User:Stoneclaw33/Essays/The Warrior Code & The Clans

Hello, users of Warriors Wiki. In this essay, I will be explaining my thoughts on The Warrior Code and it’s relationship to the cats of the Clans.

The Warrior Code is a set of laws of the Warrior Clans. It has been in development and around since the Dawn of the Clans. The Clans are required to follow these laws; as the Warrior Code is what truly defines these feral cats as Warriors. Without the warrior code, they would simply be rogues. Rogues without honor, loyalty, dignity, or respect to those around them. I have heard people say that “rules are meant to be broken” – and yes, there will be those who will break them, but they are not meant to be broken. Unless of course - those rules are unfair and immoral. But, those rules which have sense in them are not meant to be broken. They are meant to create some sort of civilized manner, respect, and discipline in those who are supposed to follow them. Imagine what it would be like if people would be allowed to murder. Chaos, paranoia, and stress in people. Plus it would give the young ones a wrong idea of what is right and wrong, and that sense of right and wrong is very important in life – I don’t even need to explain why. Okay, so, back to the topic of the Warrior Code.

I believe that I have provided a valid reason enough why the Warrior Code is important.

Some of you may believe so or not, but sadly, in my eyes, the Warrior Code has become destroyed since even before Firestar became leader of ThunderClan. In my opinion, I find that the Erins have been slowly racing away from loyal, but not perfect warriors, and have come closer to “perfect” cats who always can break the warrior code; “for the good of others.” An example is Firestar or Leafpool.

I will explain some cases where the warrior code has been broken, and where it slowly starts to crumble into the little particles.

Bluestar

 * At one point I liked this cat - and I still do, though I have a slight dislike for Bluestar. But sadly, she mated with Oakheart and the two meeted in secrecy, which breaks rule 1. of the Warrior Code: "Defend your Clan, even with your life. You may have friendships with cats from other Clans, but your loyalty must remain to your Clan, as one day you may meet them in battle." But yet! She's Clan leader! StarClan actually wanted her to become Clan deputy, than leader, even when she broke the first law of the Warrior Code! She's a cat who everybody thinks she's an amazing leader. I disagree. Plus, Thistleclaw never broke any law in the Warrior Code. Sure, he was arrogant, but maybe he could've been a better leader than Bluestar. Maybe if he became deputy, his attitude would change? It was good to see that Bluestar put her Clan before her family when she gave up her kits, but she should not have mated with Oakheart. I feel bad for those kits. Because of the kits half-Clan blood, they were almost killed by Tigerstar and his followers during the time of Modern TigerClan. Although, I must admit that Stonefur grew up to be a true warrior, despite him being Bluestar's son. He was loyal to his Clan and loyal to what's right, and Mistystar is the ideal leader, who never failed her Clan like Bluestar did, who lost her sanity after Tigerclaw's betrayal. That is the one pro of Bluestar mating with Oakheart - Two great Clan cats were born.


 * As I mentioned in that paragraph, Bluestar failed her Clan by loosing her sanity. It doesn't matter if Tigerclaw betrayed her. As a leader, it was a requirement for her to stay strong for her Clan. ThunderClan was almost lost then, just barely being supported by Whitestorm and Fireheart's tireless efforts to keep it going.

Firestar

 * I kinda had a liking Firestar - until after Firestar's Quest.


 * Firestar was the cat who started the Warriors series. Without him, what would the series be? But sadly I personally think that the Erins made him perfect. Too perfect. Whatever he did was "good".


 * One, he was very disobedient. Going against his leader's words, and breaking the code multiple times there and there. I'm sorry to say so, but to me, he lead to the destruction of the Warrior Code. After he became leader of ThunderClan, things just fell apart. In his leadership, the code was neglected more and more. His Clan kept butting into other Clan's business, when even asked not to, which rule 2. of the Warrior Code: "Do not hunt or trespass on another Clan's territory."


 * And I need to mention something I have noticed; Rule 3. of the Warrior Code was completely neglected in his leadership: "Elders, queens, and kits must be fed before apprentices and warriors. Unless they have permission, apprentices may not eat until they have hunted to feed the elders. If any warrior or apprentice is sick or injured, they may eat while the elders, queens, and kits are eating." Everybody could eat when they desired to.


 * Firestar also punished those who broke the code very, very weakly. This could give out a message to young cats in the Clan that the code was not important. Take Leafpool, for an example. She completely broke the Medicine Cat code, took a mate, had kits - an example of extreme disloyalty, putting her family before her Clan. Yet, her rank of being a medicine cat was only taken from her, which probably wouldn't even happen if the other Clan leaders didn't force her to. Compare that to Mothflight, who was exiled simply because she almost accidentally strolled onto a Thunderpath.


 * Firestar is the perfect example of a very poor leader, and I only can beg that Bramblestar does not turn out the same way. I am confident that Bramblestar will bring back the real way of being a Warrior.

Leafpool

 * I highly despise this cat. Mainly because she broke the Warrior Code very much. She is a perfect example of a selfish, disloyal cat who put herself and family member or two before her Clan...