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Bow

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(Redirected fromBlue bow)
This article is about the weapon type. You may be looking forBow (Famicom), the most basic weapon of the type in the NES games.
Bows in theFire Emblem series

TheBow (Japanese:Bow) is a type of physical weapon in theFire Emblem series. Existing outside theweapon triangle, bows possess averagepower andaccuracy, and cannot be used to attack adjacent enemies in most cases. However, they can attack distant enemies and additionally offer the ability todo increased damage to flying units.

With a total number of 79 different weapons, bows are the fourth-scarcest physical weapons in the series (abovedaggers which currently has 47 different varieties, andgauntlets andarts which have 10 and 9 varieties respectively); usually, there are few bow-wielding classes per game—except forGenealogy of the Holy War andThracia 776—and so far,Alm,Lyn, andClaude are the only main characters to wield them in their native class progression, and even then the former two must haveclass changed to their advanced forms.

InFire Emblem Fates, theirHoshidan counterpart is called theyumi (Japanese:和弓Japanese bow). They are almost exactly the same as bows and share a weapon level. When equipped, they increase the wielder'sresistance by 2, and, on average, they have higher might and lower hit rate than bows.

Bows in theFire Emblem series by types

Basic bows

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
BowNot effective against flying units inGaiden.
Bronze Bow--
Iron Bow--
Steel Bow--
Silver Bow--
Broken Bow--
Toy Bow--
Glass Bow--
Slack Bow--
Long Bow--
Great Bow--
Emblem BowNot effective against flying units.
Rienfleche--
Rubber Bow--
Violin Bow--
Cupid's Bow--
Brass Yumi--
Iron Yumi--
Steel Yumi--
Silver Yumi--
Rusted Bow--
Mila's Bow--
Luna--
Training Bow--
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Crossbows

Crossbows are a subcategory and exclusive toFire Emblem: Radiant Dawn. These weapons rely on their ownmight for damage, ignoring the user'sstrength. Crossbows have no weapon rank, and are only usable bysnipers,marksmen,warriors andreavers.

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
BowgunCrossbows do not exist as a special subcategory inShadow Dragon & the Blade of Light.
Crossbow--
Taksh--
Aqqar--
Arbalest--
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Critical and skill-granting bows

There have been some bows with a highcrit in the series, with theKiller Bow being the most known of them. InAwakening, three new skill-granting bows were introduced, allowing units to access certain skills.

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
BowgunA crossbow instead inRadiant Dawn.
Killer Bow--
Brave BowBrave weapon.
Short BowNo crit boost inThracia 776.
Venin BowInflictspoison status on hit.
MeisterbogenBrave weapon.
Silencer--
Quick BowBrave weapon.
AstraGrantsAstra when equipped.
Underdog BowGrantsUnderdog when equipped.
Superior BowGrantsBowbreaker when equipped.
Crescent BowBrave weapon.
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Effective bows

While almost all bows are effective against flying units, some of them can also deal increased damage to other units, such asmonsters.

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
Blessed BowRecovers HP each turn and iseffective against monsters.
Beacon BowEffective against monsters. Exclusive to one Japanese event distribution.
Laguz BowEffective against laguz.
Cleave BowEffective against armored units.
Hunter's BowEffective against beast units. Not effective against other flying units.
Spellbane YumiEffective against units wielding tomes or scrolls.
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Magic bows

These bows inflictmagical damage instead of physical.

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
Shining Bow1-2 range.Unused inPath of Radiance.
Radiant Bow1-2 range inEchoes: Shadows of Valentia.
Magic Bow--
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Close range bows

Certain bows first introduced inFates allow their usage in one-space melee combat, a trait that had seen in bows in legitimate gameplay sinceGaiden (where all of that game's bows have melee capability) only one other time. Unless otherwise specified, these bows hit in the 1-2 range.

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
Mini Bow1-range only inFates andEngage.
Double BowExclusive tosnipers inPath of Radiance, and toarchers and snipers inAwakening. +3strength when equipped in both Tellius games, +5 inAwakening. Only has close-range capability inRadiant Dawn.
Iron ShortbowEnemy-only
Steel ShortbowEnemy-only
Silver ShortbowEnemy-only
Iron HankyuEnemy-only
Steel HankyuEnemy-only
Silver HankyuEnemy-only
Sidelong Yumi--
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Longbows

The following bows can attack from a distance of two or three tiles, which allows users to attack without retaliation.

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
LongbowExclusive toarchers andsnipers inPath of Radiance,Shadow Dragon,New Mystery of the Emblem andAwakening.
Double BowExclusive tosnipers inPath of Radiance, and toarchers and snipers inAwakening. +3strength when equipped in both Tellius games, +5 inAwakening. 4 range only inPath of Radiance, not enhanced-range inRadiant Dawn.
Iron Longbow--
Steel Longbow--
Silver Longbow--
Towering BowExclusive toarchers andsnipers.
Spy's Yumi3 range only.
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Character's bows

Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem andAwakening feature some bows named after archers and snipers of the series. These weapons can be used by anyunit with enoughskill, and all of them have an enhancedcrit.

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
Gordin's Bow--
Ryan's Bow--
Kleine's Bow--
Wolt's BowCan be used as an item to recover HP.
Innes' Bow--
Anna's Bow--
Niles's Bow--
Mikoto's Yumi--
Setsuna's Yumi--
Python's BowRequiresDLC inEchoes: Shadows of Valentia.
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Legendary and personal bows

Personal bows are truly rare in the series, appearing only in theTelliusduology andFates. There are few sacred bows as well, with all of them featuring bonuses to stats or an unusual extra function.

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
ParthiaCan be used as an item to increaseresistance. Doubles gainedexperience inMystery of the Emblem andEngage.
Yewfelle+10skill, +10speed when equipped. GrantsRenewal when equipped inGenealogy of the Holy War. +5 speed when equipped inAwakening.
Mulagir+5speed when equipped.Effective againstmanaketes.
Nidhogg+5luck when equipped.Effective aginst monsters inThe Sacred Stones. +10 luck when equipped inAwakening.
Rolf's BowRolf only inPath of Radiance.
LughnasadhLeonardo only. +5speed when equipped.
PursuerOnlySnipers may acquire requisiteweapon level.
Fujin YumiTakumi only. Two variations.
SkadiBoth close-range and enhanced-range (1-4 range).
Failnaught--
Tathlum Bow--
The Inexhaustible--
Lendabair--
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Miscellaneous bows

WeaponAvailable in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
Dual YumiReverses theweapon triangle.
Illusory Yumi--
Surefire Yumi--
Bamboo Yumi--
Harp Yumi--
Raider Yumi--
Bow of Zoltan--
Croissbow--
A means that the weapon is available in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Classes capable of using or specializing in bows

There are 52 different classes which, at some point in the series, have been able to wield bows or specialized in them.


ClassWields bows in:Notes
FE01FE02FE03FE04FE05FE06FE07FE08FE09FE10FE11FE12FE13FE14FE15FE16FE17
Archer--
Sniper--
Hunter--
Horseman--
Hero--
Ballistician--
Bow Knight--
Master Knight--
WarriorCan only use crossbows inRadiant Dawn.
Bow Fighter--
Arch Knight--
Bow Armor--
General--
Baron--
EmperorUnused inThracia 776.
BallistaRestricted toballistae.
Iron BallistaRestricted toballistae.
Killer BallistaRestricted toballistae.
Unused inThracia 776.
Poison BallistaRestricted toballistae.
Nomad--
Nomadic Trooper--
Blade Lord--
Ranger--
FleetRestricted toballistae.
Bonewalker--
Wight--
Maelduin--
Marksman--
Bow Paladin--
Silver Knight--
Assassin--
Bride--
Outlaw--
Adventurer--
Apothecary--
Merchant--
Mechanist--
Priestess--
Kinshi Knight--
OliphantierRequiresDLC inEchoes: Shadows of Valentia.
ConquerorRequiresDLC inEchoes: Shadows of Valentia.
Commoner--
Noble--
Wyvern Master--
Barbarossa--
LordAlcryst only.
Tireur d'elite--
SentinelFogado only.
Cupido--
EmblemLeif,Lucina,Lyn, andClaude only.
WardenAlternate Alcryst only.
WatcherAlternate Fogado only.
A means that the class wields bows in that game, while a indicates the contrary.

Trivia

  • According to an interview fromApe'sMystery of the Emblem guide, bows do not expend durability when missing inMystery of the Emblem because misses are caused by weak shots that do not damage the bow.[1]

Etymology and other languages

Names, etymology, and in other regions
LanguageNameDefinition, etymology, and notes
English

Bow

--

Japanese

Bow

Spanish

Arco

Bow

French

Arc

Bow

German

Bogen

Bow

Italian

Arco

Bow

Dutch

Boog

Bow

Portuguese

Arco

Bow

Korean

Bow

Simplified Chinese

Bow

Traditional Chinese

Bow

Yumi

Names, etymology, and in other regions
LanguageNameDefinition, etymology, and notes
English

Yumi

Yumi (Japanese:) is the Japanese word forbow. When discussed in English,yumi refers specifically to the traditional Japanese style of bow, which are distinguished by their asymmetrical bodies and their great size compared to their user.

Japanese

和弓

Japanese bow. Used in the Japanese language to describeyumi, as opposed to bow styles from other nations.

Spanish

Yumi

--

French

Yumi

--

German

Yumi

--

Italian

Yumi

--

Korean

장궁

Longbow

Gallery

  • Artwork of a Bow from the Encyclopedia.
    Artwork of a Bow from theEncyclopedia.
  • Artwork of a Bow from The Super Famicom Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem Super Guide.
    Artwork of a Bow fromThe Super Famicom Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem Super Guide.
Weapon types
Physical weaponsArtAxeBow(Ballista)CannonballGauntletsDaggerLanceSword
Magical weaponsAnima(FireThunderWind)Black magicDarkLightStaffTome(Blue tomeColorless tomeGreen tomeRed tome)White magic
Other weaponsBreathCrest StoneSpecialStoneStrike, beast, and monster weapons
Bows andCrossbows
Basic bowsBowBowgunBow of ZoltanBroken BowBronze BowClarisse's BowEmblem BowGlass BowGordin's BowGreat BowInnes' BowIron BowKiller BowLongbow (Thracia 776)RienflecheRubber BowRusted BowRyan's BowShort BowSilencerSilver BowSlack BowSteel BowToy BowTraining Bow
Bows with secondary effectsAnna's BowAstraBeacon BowBlessed BowBrave BowCleave BowCrescent BowCroissbowCupid BowHunter's BowLaguz BowLunaMeisterbogenMila's BowNiles's BowQuick BowPython's BowSuperior BowUnderdog BowVenin BowViolin BowWolt's Bow
Magic-based bowsMagic BowRadiant BowShining Bow
Ranged bowsDouble BowIron LongbowLongbowSilver LongbowSteel LongbowTowering Bow
Close-range bowsDouble BowIron ShortbowMini BowSilver ShortbowSteel Shortbow
CrossbowsAqqarArbalestBowgunCrossbowTaksh
Legendary and personal bowsFailnaughtLendabairLughnasadhMulagirNidhoggParthiaRolf's BowTathlum BowThe InexhaustibleYewfelle
Yumi
Basic yumiBamboo YumiBrass YumiIron YumiSilver YumiSteel YumiSurefire Yumi
Yumi with secondary effectsDual YumiHarp YumiIllusory YumiMikoto's YumiRaider YumiSetsuna's YumiSpellbane Yumi
Ranged yumiSpy's Yumi
Close-range yumiIron HankyuSidelong YumiSilver HankyuSteel Hankyu
Legendary and personal yumiFujin YumiPursuerSkadi
  1. "引きが足りないということで。矢で攻撃して、はずしたら、危険は増えますが、弓の使用回数は減りません。的をはずしたのは、弓の引きが足りずにまっすぐ飛ばなかったため。弓の弦のダメージが少なかったので、耐久度には影響がありません。
    [It means you didn't pull the string hard enough. If you attack with an arrow and miss, the risk increases, but the number of times you can use my bow doesn't decrease. You missed the target because you didn't pull the string hard enough and the arrow didn't fly straight. The damage to the bowstring was minimal, so it doesn't affect its durability.]" — A Q&AKaga, S. andTerasaki, K. participated in (Mystery of the Emblem guide (APE), pg. 136)