traveling to the Mountain Ruins.
- Timing: Wait at least one full day after giving him the bow before meeting him.
- NPC Safety: If the quest marker disappears, check the morgue in Vernworth.
- Next Step: Return to Roderick’s Smithy a few days after completion to trigger the next phase.
If you’ve followed these steps, you’ve successfully navigated one of the more "vocation-sensitive" quests in the game. It’s a bit of a detour, but the reward of elven smithing and high-tier gear makes it one of the most valuable side paths in the early game.
Now that you've finished the training, you should head back to Vernworth and pass some time on a bench. Glyndwr should approach you again soon to invite you to his home, which starts the process of saving his sister and earning the respect of the entire elven race.