Mothwing

Mothwing is a triangular-faced, dappled, long-furred golden she-cat with rippling tabby stripes, huge amber eyes, and a broad head.

Midnight

 * Mothwing and her brother, Hawkfrost, are announced at a Gathering by Leopardstar as a newly appointed warrior and medicine cat apprentice. Everyone cheers for them, but some cats' uneasiness is sensed by Leafpaw. To calm the tension, Leopardstar proceeds to tell the warriors of the Gathering the truth about the two warriors in order to prevent rumors from spreading. She explains how six moons prior to this Gathering, a rogue named Sasha came to RiverClan with her two surviving kits, seeking help from the Clan. She was weakened by the birth of her kits and requested care for her kits and help with hunting. RiverClan was more than willing to accept her as a warrior, but Sasha left, and her kits Hawkpaw and Mothpaw chose to stay.


 * After recollecting the story, the other Clans are shocked and outraged that a Clan has taken in a few rogues, but Leopardstar reminds ShadowClan that several of their Clanmates were once rogues themselves, and ThunderClan's leader, Firestar, was once a kittypet. Leopardstar then moves on to announce that Mothwing wishes to follow the path of a medicine cat instead, and has become Mudfur's apprentice, to the other Clans' outrage. As the noise dies down, Mudfur expresses his confidence in his new apprentice, remarking on her talent, but intends to wait for a sign from StarClan. Once the sign is sent, Mudfur will take her to Mothermouth for the official medicine cat apprentice ceremony. After the Gathering, the mood appears to be good-humored despite the fuss over Hawkfrost and Mothwing.


 * At the half moon, Leafpaw and Cinderpelt meet up with Littlecloud and the RiverClan medicine cats. Leafpaw starts talking to Mothwing, but Mothwing looks at Leafpaw sourly, as if she is inferior to her. Mothwing apologizes to Leafpaw for her hostile looks; she explains that for a while, there was no sign telling Mudfur Mothwing the right choice for a medicine cat. Mothwing thought that meant that StarClan had rejected her. Mudfur had told her to be patient, and Hawkfrost told her that she did not have to prove her loyalty to anyone but StarClan. He was right, for two dawns later, Mudfur found a moth's wing outside his den, and he interprets it as an omen that Mothwing was to be the next medicine cat apprentice. She is now making the journey with the other medicine cats to become formally accepted as a medicine cat.


 * After talking, Mothwing becomes more friendly with Leafpaw and as time progresses, they develop a friendship. Once the medicine cats are settled by the Moonstone, Mudfur presents her to StarClan and the medicine cats start to share dreams with StarClan. The cats wake up and leave the Moonstone. Once outside of Mothermouth, Mothwing expresses her excitement to Leafpaw about the ceremony.


 * At the next Gathering, Leafpaw and Mothwing meet each other. Mothwing seems to be troubled about something, but before she can explain to Leafpaw, the leaders begin the Gathering. During the Gathering, Hawkfrost accuses WindClan of stealing prey. Mothwing immediately defends her brother's claims, but is silenced by Mudfur. She casts her mentor an angry and ashamed glance. The Clans then discuss how at least one cat from every Clan left for unknown reasons. Mothwing yowls in question at the meaning of their disappearance and why StarClan has not shown anything to her. After the Clan leaders dismiss the Gathering, Mothwing says good-bye to Leafpaw.

Moonrise

 * When Leafpaw and Sorreltail are chased by a WindClan patrol, they cross into RiverClan territory and are rescued by Mothwing, who chases off the WindClan warriors. Leafpaw tells Sorreltail that Mothwing used to be a warrior apprentice before choosing the path of a medicine cat. Mothwing tells them to rest, and brings them herbs. While she is away, Sorreltail remarks that Mothwing should be more loyal to her Clan, such as chasing away intruders instead of welcoming and helping them, and suggests that she does not understand the warrior code because her mother was a rogue. Leafpaw defends Mothwing, saying she is a loyal Clan cat. Mothwing returns, bringing medicine, and listens to their story about their encounter with the WindClan patrol, and about monsters destroying the forest. She says that RiverClan is safe from Twolegs.


 * A couple of days later, Mothwing offers to teach Leafpaw how to fish in the river, as ThunderClan starts running short on prey as the forest is being destroyed. Leafpaw notes Mothwing's ignorance of the warrior code, as Clans are not supposed to take prey from one another. Hawkfrost suddenly appears, and Mothwing pushes Leafpaw into the river to hide her, almost drowning her. Hawkfrost says that RiverClan should take the other Clans' territories and rule the forest, but Mothwing protests, and is worried by her brother's ambitions. She then lures Hawkfrost away from the place where Leafpaw is hiding. Later, Leafpaw admits to Firestar that Mothwing was teaching her how to fish.


 * At the half-moon, when medicine cats visit the Moonstone, Mothwing and Mudfur appear sleek and well-fed, unlike the cats from the other Clans. She says she is progressing well with her medicine cat studies, and has learned about remedies for coughs. Leafpaw is delighted as she knew how insecure Mothwing felt about her position, and desperate to prove that she could be a good medicine cat. While crossing the WindClan ground, Mothwing notices some dead rabbits, and Barkface explains they have been poisoned by Twolegs.


 * When Reedpaw falls into the river and almost drowns, Mothwing is in panic and shock, and has no idea what to do. Fortunately, Leafpaw is there as well, and, with Spottedleaf's help, tends to the apprentice. Hawkfrost tells Mothwing off for being useless. Mothwing is embarrassed and desperate, believing that she has lost the respect of her Clan. Leafpaw tries in vain to cheer her up, and Mothwing walks away.


 * Mothwing saves Leafpaw and Sorreltail once again when they cross the RiverClan border, driven by hunger, and are caught by Hawkfrost. Mothwing tells her brother that taking the ThunderClan cats to Leopardstar to punish them could mean a war between the Clans, which they want to avoid. She suggests another way to take over ThunderClan, profiting of the Twoleg devastation, and Hawkfrost finally lets the two cats go. Leafpaw feels betrayed, but Mothwing explains that she was just trying to save Sorreltail, and they are still friends. Here, Mothwing reveals that her father was Tigerstar.

Dawn

 * Mothwing comes to ThunderClan camp, seeking help from Leafpaw; Mudfur was very ill and she needed help. Leafpaw tells Firestar and her mentor, Cinderpelt, and Cinderpelt volunteers to assist her. Mothwing leads the two to Mudfur, who lays dying in his den. Mothwing tells Cinderpelt what she has treated him with, and Cinderpelt tells her that Mothwing has done everything right, and there is nothing else they can do. Mothwing can not stand to see her mentor suffer, and asks Cinderpelt to do something. Cinderpelt gives him poppy seeds and marigold to ease his suffering before StarClan takes him. Mothwing and Leafpaw leave Mudfur with Cinderpelt and exit into the camp. Mothwing reports Mudfur's condition to Leopardstar. Leafpaw reassures Mothwing that she is a great medicine cat, and Cinderpelt would have done nothing different from what Mothwing did to treat Mudfur. Hawkfrost assures Mothwing that the two of them will gain respect one day.


 * Some time later, on the day of the journey, Stormfur delivers a message from RiverClan camp. His Clan has realized that they couldn't leave, for Mudfur is about to die. Frostfur and Speckletail are staying behind in the forest, and they offer to watch over him. Stormfur takes Firestar, Cinderpelt, Leafpaw, Runningnose, and the two ThunderClan warriors to RiverClan camp. Firestar offers the plan to Leopardstar, but she declines, since Mudfur is almost dead. Cinderpelt, Leafpaw, and Runningnose enter the medicine cat's den, and see Mothwing with her mentor. She tells Cinderpelt that she has made sure that he is not in any pain and there is nothing more anyone can do for him. As Mudfur takes his last breath, Mothwing cries in grief, not knowing how she can manage without her beloved mentor, and leaves for her Clan with the news.


 * Once RiverClan is ready to go, the cats return to ShadowClan and the rest of ThunderClan. It's not long after they arrive that Sasha shows herself. Mothwing and Hawkfrost bound over to her in excitement. Sasha tells the cats that she has seen what has happened to their homes, and wants Hawkfrost and Mothwing to leave the danger and come to live with her. Firestar says that the decision is theirs but he wants them to stay because their father was a great warrior, and all four of his children have inherited his courage. RiverClan, who just learned of their parentage, admit that, regardless, none of them have doubted either of their loyalty before. Hawkfrost and Mothwing gently decline Sasha's offer, since their loyalties are tied to their Clan. Sasha wishes her kits well, and leaves to never see them again.


 * When the Clans take shelter from the Tribe of Rushing Water, she is seen tending to Morningflower and checking to make sure that the weak and the cold are tended to.

Starlight

 * Mothwing is seen walking beside apprentices from all four Clans when they arrive at the lake for the first time.


 * She later talks to Leafpaw and confesses that she feels helpless because she has no supplies and so many cats are tired and weak. Leafpaw reassures Mothwing that she will be fine. Mothwing speaks with the other medicine cats when they discuss where they would find a new place to share tongues with StarClan. Mothwing mentions that it shouldn't matter, so long as they can find herbs and heal their Clanmates. The other medicine cats look at her in astonishment and Leafpaw covers up Mothwing's mistake. Mothwing goes with the other medicine cats down to a boggy area near the lake to collect herbs. While there, Mothwing notices an island in the lake and offers to swim out to it. The other medicine cats agree, and she does; after she comes back, she tells them all about the layout of the island. Mothwing seems convinced that the Clans could use it for Gatherings, but the others say not all cats would be able to swim out to it as she had, especially elders.


 * When Firestar calls a meeting of all the Clans to discuss where to meet for the next Gathering, Mothwing explains to the Clans the island that she had found, and again brings up the idea of using it for Gatherings. Many cats complain about having to swim over. Hawkfrost speaks up, saying that if it wasn't going to be used for Gatherings, it could be RiverClan's camp.


 * Before the Clans separate, Leafpaw meets up with Mothwing once more and Mothwing offers to give some water to Leafpaw for ThunderClan's elders. Leafpaw is alarmed when she find a strong scent on the water-soaked moss and Mothwing explains that she got the water from a pool nearby. Mothwing takes Leafpaw to the pool and they are surprised to see a dead rabbit at the bottom of it. Mothwing says that she didn't see it there earlier and hopes that the elders will be alright; Leafpaw tells her that they will, though she is still worried. In ThunderClan's camp, Mousefur and Goldenflower become sick from the tainted water. Leafpaw murmurs that Mothwing meant well and Cinderpelt understands that it was a mistake.


 * Near the end of the first Gathering by the lake, the medicine cats have a meeting and Mothwing apologizes for not checking the water before giving it to the elders. They all share concern that their elders have been sick and Mothwing shares a glance with Leafpaw. The medicine cats separate and Mothwing thanks Leafpaw for not telling them about the tainted water. Mothwing then reveals to Leafpaw that she doesn't believe in StarClan and thinks that they are a bunch of stories to keep the Clans happy. Leafpaw is shocked by this, and reminds her friend that the moth's wing sign must have been real. Fear flashes in Mothwing's eyes, and she is about to say something, but Cinderpelt cuts her off and takes Leafpaw with her.


 * The medicine cats gather for the first time at the Moonpool and Mothwing seems eager to arrive there. Mothwing cheers for Leafpool, eyes shining, after she receives her medicine cat name.

Twilight

 * Leafpool meets Feathertail in a dream, and she asks Leafpool to send a message on to Mothwing. Leafpool recalls how Mothwing had revealed her lack of faith in StarClan. Leafpool tells Feathertail that Mothwing is good with the healing herbs and that she wanted to believe in StarClan when she was an apprentice. Leafpool then asks if Mudfur's moth's-wing sign wasn't true, and Feathertail replies that she can't expect to understand signs that were given to another cat. Feathertail then tells Leafpool that the message is urgent; RiverClan is in serious danger from Twolegs. Leafpool promises to tell Mothwing and Feathertail then fades away.


 * Mothwing is visited by Leafpool, who was found on RiverClan territory by Mistyfoot. She is pleasantly surprised to see Leafpool. Mothwing is told about the message from Feathertail and Mothwing thinks about the message thoughtfully. She then tells Leafpool that the small Thunderpath nearby has been quiet, so they should go check it out. Leafpool agrees and while they are walking out to the Thunderpath, Leafpool asks Mothwing if she is starting to believe in StarClan now because of Feathertail's message. Mothwing tells her she still doesn't believe in StarClan and Leafpool shows confusion because Mothwing took notice of Feathertail's warning. Mothwing says that she trusts Leafpool, and soon they reach the Thunderpath. The two of them are revolted by the stench of monsters on the Thunderpath and ShadowClan's smell from across the border. They can't sense any danger around so they head back to the camp. Mothwing offers to let Leafpool stay in the camp for the night since it's getting dark, and she accepts.


 * At the half-moon, Mothwing arrives late to the Moonpool and apologizes for being late. After Leafpool wakes up from her dream, she wakes up Mothwing, who is having a nap, and Mothwing complains because she was having a good sleep. Leafpool tells her it's so the other medicine cats don't catch her sleeping. All of the medicine cats discuss the dream that they had and Mothwing mentions that StarClan must be warning them about something ahead. As the medicine cats walk down from the Moonpool, Leafpool asks Mothwing if she told Leopardstar about her dream and Mothwing says she has never told Leopardstar about a dream before. She says that she doesn't have prophetic dreams and she never will. The two of them talk until they reach the WindClan border and Crowfeather then emerges out of the bushes, asking to talk to Leafpool. Mothwing nods and leaves.


 * Mothwing calls Leafpool out to RiverClan to help with many sick cats. Mothwing panics because all her Clanmates were dying. Mothwing shows her the cats that are sick and she blames herself. Leafpool reassures her that it isn't her fault and then helps her with the sick cats by giving them yarrow and juniper berries. Mistyfoot takes Leafpool to see a Twoleg thing with ooze coming out of it. They all know this must be the thing making the cats sick. They later go back to the camp and Mothwing learns what they found. Mothwing is then called over by Willowkit and she introduces the kit to Leafpool. Mothwing treats more of the sick cats and the next morning Leafpool leaves to go back to ThunderClan.

Sunset

 * Leafpool speaks to Mudfur in a dream and he tells her that a RiverClan elder is suffering from greencough but Mothwing can't find any catmint to cure him. Mudfur questions if his choice to make Mothwing his apprentice was right and he recalls the moth's wing sign that he received. Mudfur then asks Leafpool to tell Mothwing about the catmint that grows at the edge of RiverClan territory. Leafpool decides against going immediately, because she had to take care of Berrykit, and waits until the next trip to the Moonpool.


 * The medicine cats gather at the path to the Moonpool but Mothwing hadn't shown up yet. Leafpool wonders if Mothwing had to stay to take care of the elder with greencough. She hopes to see Mothwing when they get to the Moonpool but Mothwing isn't there.


 * At the Gathering at the island, Leopardstar announces Willowpaw as Mothwing's apprentice and Mothwing is seen sitting next to Willowpaw. Leopardstar also mentions that an elder, Heavystep, has died from sickness and Leafpool realizes this must be the elder Mudfur was talking about.


 * After Leopardstar finishes speaking, Hawkfrost cuts across Onestar as the WindClan leader begins his report. He tells the Clans that Mothwing has important news for them. Leopardstar allows Mothwing to speak, although she hadn't been expecting anything to happen. Mothwing rises to her paws but doesn't say anything so Hawkfrost reminds her that it was about a sign. Mothwing, sounding confused, says that she had a dream. Leopardstar is unhappy that Mothwing didn't ask her first before telling it at the Gathering. Hawkfrost pushes Mothwing to go on and she stammers that she may have been mistaken about the dream. Hawkfrost and Leopardstar tell her to explain the dream anyway and Mothwing continues nervously. Leafpool is seen by her sister, Squirrelflight, watching Mothwing with dismay in her eyes.


 * Mothwing says she dreamed she was fishing in the stream and two pebbles didn't belong in the stream, making it flow unevenly. The pebbles then washed away and the stream flowed normally again. The cats from all Clans are confused and Leafpool is clearly upset. Leopardstar demands to know what the dream means, and Hawkfrost jumps up before Mothwing can speak. He says that there obviously must be two things in RiverClan that don't belong and that they should leave. Voletooth speaks up and says that the two pebbles might be Stormfur and Brook. Hawkfrost growls that StarClan would be angry if they let Stormfur and Brook stay in RiverClan. Mothwing begs him to stop, and says that she doesn't know exactly what her dream means and that she should wait for another. Hawkfrost glares at her and Leopardstar says that they won't do anything until Mothwing knows more. Mothwing then sits down and the Gathering continues.


 * After the Gathering, Leafpool tries to speak to Mothwing but Hawkfrost gets to her first. He snarls at her that she was an idiot for almost ruining everything. Mothwing tells Willowpaw to leave, probably because she was worried that Hawkfrost would attack her. Willowpaw scampers off and Hawkfrost continues to shout at his sister. He tells Mothwing that she let him down and that no one will believe her anymore because she was so uncertain. She and Hawkfrost argue for some time and Leafpool tenses herself in case she has to jump to Mothwing's defense. Mothwing obviously feels terrible for lying to every Clan about her dream. Hawkfrost mentions again that Stormfur should leave and that he will be able to become deputy after that. Mothwing defends Stormfur, and Hawkfrost bares his teeth, saying he was the one who helped Mothwing become a medicine cat, then threatens to expose her secret to the Clan. Mothwing looks him squarely in the eyes and replies that she has served her Clan as best as she can, and that if he exposes the truth, he won't look good either. Hawkfrost then pads off and Mothwing slumps down underneath a tree as if all her strength was gone.


 * Later, after Brook chases a squirrel into ShadowClan territory, Hawkfrost reports back to Leopardstar, demanding that she be punished or exiled. He then brings up the subject of Mothwing's feigned sign from StarClan, which makes up Leopardstar's mind to relegate the former Tribe cats from RiverClan.


 * Leafpool then speaks to Mothwing, saying she is sorry about Heavystep's death and reveals to Mothwing that she didn't tell her about Mudfur's message in her dream. The two of them discuss Leafpool's dreams for a little while. Then Leopardstar calls Mothwing over to leave for the RiverClan camp. Mothwing walks off with Leopardstar as Leafpool calls out to her where the catmint is.


 * While Leafpool is in the ThunderClan camp, Hazelkit and Mousekit are playing with a dead butterfly and Leafpool thinks she recognizes it. Mousekit interrupts her thoughts by saying a tortoiseshell cat showed it to them. Leafpool knows it must have been Spottedleaf and then knows that Spottedleaf was telling her something. She also realizes that the butterfly's wing could mean a moth's wing. A scene then flashes before Leafpool's eyes; Hawkfrost putting a torn moth's wing in front of Mudfur's den as a false sign from StarClan. Leafpool wonders if Hawkfrost had put it there on purpose. Leafpool thinks about what she has just seen and now knows why Mothwing has no faith in StarClan. Leafpool then decides that Willowpaw would be able to take over RiverClan's connection with StarClan.


 * When Brambleclaw sees Stormfur, Brook, and Hawkfrost talking angrily to each other near the RiverClan-ShadowClan border, he followed then back to their camp to see what would happen. He watches as Hawkfrost tells Leopardstar about Brook crossing the border then Hawkfrost asks Mothwing if she's had another sign. Mothwing tells Leopardstar that she has not, and that they mustn't be so quick to decide. Blackclaw says that the dream is clear to him and that they should get rid of Stormfur and Brook. Leopardstar decides to make Stormfur and Brook leave after Stormfur attacks Blackclaw out of outrage.


 * At the next medicine cat meeting, she presents Willowpaw to StarClan and the other medicine cats accept Willowpaw as Mothwing's new apprentice. Leafpool wakes up from her dream and Mothwing is also awake so they talk. Mothwing tells Leafpool that she is worried for Willowpaw since she herself doesn't believe in StarClan. Mothwing then confesses to Leafpool that the moth wing's sign was fake and Leafpool tells her she already knows. Mothwing then mentions that the dream at the Gathering was fake and Hawkfrost was always threatening her to do things. The rest of the medicine cats soon wake up and they all leave.


 * Hawkfrost is later killed by Brambleclaw, fulfilling Leafpool's prophecy; this means that Mothwing no longer has to live in fear of Hawkfrost, and she can keep her lack of belief in StarClan a secret forever.

The Sight

 * Mothwing and Willowpaw arrive in ThunderClan camp. Willowpaw had received a dream from StarClan, and wanted Leafpool to help her interpret it. Hollykit didn't understand why Mothwing couldn't help her, but Willowpaw explains that Mothwing wanted Leafpool's opinion. Hollykit, as she watches the cat go inside Leafpool's den, decides that the path she wants to follow is that of a medicine cat. When they emerge from the den, Hollykit badgers Willowpaw with questions about what being a medicine cat was like. Before she can complete her answer, Mothwing called to Willowpaw, telling her that they are leaving. The two cats return to RiverClan camp, unaware that they have inspired Hollykit to become a medicine cat.


 * Willowpaw sees Hollypaw at the Gathering, congratulating Hollypaw for her new apprenticeship to Leafpool. Willowpaw informs Hollypaw that Mothwing told her of Hollypaw's new position.


 * Jaypaw is visited by Tigerstar and Hawkfrost. The two warriors want to train Jaypaw to become a warrior. When Jaypaw shows uncertainty at becoming a warrior, Tigerstar expresses his annoyance at having to watch both Jaypaw and Mothwing, his own kin, waste their talents on medicine.


 * At the half-moon meeting of the medicine cats, Jaypaw scents Mothwing and Willowpaw's odor from their visit a moon ago. Mothwing and Willowpaw actually do arrive, Leafpool asks if RiverClan is well. Mothwing reports the elders are driven to their den due to the cold, but they have plenty of medicine are getting alone alright. Inside the Moonpool itself, Jaypaw wanders into Willowpaw's dream. Mudfur is seen delivering a message to Willowpaw to tell Mothwing to beware of the Twoleg kits that are attempting to block the river that feeds the Clan. Jaypaw is confused at why Mothwing isn't the one being told the information. Jaypaw wanders into Mothwing's dream, and discovers she is having a dream of a normal warrior. Jaypaw returns to his own dream and Yellowfang visits him. Wanting to solve the mystery of Mothwing, Jaypaw asks if Yellowfang has ever spoken to him. She doesn't reply and instead scolds his curiosity. Before he can discover the truth, he is woken up by Leafpool. Mothwing wakes up, as though she had a good rest and gestures to Willowpaw not to hang around because of the cold. Mothwing, as they leave, inquires about the status of Jaypaw's training. Jaypaw, still determined to crack the case on Mothwing, says his training is going good, and says that the best part is sharing dreams with StarClan. She quickly changes the subject at his response and asks him about his cases. He tells her about Stormfur, and how he can't get the medicine to stay on without it rubbing off. Mothwing suggests covering the wound with catchweed after applying the poultice. Jaypaw thanks her for the advice and slyly asks her if StarClan gives her advice. She doesn't appear to hear and instead speeds up to catch up with Willowpaw. Mothwing, upon exiting the Moonpool cavern, bids the other medicine cats farewell.


 * Weaselfur and Kestrelpaw of WindClan arrive at ThunderClan, requesting catmint for greencough. Leafpool has none either, and, after some persuasion from Jaypaw, leaves to go ask Mothwing for some. Mothwing agrees, evident by the bundles of catnip Leafpool brings back from her. Mothwing must have much, for she was able to spare much for Leafpool.

Dark River

 * Mothwing is sitting with Leafpool and Barkface at the Gathering. Willowpaw talks to Hollypaw, but cannot stay, because she must join Mothwing soon. She does not show it, but RiverClan is slowly losing their home. Jaypaw suspects that there is something bothering RiverClan, but is unaware of what. At the half-moon meeting, Mothwing chats with Leafpool about Mousefur, and if she has recovered from greencough. Jaypaw attempts to figure out what was wrong with RiverClan. He reads Mothwing's mind, but nothing is shown. It is as though there is a constant shield of blankness that is protecting her mind. When Jaypaw dreams, he journeys into Willowpaw's dream, and discovers that RiverClan is slowly losing their home. He wakes up, and tells Leafpool he has news about RiverClan. Concerned, Leafpool wakes Mothwing up. Willowpaw, once she awakens, gravely tells Mothwing that they must return home at once.


 * Hollypaw goes to Firestar, wanting to stop a fight between RiverClan and WindClan before it happened. She is concerned that, because of the Twoleg kits in their territory that are blocking the river, RiverClan could move into WindClan territory and a fight would break out. Leafpool tells her that at the Gathering, Mothwing had told her that RiverClan has its problem, but they are addressing it. Aggravated that nothing is being done, she goes to RiverClan herself and looks for Willowpaw on the island where RiverClan is temporarily staying. Mothwing is treating a kit, who keeps stepping on pine needles. Icewing, the kit's mother, explains that the kits keep stepping on the needles. Once the kit is treated, Mothwing accompanies Icewing in sweeping the needles from the nursery entrance. Willowpaw is about to follow, but Hollypaw calls her and they hide in a cave to discuss things. Mothwing catches them, and asks sharply what Hollypaw's buissness is. When Hollypaw justifies herself, Mothwing gives Willowpaw permission to show her the camp, but they must remain out of sight. She explains their plan, which includes making the river wider and deeper by blocking it. Once the river floods, they will set up gorse barriers. They will be unable to reach the island, give up, and play somewhere else. The apprentices get caught, however, and Leopardstar orders her to stay with Mothwing and Willowpaw until it is safe for her to return, but it is mostly because Leopardstar thinks she is a spy.


 * Jaypaw and Leafpool attend a meeting with WindClan at the request of Firestar. Onestar reports that RiverClan has not invaded their territory yet, but it is still a possibility. Leafpool suggests that Barkface could talk to Mothwing and figure out what is happening at the next half-moon. Instead of doing that, however, Onestar decides to attack, for RiverClan has been found on their territory, and Gorsetail's three kits are missing.

Outcast

 * At the Moonpool Gathering, Mothwing doesn't show up. Willowpaw explains that she is tending to an infected bee sting, but Jaypaw thinks it is just an excuse not to come to the Moonpool just because she doesn't believe in StarClan.

Eclipse

 * When the medicine cats go to the Moonpool, Mothwing gives her apprentice her full medicine cat name, Willowshine, and is reluctant to do so, since she does not believe in StarClan.

Long Shadows

 * Mothwing stays RiverClan's medicine cat. She starts to send Willowshine to the Moonpool by herself, now that she has become a full-fledged medicine cat.

The Fourth Apprentice



 * She is presumed to be caring for the sick cat in the RiverClan camp, which is later revealed to be Leopardstar by Dovepaw.

Fading Echoes

 * Mothwing is with Mistystar in the ThunderClan camp as Mistystar announces that Leopardstar has died. Mothwing informs ThunderClan that they had just come from the Moonpool and Mistystar is now the leader of RiverClan. Mistystar then explains that they lost three of their elders, so Firestar offers some strengthening herbs for them to take back. Mothwing goes to Jayfeather for the herbs and Jayfeather is curious to know how Mothwing had managed Mistystar's ceremony when she didn't believe in StarClan. Jayfeather offers her some ointment for her aching paws but Mothwing politely declines. Mothwing then suggests some herbs that Jayfeather could use for Longtail's stiffness and he is grateful. Jayfeather asks how Mistystar's ceremony went, but Mothwing only replies that it was fine. Jayfeather wants to know more, so he probes her recent memories and watches how the ceremony had played out. He sees Mothwing and Mistystar at the Moonpool and watches as Mothwing shows anxiety. Jayfeather wants Mothwing to accept that StarClan is real and as he watches, he thinks to himself how stubborn Mothwing can be. Mistystar then awakens and turns to Mothwing, very surprised that the medicine cat wasn't at the ceremony. Mothwing then reveals to Mistystar that she doesn't believe in StarClan and Mistystar is shocked, but then accepts Mothwing's beliefs. Jayfeather leaves Mothwing's thoughts and Mothwing can tell what Jayfeather had been doing. Mothwing mentions again that having no connection with StarClan doesn't make her any less of a good medicine cat. She then picks up her herbs and leaves with Mistystar, back to RiverClan.

Night Whispers

 * Mothwing is heard, but not seen, when Dovepaw focuses her hearing on the RiverClan camp while waiting for Tigerheart. Mothwing is heard asking Willowshine if she made sure Pouncetail's bedding was fixed.


 * Mothwing is seen later in the book when she is escorted to the ThunderClan camp by Thornclaw and Spiderleg. She breaks away from the two warriors and says she could have found her own way there. Jayfeather decides they should talk down by the lake since his den is full of sick cats. Mothwing asks how Briarlight is and he says she has shaken off the infection. Jayfeather reminds himself not to fall into the old bonds of friendship with Mothwing. Once they reach the lake, she tells him that Willowshine told Mothwing that StarClan wants them to stop talking to the other medicine cats. She tries to reason with Jayfeather that he shouldn't listen to StarClan all the time and do what's best for his Clanmates. Mothwing is angered when Jayfeather refuses to listen to her and when he turns to leave she offers him herbs if he's desperate. Jayfeather bluntly declines the offer and Mothwing leaves without saying another word. The whole time, Yellowfang was warning Jayfeather to keep his mouth shut.

Sign of the Moon

 * Mothwing appears very briefly at the Gathering alongside her apprentice, Willowshine. It is noted that they are separated from all of the other medicine cats.

The Forgotten Warrior

 * At a Gathering, Mothwing is still attempting to promote conversation with the other medicine cats to rekindle the bond medicine cats are meant to share. The other medicine cats reply shortly, and the frustrated she-cat gives up and sits with Willowshine.


 * At another Gathering, when Dawnpelt accuses Jayfeather of murdering Flametail, she and the other medicine cats agree with Mistystar and Onestar that he should be suspended from his duties. Jayfeather then retorts that they walk alone and had no place to tell him what to do, and he continues being ThunderClan's medicine cat.

The Last Hope

 * Mothwing is first seen after Jayfeather sneaks to Moonpool despite being banned from medicine cat duties. She admits to Jayfeather that Willowshine refused to come because of the message she received from StarClan.


 * Jayfeather tells her how StarClan is frightened of the Dark Forest, and that the Dark Forest has been training Clan cats in their sleep for the battle. Mothwing, due to lack in belief in StarClan, is confused by this but seems scared much to Jayfeather's amazment. She tells him how some of her clanmates have been acting strange and guesses Hollowflight, Icewing, and Beetlewhisker are training there.


 * Mothwing offers help to Jayfeather, and he tells her how Hawkfrost, her brother, is involved. She is filled with grief by this, but then declares that she is not her brother and she is loyal to her clan. She then promises to persuade Willowshine to visit Moonpool again.


 * Later when Jayfeather is going to visit her in RiverClan, he is stopped by a patrol and led to camp. Mothwing says she has to talk to Jayfeather alone, and she tells Willowshine to collect mallow while she talks. Willowshine seems upset by this but leaves. Mothwing exclaims in annoyance at her apprentice's blind faith in StarClan.


 * Mothwing scraps her claws against that ground and says that cats are ignoring common sense listening to starry old cats, but then apologizing and admits that she respects his faith in StarClan as it has helped lead the Clans through hard times before.


 * She is not mentioned at the gathering, only the three medicine cats, Willowsine, Littlecloud and Kestrelflight are pointed out.


 * Later Mothwing comes to the ThunderClan camp and tells Jayfeather to come with her, and that there is somthing he must see. After Firestar objects to this he explains that he must go and leaves anyway. They head back toward RiverClan but are stopped by a patrol of WindClan cats who, after a while, allow them to continue.


 * She shows Jayfeather a smouldering reed that has not extinguished for days despite the rain, revealing that the reed has been burning since the Gathering. Jayfeather reconizes it as a sign from Flametail, and explains to her that the reed means he must talk to Flametail in StarClan. As Jayfeather leaves, Mothwing notes that she will know that he has found what he is looking for if the flame on the reed goes out.


 * Mothwing is not seen again but is mentioned by Willowshine when Jayfeather is reuniting StarClan, and again by Jayfeather later.



Return to the Clans

 * Moth is shown on the cover with her brothers, Hawk and Tadpole. She is colored wrong and shown as a silver tabby with green eyes, even though she is supposed to be a gold tabby with amber eyes.


 * They are born during this book to Sasha and Tigerstar, although their father doesn't know about them. Sasha lets them out of the den to play and Moth worries if it will be safe outside because there might be foxes. Tadpole assures her that he will protect her from any threats. The three of them climb to the top of the den with some difficulty and are later scared by a bird that jumps out of the woods.


 * Back in the den, Sasha tells the kits about a story when her old owner, Ken, saved her from a fox in the woods. Moth tells Sasha she shouldn't be sad that she doesn't know where Ken went.


 * The kits are often seen playing and hunting together. Sasha wonders whether she should tell them about Tigerstar or not.


 * When Sasha is out hunting one day, the kits decide to go into Twolegplace to look for Ken. Moth is shown to be cautious of going into an unknown place and she sticks close to Tadpole. When they come in contact with some BloodClan cats, they are very scared and run away. They decided to hide from the BloodClan cats in an old Twoleg nest, but they get stuck inside by accident. A water pipe inside ends up breaking and the nest begins to fill with water. Sasha arrives just in time to save Moth and Hawk, but unfortunately Tadpole drowns after helping his siblings up. Moth, Hawk, and Sasha grieve for Tadpole's death and head back to their den in the forest.


 * A rogue named Pine appears near their den one day and offers to take them to a farm where some friends of his live with their kits. They think it's a wonderful farm, but the cats already living there don't appreciate them barging in and they try to force Sasha and her kits to leave. Sasha attacks the she-cat and claims that she is a warrior. They leave the farm in search for a better place to live. They travel on toward Sunningrocks and stop on the stepping stones, where Sasha tells Moth and Hawk about Tigerstar.


 * A patrol of RiverClan cats finds them and Leopardstar demands to know why they are on RiverClan territory. Sasha reasons with Leopardstar and the leader allows them to join RiverClan. Mistyfoot takes Moth and Hawk to the nursery to care for them, while Sasha thinks about what has happened. After a short while Leopardstar makes Moth and Hawk into apprentices and gives them their new Clan names, Mothpaw and Hawkpaw. They are seen training with Stormfur and Blackclaw and have adjusted to Clan life well.


 * One day, Mothpaw and Hawkpaw see some RiverClan cats play-fighting with each other and one of them pretends to be Tigerstar. Mothpaw and Hawkpaw don't understand why the fighting cats are talking about Tigerstar and killing. Sasha reminds them that they shouldn't talk about Tigerstar to any of the other cats and Mothpaw and Hawkpaw promise not to.


 * Mothpaw and Hawkpaw later play with a few bones they find on the ground and the other RiverClan cats are shocked, because those were the remaining pieces of Tigerstar's Hill of Bones. Leopardstar takes them aside to explain all the horrible things Tigerstar did to the Clans. Sasha realizes that she can't stay with RiverClan anymore, and says goodbye to her kits before leaving. She reminds them once more not to mention Tigerstar to any of the RiverClan cats, then leaves.

Cats of the Clans

 * When Rock talks about Mothwing, he says that she is a constant puzzle to StarClan, since she doesn't believe in it. But, StarClan allowed her to stay because they saw that she only had the welfare of her Clan at heart. Unfortunately, she has more responsibilities than medicine alone. He tells how Hawkfrost had threatened to revealed the truth to RiverClan unless Mothwing made up fake prophecies and how StarClan couldn't warn Mothwing about the poisonous Twoleg fluid that ended up killing her Clanmates. Worried that her lie may destroy her Clan, she asks requests help from her good friend, Leafpool, who began speaking to Mudfur on Mothwing's behalf. Rock then explains how Willowpaw became Mothwing's apprentice and Feathertail and Leafpool assisted her in the StarClan part of her training. She respects her mentor's disbelief, and respects her in every other way.

Battles of the Clans

 * Mothwing does not formally appear, but is noted to be shown as the full medicine cat of RiverClan in the RiverClan facts. She is also mentioned as having made a trip to ThunderClan with Blackclaw.

Ultimate Leader Election: Firestar

 * She, along with Jayfeather, Barkface and Littlecloud, measures the length of line of stones used for voting on each side of the stick. They come to the conclusion that the majority of cats voted for Firestar to lead all four Clans temporarily.

Trivia

 * Mothwing has been mistakenly described with blue eyes many times.
 * She has SkyClan blood, because her grandmother, Leopardfoot, is Spottedleaf's sister and because her father, Tigerstar, is a descendent of Gorseclaw.
 * She has ThunderClan blood, because her father, Tigerstar, was born in ThunderClan.
 * She has kittypet blood, as her mother, Sasha, was formerly a kittypet.
 * She was seen training with Stormfur, so it is possible that he was her mentor.
 * Cherith thinks that Mothwing will go to StarClan, although she would be very surprised.
 * Mothwing is mistakenly depicted as a ginger cat in Cats of the Clans.
 * Kate thinks that after the battle with the Dark Forest, Mothwing would believe in StarClan, because "it's difficult to deny something you've seen with your own eyes".
 * In the Erin Hunter Chat 4, Kate and Vicky think that if Hawkfrost hadn't sent the false sign of a moth's wing for Mudfur that StarClan wouldn't have sent him a sign to choose her as a medicine cat, but Cherith contradicts them by saying that she thinks that they still would have.

Members
Father:
 * Tigerstar:

Mother:
 * Sasha:

Brothers:
 * Tadpole:
 * Hawkfrost:

Half-Sister:
 * Tawnypelt:

Half-Brother:
 * Bramblestar:

Grandfather:
 * Pinestar:

Grandmother:
 * Leopardfoot:

Great-Grandfather:
 * Adderfang:

Great-Grandmother:
 * Sweetbriar:
 * Swiftbreeze:

Aunts:
 * Nightkit:
 * Mistkit:

Great-Uncles:
 * Patchpelt:
 * Redtail:

Great-Aunts:
 * Spottedleaf:
 * Willowpelt:

Half-Niece:
 * Dawnpelt:

Half-Nephews:
 * Tigerheart:
 * Flametail:

Cousins:
 * Sandstorm:
 * Darkstripe:
 * Sootfur:
 * Rainwhisker:
 * Sorreltail:
 * Graystripe:
 * Squirrelflight:
 * Leafpool:
 * Molepaw:
 * Cinderheart:
 * Honeyfern:
 * Poppyfrost:
 * Stormfur:
 * Feathertail:
 * Briarlight:
 * Blossomfall:
 * Bumblestripe:
 * Lionblaze:
 * Jayfeather:
 * Hollyleaf:
 * Molepaw:
 * Cherrypaw:

Distant Ancestors:
 * Cloudstar:
 * Gorseclaw:
 * Birdflight:
 * Spottedpelt: