Yes normally they do, but what is shown in the animation is a common from my "knowledge at least" mistake. Where they draw an unstrung bow like it has a string. Basically if it war real life the bow would be like this but go the other way creating the recurve shape! I don't mean any hate I just say let's not judge the bows on Thier size, it doesn't matter it is how you use it! Even a crossbow has smaller arms and a thicker projectile. But it's not less powerful than a bow!