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English

Barley

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Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
"Blood isn't everything. Loyalty is everything. And Ravenpaw has been more loyal to me than you could be in a hundred lifetimes."
— Barley to Hoot and Jumper in The Heart of a Warrior, page 83



Barley is a black-and-white tom with blue eyes.[8]

Barley is an old loner who lives on a farm on the edge of WindClan's territory in the old forest. He was born into BloodClan alongside his siblings, Violet, Hoot, and Jumper, and lived in relative fear and seclusion. He broke Scourge's rules by staying in touch with Violet, and after she was attacked by their brothers, renamed Snake and Ice, Barley took her to a kittypet and escaped to settle down in a barn. Barley was friendly with the Clans, and when Ravenpaw escaped ThunderClan with help from Firepaw and Graypaw, he joined Barley in the barn and they grew incredibly close. He assisted LionClan during the battle against BloodClan, and aided in dealing with the leftover members, including Ice and Snake. He and Ravenpaw helped each other to overcome their pasts.

Barley, nervous around crowds and preferring his life as a loner to that of a Clan cat, constantly worried that Ravenpaw would leave him to rejoin the Clans, but Ravenpaw continuously proved his loyalty to Barley. When the Clans left for the lake territories, he and Ravenpaw saw them off. They later followed Bella and Riley, two of Violet's kits, to SkyClan, and Barley mourned when Ravenpaw died after a fight with kittypets. He returned to the barn by himself afterwards and lived alone for many moons. He eventually reunited with Rileypool and Bellaleaf, giving the journeying SkyClan cats directions to the other Clans and allowing Cherrytail and Cloudmist to take refuge with him for a few moons until they later moved on with some of their kin. When Graystripe left ThunderClan a long time later, he reconnected with Barley. The two toms exchanged their greetings, and Barley confessed that he misses Ravenpaw every day and is waiting to join him. He is currently in touch with the cats of WarriorClan.

History

Looking for a shorter overview? Find one here!

The Prophecies Begin

"Thanks for sending Ravenpaw to me. He's turning into a fine ratter. And it's good to share a meal with a fellow cat from time to time."
―Barley to Fireheart Fire and Ice, page 73
Barley is a loner who lives on a farm on the edge of WindClan territory. He welcomes Bluestar, Tigerclaw, Firepaw, Graypaw, and Ravenpaw to his barn as they return from their journey to the Moonstone, offering them safer route back to ThunderClan territory. Rats attack the group, causing Bluestar to lose a life, and although Barley helps them fight, Tigerclaw accuses him of leading them into a trap. When Ravenpaw flees ThunderClan later on, he moves into the barn with Barley. The pair quickly bond and offer sanctuary for several cats on multiple occasions, including the whole WindClan when they are brought back by Fireheart and Graystripe, and Firestar and Cinderpelt after the former receives his nine lives. When BloodClan poses as a threat to the forest, Barley admits to Firestar that he used to live in BloodClan, and that their leader, Scourge, has only one life. He and Ravenpaw participate in the battle against BloodClan and are proud upon their victory.

The New Prophecy

"Don't mind Barley. It's not often we have so many visitors all at once."
―Ravenpaw to Brambleclaw Midnight, page 159
Barley and Ravenpaw welcome Brambleclaw, Squirrelpaw, Tawnypelt, Stormfur, Feathertail and Crowpaw to their barn while on their journey to the sun-drown-place. They tell them what they know of the location and allow them to stay the night before sending them off again. Later, the pair lets the Clans rest briefly at their farm before the Great Journey. They bid their farewells to the Clan cats, not expecting to see anything more of them.

A Vision of Shadows

"How'd you like to help me hunt while they share their news? You look like you'd make a good ratter."
―Barley to Molewhisker Darkest Night, page 130
Barley greets Hawkwing and his patrol as they return to the gorge. Cherrytail and Cloudmist, who had been staying with him, reunite with their brother and join his group. Barley provides them with food and shelter before they resume their quest.

Super Editions

This section summarizes Barley's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!

"I'm so sorry to hear what happened to you. And sorry too that your vision must mean that Firestar is dead. I can point you in the direction Ravenpaw told me the Clans went, but I don't know anything beyond that. The days when Ravenpaw and I lived alongside the Clans seem such a long time ago now."
―Barley to Leafstar Hawkwing's Journey, page chapter 24
In Hawkwing's Journey, Barley reunites with his sister’s kits, Rileypool and Bellaleaf, when SkyClan arrives in search of the other Clans. Barley points them in the direction the others went, but notes it has been many moons since the Clans have left. When Leafstar shares her vision with him, he is sorry to hear of Firestar’s presumed death. Cherrytail and Cloudmist decide to remain with the loner, and Barley agrees to allow it. Sandynose and Fallowfern arrive at the farm later on, and Barley relays to them the same information.
"Every day, every heartbeat. But it's easier now. I know my time is near, and whatever path Ravenpaw's spirit walks, soon I will walk beside him."
―Barley to Graystripe about Ravenpaw Graystripe's Vow, page 291
In Graystripe's Vow, Graystripe reunites with Barley after many years, and the two elderly toms catch up and share memories of old together. It is revealed that Barley keeps the members of WarriorClan entertained with stories, and he finds it amusing that Graystripe considers him wise. He offers Graystripe advice pertaining to making his own decisions and the destruction of the Moonstone. When Graystripe decides to go back to ThunderClan, he spends one last night at Barley's farm, and the two exchange a final farewell. Barley reflects that although he was sure he would never see a Clan cat again, he's glad he got to reunite with Graystripe.

Novellas

This section summarizes Barley's significant Novellas appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!

"I'm so sorry. I should never have tried to stop you from helping Violet's kits. You are brave, and generous, and I don't deserve you..."
―Barley to Ravenpaw Ravenpaw's Farewell, page chapter 6
In Ravenpaw's Farewell, Barley's sister Violet finds their barn and introduces Barley and Ravenpaw to her four kits: Lulu, Patch, Riley, and Bella. When Ravenpaw receives a dream from StarClan asking him to take Riley and Bella to SkyClan, Barley confronts him about his desire to be in a Clan again. Although they at first argue over the topic, Barley later joins them on their journey. They find SkyClan, but Leafstar refuses to let the kits join. While working out what to do next, Barley worries for Ravenpaw's deteriorating health. The four help SkyClan fight off some aggressive kittypets, and Leafstar finally accepts Rileypaw and Bellapaw, making them apprentices. Barley later comforts Ravenpaw as the latter dies from his illness, promising to meet him again one day.

Ravenpaw's Path

"You worthless piles of manure! Do you think I'm blind? Did you think I'd let you treat Ravenpaw like that? This is his home too! You don't belong here. Get out."
―Barley to his brothers The Heart of a Warrior, page 82
A few moons after the battle with BloodClan, he and Ravenpaw allow a rogue named Willie and his friends to stay at their barn due to the fact that Willie’s mate, Minty, is very close to giving birth. As the group waits for the kits to become old enough to leave, Barley becomes highly suspicious of the group. He attempts to convince Ravenpaw to feel the same way, but Ravenpaw brushes off his concerns. When Willie and the others commandeer the barn and reveal that they're from the former BloodClan, Barley and Ravenpaw are driven out of their home. Left with no other options, they seek guidance from StarClan, who urge them to go to ThunderClan for help.
The pair arrive in ThunderClan, and Firestar initially refuses to help them since BloodClan's former members are terrorizing his own warriors as well. Barley, a former member of BloodClan himself, is also reluctant to fight back due to the fear of old memories resurfacing. Ravenpaw encourages him, however, and so the two seek out Violet for assistance. Violet, along with her friend Mitzi, reveal the location of BloodClan's new hideout. Barley is horrified to discover that his brothers, Snake and Ice, are BloodClan's new leaders. He and Ravenpaw help ThunderClan chase them out.
A few days later, Firestar leads a patrol with Graystripe, Cloudtail, Brightheart, Brackenfur, and Bramblepaw to help Barley and Ravenpaw get their barn back. Their first try results in failure, as Snake, Ice, and other ex-members of BloodClan are in hiding at the farm. However, their second attempt, this time with aid from dogs, results in success. Barley allows his brothers, renamed Hoot and Jumper, to stay out of loyalty. Despite having previously promised to cause no trouble, they start to order Ravenpaw around, and Ravenpaw grows frustrated with Barley's lack of assertiveness. Barley finally stands up for Ravenpaw and for himself, and orders his kin to leave the farm for good.

Detailed description

Barley is a short,[9] long-furred,[10] sturdy[11] black-and-white tom.[1] He has a plump belly,[9] big paws,[12] broad shoulders,[13] and a broad face.[14] He has blue eyes and a pelt streaked gray with age.[15]

Character pixels

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery

Kin

Members

Partner:

Ravenpaw:[16][17] Deceased, verified StarClan member

Mother:

Unnamed she-cat:[18] Status unknown

Brothers:

Hoot:[19] Living (As of The Heart of a Warrior)
Jumper:[19] Living (As of The Heart of a Warrior)

Sister:

Violet:[6] Living (As of Ravenpaw's Farewell)
See more
Nieces:
Bellaleaf:[20] Living (As of River)
Lulu:[20] Living (As of Ravenpaw's Farewell)

Nephews:

Rileypool:[20] Deceased, residence unknown
Patch:[20] Living (As of Ravenpaw's Farewell)

Grandniece:

Wrenflight:[21] Living (As of River)

Grandnieces/nephews:

Two unnamed kits:[22] Deceased, residence unknown

Tree

Unnamed ♀
Ravenpaw ♂Barley ♂Violet ♀Hoot ♂Jumper ♂
Rabbitleap ♂Bellaleaf ♀Rileypool ♂Lulu ♀Patch ♂
Wrenflight ♀Two kits

    = Male

    = Female

    = Gender Unknown



Appearances


Trivia

Author statements

  • Vicky believes that Barley will not go to StarClan when he dies,[23] as he lacks the necessary faith.[24] Kate, however, believes that he'll live just on the outskirts of StarClan.[blog 1]
  • Vicky has stated that Ravenpaw and Barley loved each other and their life together.[16]

Interesting facts

  • Ravenpaw and Barley would rather die then let BloodClan take over the barn, and they are safely in control of it.[25]
  • Barley is likely one of the oldest cats in the series, as he appears in Yellowfang's Secret,[26] and seen still alive in Graystripe's Vow.[15]

Mistakes

Continuity

The following information is from sources considered non-canon or retconned.

  • On Vicky's Facebook, Barley was approximately one year old when he moved into the barn in Yellowfang's Secret.[28]
  • In Secrets of the Clans, a 2007 field guide, Barley lives with his sister, Violet, despite Scourge's law prohibited cats from living together and caring for each other. Scourge discovers what the two had been doing, and as punishment, Violet is brutally attacked by Ice and Snake, her other two brothers, and Barley is forced to watch. Barley discovers that his sister is still alive, and he immediately takes her to a nearby dwelling, where he meets a kittypet named Fuzz. After Barley is assured that his sister is safe, he leaves the forest, and makes a home in a Twoleg barn, where he lives the rest of his life in peace. He also has an unnamed mother.[29]

Quotes

Main article: Barley/Quotes
End of spoiler warning

External links

Fan content

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Revealed in Into the Wild, page 183
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 249
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Revealed in A Clan in Need, page 35
  4. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, pages chapter 9-10
  5. ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 210
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 91
  7. ↑ Revealed in A Clan in Need, page 77
  8. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 10
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 47
  10. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 12
  11. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, allegiances
  12. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 1
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 7
  14. ↑ Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, page 273
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, chapter 19
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  17. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 9
  18. ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 247
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 153
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, page Chapter 2
  21. ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
  22. ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, chapter 2
  23. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  24. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  25. ↑ Revealed in Erin Hunter Answers Your Questions Summer 2011
  26. ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, chapter 34
  27. ↑ Revealed in the Warriors App
  28. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
  29. ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans

Author references



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