Skyrim’s Bound Bow Spell
In “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” there’s a magic spell called the Bound Bow. It makes a magic bow and 100 ghost-like arrows appear for 120 seconds.
This spell is great for players who like to be sneaky and fight from far away. The magic bow is just as strong as the Daedric Bow, which is one of the best bows you can find.
The arrows it makes are also very strong. You need to be pretty good at Conjuration magic, at least level 50, to cast the Bound Bow spell. But if you get perks like “Mystic Binding,” the bow becomes even stronger. This perk lets the Bound Bow hit harder, making it more deadly.
Getting the spell for the Bound Bow can feel like a mini adventure. You have to go to Fort Amol in the southeast of Skyrim. Inside the prison of the fort, look for a spell book hidden in a bucket.
Once you find it, you can learn to summon the Bound Bow. This spell is perfect for those who want to stay hidden and hit targets from a distance.
It’s like having one of the best bows without having to carry it or run out of arrows. Plus, the magic arrows help you stay ready for any fight.
Remember, getting better at Conjuration and grabbing the right perks will make your Bound Bow even more powerful.
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Highlights of the Bound Bow
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Skills | Casting Bound Bow in presence of enemies increases Conjuration skill
Landing shots with the weapon increases Archery skill Conjuration skill affects magicka cost Archery skill affects damage ability |
| Perks | Soul Stealer: Inflicts Soul Trap on targets
Oblivion Binding: Banishes conjured Daedra; reanimated dead flee when hit Mystic Binding: Increases base damage of Bound Weapons Affected by all Archery perks and the Sneak perk “Deadly Aim” Quiet Casting Illusion perk can prevent noise detection |
| Advantages | Can be held in one hand, allowing for versatile combat styles
Poisons can be applied for ranged deployment Ideal for stealth-based long-range sneak attacks With Mystic Binding, stronger than non-upgraded Daedric Bow Triple-enchanted effects: Soul Trap, Banish, & Turn Provides 100 Daedric-level arrows Weighs nothing and has a fast draw speed |
| Usefulness | Effective in quests/jails where items are inaccessible
Breaks ward spells causing enemy mages to stagger Garners more XP per hit with Mystic Binding after Patch 1.9 Cannot be disarmed by Disarm Dragon Shout |
| Disadvantages | Makes noise when summoned, unless Quiet Casting perk is acquired
Cannot be used while riding a horse Cannot be upgraded through smithing or enchanted, except by Oblivion Binding Takes five seconds to fully equip Not affected by Elemental Fury Dragon Shout with certain perks Conjuring ends invisibility effect |
| Spell Tome | Weight: 1
Value: 335 Gold Acquisition: Loot in Fort Amol, merchants like Phinis Gestor (College of Winterhold) & Falion (Morthal), some Court Wizards Level Requirement: Conjuration skill of 50 or higher |
Perks and Power: Maximizing the Bound Bow’s Potential
To fully use the Bound Bow in Skyrim, one must invest in both Conjuration and Archery skill trees.
Here’s how to enhance its capabilities:
- Mystic Binding: A Conjuration perk that upgrades the Bound Bow to deal more damage akin to a Daedric bow.
- Ranger: As an Archery perk, it allows faster movement while aiming the bound bow.
- Quick Shot: This Archery perk lets the archer draw the ethereal bow quicker, thus increasing the rate of fire.
- Soul Stealer: Another Conjuration perk that couples well with the Bound Bow, it automatically soul traps enemies.
- Oblivion Binding: Useful for banishing summoned creatures and turning raised ones, adding to the Bound Bow’s utility.
The combination of these perks amplifies the power and versatility of the Bound Bow.
Thus making the ethereal archer a formidable force against all adversaries.
Advantages of the Bound Bow
Using the Bound Bow has several advantages:
- Stealth Gameplay: Since the bow and arrows are ethereal, they make no noise, making it easier for players to remain undetected while taking down enemies from a distance.
- Unlimited Arrows: The spell provides 100 ethereal Daedric arrows each time it’s cast, so players don’t need to worry about running out of arrows during combat.
- Skill Leveling: Using the Bound Bow helps improve both the Conjuration and Archery skills, as casting the spell levels up Conjuration, and hitting targets with the bow levels up Archery.
- Cost-Effective: It eliminates the need to buy or find arrows and bows, as the spell provides a top-tier bow and arrows upon casting.
However, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:
- Magicka Cost: Casting the Bound Bow requires a significant amount of magicka, especially for players at lower levels or those who haven’t invested much in magicka.
- Duration: The spell lasts for 120 seconds, meaning players must be mindful of the time during prolonged battles or stealth missions.
Overall, the Bound Bow is a versatile and powerful spell that suits various play styles, especially for players who enjoy stealth and efficiency in combat.
The Bound Bow Spell
In Skyrim’s mystical landscapes, the Bound Bow spell epitomizes the fusion of Conjuration magic and archery precision.
Upon invoking this spell, adventurers instantaneously summon a spectral bow and quiver of arrows, forged from otherworldly energies.
Not merely an ethereal display, the Bound Bow boasts damage comparable to its physical counterparts.
It has added weightlessness lending agility to its wielder.
Adept wielders particularly benefit from:
- Mystical Stealth: Conjurers can cast the Bound Bow silently with the right perks, adding a layer of stealth unmatched by tangible bows.
- Ephemeral Ammunition: The spell conjures ethereal arrows, eliminating concerns about finite arrow supplies.
- Skill Advancement: Archery skills increase through the use of the Bound Bow, enhancing the conjurer’s overall marksmanship prowess.

The Benefits of a Mystic Quiver: Damage, Cost, and Weight
- The Mystic Quiver is weightless, a boon for agile archers who prioritize maneuverability.
- Arrows spawned have remarkable damage output, rivaling some of the highest-tier physical arrows in Skyrim.
- Cost-effective, as the Mystic Quiver generates an endless supply of arrows, eliminating the need for purchasing or crafting ammunition.
- The lack of weight and cost associated with these ethereal arrows allows adventurers to allocate resources and carry weight to other essential items and gear.
Equipping yourself with a Mystic Quiver, through the use of the Bound Bow spell, offers significant advantages. In particular, in the aspects of damage output, cost efficiency, and carrying weight, which enhances your gameplay experience dramatically.
#1 Mystic Quiver
Firstly, the Mystic Quiver, provided by the Bound Bow, deals damage equivalent to Daedric arrows. These are some of the most powerful arrows in the game.
This ensures that each shot you fire has the potential to inflict substantial harm on your foes. Making it an excellent choice for taking down tougher enemies or bosses.
#2 Arrows Possess Exceptional Damage Output
In “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” the Bound Bow spell conjures arrows that possess an exceptional level of damage output. Making them competitive with some of the most potent physical arrows available in the game.
These ethereal arrows, spawned each time the Bound Bow is summoned, match the damage dealt by Daedric arrows. They are renowned for their lethal efficiency.
This capability ensures that players wielding the Bound Bow can confidently engage with any adversary. Knowing their arrows can penetrate even the toughest armors and inflict significant damage.
The advantage of having such powerful arrows at one’s disposal cannot be overstated. It allows for effective combat against high-level enemies, dragons, and in difficult dungeons.
This remarkable damage output is complemented by the infinite supply of arrows. Meaning players never have to worry about running out of ammunition in the heat of battle. The combination of high damage and unlimited ammo makes the Bound Bow an indispensable tool for archers.
Offering a level of reliability and power that few other weapons in Skyrim can match.
#3 Cost Effective
Secondly, the cost benefits are unmatched. Since the Bound Bow and its arrows are conjured, you eliminate the need to spend gold on purchasing arrows or materials for crafting them.
This spells savings allow you to allocate resources elsewhere, perhaps towards buying potions, armor, or other magical equipment. Additionally, the Bound Bow spell itself, once learned, requires no further investment aside from the magicka cost to cast it, which regenerates over time.
#4 Weight Advantage
Lastly, the weight advantage cannot be overstated. The Bound Bow and its Mystic Quiver weigh nothing.
In Skyrim, managing your inventory weight is crucial as carrying too much can slow you down or prevent you from picking up valuable loot. With the Bound Bow, you can travel light, ensuring you have room for more items and can move swiftly across the vast landscapes of Skyrim.
This weightlessness also means you can maintain agility in combat, dodging attacks and repositioning with ease.

Finding the Bound Bow Spell: A Quest for Power
The Bound Bow spell, a sought-after tool for Skyrim’s ethereal archers, is elusive but attainable. Adventurers must head to Fort Amol, located in the southeastern region of Eastmarch.
Inside the fort, one must seek out the prison area. Here, within a bucket covered unassumingly by a lantern, lies the spell tome of legend.
Procuring this tome requires stealth or strength to bypass the mages guarding it. Once claimed, the Bound Bow conjuration can transform a mere adventurer into a formidable arcane archer.
Thus wielding an ethereal weapon of unsurpassed power.
When to Use the Bound Bow
While physical bows in Skyrim have the advantage of customization through smithing and enchantments, the Bound Bow spell excels in different scenarios:
- Early Game: Ideal for early levels where high-tier bows and arrows are scarce.
- Stealth Gameplay: The silent casting perk allows for undetected ranged attacks.
- Convenience: It offers infinite arrows and negates the need to carry a physical bow and arrow stockpile.
- Versatile Combat: Preferred during unexpected combat scenarios due to instant summoning.
- Magicka Management: Best used when players have sufficient magicka reserves or cost-reducing enchantments for Conjuration spells.
Physical bows should be considered when specific enchantments or higher damage output from smithing upgrades are essential to a player’s strategy.
Mastering Conjuration Alongside Archery
Players seeking the utmost efficiency in Skyrim must skillfully incorporate Conjuration magic with Archery prowess. Conjuration expertise is critical for swiftly invoking the Bound Bow spell in combat, vital for uninterrupted arrow barrages.
Training in Conjuration directly benefits Bound Bow performance, reducing casting cost and enhancing spell duration. Likewise, Archery mastery ensures each ethereal arrow inflicts maximum damage.
This potent combination transforms the Ethereal Archer into a formidable adversary, able to adapt to any battlefield with agility and strategic summoning capabilities. Thus, enhancing both skill trees is essential for any adventurer aiming to exploit the full potential of the bound weapons.

Tactics and Enemies
Mastering the Bound Bow in “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” requires not just skill, but also strategic thinking. This allows for effective navigate the diverse and dangerous landscape populated by a wide range of enemies.
Employing the Bound Bow means adapting your approach to the unique challenges presented by each type of foe. For instance, against slower, heavily armored opponents like Draugr Deathlords and Dwarven Centurions, using the Bound Bow’s stealth capabilities becomes key.
By staying hidden and using the environment to your advantage, you can deliver powerful sneak attacks that deal critical damage.
Before your presence is even detected. When facing groups of enemies, such as bandit camps or necromancer covens, positioning and movement are vital. Drawing enemies into narrow corridors or chokepoints where their numbers can’t overwhelm you allows for controlled engagements.
Here, the Bound Bow’s rapid firing rate and the staggering effect of its arrows can keep foes at bay while you whittle down their health. In encounters with fast-moving or flying enemies like dragons or sabre cats, the Bound Bow’s instantaneous summoning allows for a quick switch between combat styles.
You can engage at range, and if the situation demands, immediately switch to spells or melee weapons without the need to navigate through your inventory. Against mages and other spellcasters, the Bound Bow’s summoned arrows, which cannot be depleted, offer an uninterrupted offensive.
Coupled with the right poisons, you can disrupt their spellcasting and close the distance, neutralizing their advantage. Moreover, in situations where stealth is compromised, the Bound Bow still shines through its ability to conjure arrows that glow. Thus aiding in tracking shots in dark environments and adjusting aim accordingly.

This feature is especially beneficial in Skyrim’s numerous dimly lit dungeons and during nighttime skirmishes.
Ultimately, success with the Bound Bow in Skyrim hinges on a blend of stealth, strategic positioning, and adaptability to the threats posed by its varied enemies. By leveraging these tactics, players can maximize the Bound Bow’s potential, turning it into one of the most versatile and deadly weapons in their arsenal.
The Art of Arcane Sniping: Tips and Tricks
| Tactic | Description |
|---|---|
| Stealth Mastery | Improve your sniping by using Stealth skills. Cast Muffle beforehand to move silently. |
| Height Advantage | Find high ground to get a clear view and minimize the chance of enemies detecting you. |
| Long-Distance Practice | Practice on stationary targets to improve long-range accuracy, taking note of how arrows drop over distance. |
| Bound Bow Perks | Enhance your Bound Bow by investing in the Conjuration perk tree, especially the Mystic Binding perk for a stronger bow. |
| Use Poison | Apply poisons to your Bound Arrows for added effects, making each shot more deadly. |
| Quick Shot Perk | This essential Archery perk allows for faster drawing of the bow, enabling quicker sniping actions. |
| Stagger Opponents | Aim to hit enemies with power shots that stagger them, providing you with a tactical advantage in combat. |
| Detect Life/Undead | Use spells that reveal the location of living or undead enemies through walls, helping you to plan your attacks more effectively. |
| Patience and Timing | Wait for the right moment to attack, choosing your targets carefully to ensure maximum impact with minimal risk. |
| Escape Plan | Always know how to quickly exit your sniping position if enemies detect you or if the situation becomes too dangerous. |
The Aesthetic of the Ethereal Archer
When players evoke the Bound Bow in Skyrim, they don’t just gain a formidable weapon—they embrace an entire persona.
The Ethereal Archer is not merely a character wielding a conjured weapon; it’s a role-playing experience that encapsulates magic and marksmanship.
- Role-players imagine themselves as spectral hunters, not bound by the physical world’s constraints.
- The visual spectacle of the Bound Bow enhances the immersion, making each draw of the string a display of arcane artistry.
- The silent, weightless arrows suggest a hunter who strikes without a trace, embodying the stealth and precision of a ghostly predator.
- In the midst of battle, the Ethereal Archer appears both elegant and deadly, a figure that conjures fear in the hearts of enemies.
Adopting this aesthetic elevates gameplay, turning routine attacks into a dance of mystic archery.

Endgame Archery: How the Bound Bow Scales in Skyrim
Skyrim’s Bound Bow spell remains competitive in endgame scenarios due to several key factors:
- Bound Bow Damage: Its base damage rivals Daedric bows, augmented through the Mystic Binding perk for enhanced lethality.
- Archery Skill: Damage scales with the Archery skill level; higher proficiency yields more devastating shots.
- Perks: Specific Archery perks apply, such as Overdraw and Critical Shot, boosting damage output significantly.
- Enchantments: Conjuration-related enchantments and items can reduce spell costs, allowing frequent use of Bound Bow without exhausting magicka reserves.
- Sneak Attacks: Combining the bow with Sneak attack multipliers can result in massive damage, particularly with the Deadly Aim perk.
Overall, Bound Bow adapts well with character progression, maintaining its relevance throughout the game.
Conclusion: The Bound Bow’s Place in Skyrim’s Pantheon of Weapons
The Bound Bow occupies a unique niche in Skyrim’s diverse armory. Conjurers and archers alike laud its ethereal craftsmanship and lethal precision.
As a weapon summoned from the realms of Oblivion, it offers a weightless alternative to physical bows. Providing the agility needed for stealth and the power for direct confrontation.
It challenges traditional gameplay, blending mysticism and archery seamlessly. This ethereal weapon earns its rightful place among Skyrim’s most versatile and captivating means of combat. Thus standing testament to the game’s rich and multifaceted approach to player choice and strategic diversity.


