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This article contains major spoilers for the upcoming book, The Prophecies Begin, volume 3. Please proceed at your own discretion. |
"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.[10]
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, who now called themselves Snake and Ice, Barley took her to a kittypet. He later escaped and settled down in a barn. Barley was friendly with the Clans, and when Ravenpaw escaped ThunderClan, he joined Barley in the barn with Firepaw and Graypaw's help, 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 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 much later, he reconnected with Barley, who was now in the care of his Twolegs. The two toms exchanged their greetings, and Barley confessed that he missed Ravenpaw every day and was waiting to join him. He is currently in touch with the cats of WarriorClan.
Quick Answers
Who were Barley's siblings?
How did Barley break Scourge's rules?
What is the significance of Barley's relationship with Violet?
How did Barley's relationship with Ravenpaw develop?
History[]
Looking for a longer 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, 274
- 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 is 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, 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 his companion 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 are 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,[11] long-furred,[12] sturdy[13] black-and-white tom.[1] He has a plump belly,[11] big paws,[14] broad shoulders,[15] and a broad face.[16] He has blue eyes and a pelt streaked gray with age.[17]
Character pixels[]
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. |
Official art[]
Please do not edit this gallery. Barley in The Prophecies Begin, volume 1 Barley on the cover of A Clan in Need Barley on the cover of The Heart of a Warrior Barley in The Heart of a Warrior Barley in Ravenpaw's Path Barley in Warrior's Return Barley in Graystripe's Adventure Barley in The Ultimate Guide Barley's Warriors website fact sheet Barley's silhouette on the Warriors website |
Kin[]
Members[]
Mate:
Mother:
- Unnamed she-cat:[19] Status unknown
Brothers:
Sister:
Nephews:
Grandniece:
- Wrenflight:[22] Living (As of The Elders' Quest)
Grandnieces/nephews:
- Two unnamed kits:[23] Deceased, residence unknown
Tree[]
Unnamed ♀ | See more | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See more | Jumper ♂ | Violet ♀ | Hoot ♂ | Barley ♂ | Ravenpaw ♂ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rabbitleap ♂ | Bellaleaf ♀ | Rileypool ♂ | Lulu ♀ | Patch ♂ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Two kits | Wrenflight ♀ | Gravelnose ♂ | See more | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
= Tom
= She-cat
= Gender unknown
Appearances[]
- Moth Flight's Vision (Vision or Dream)
- Yellowfang's Secret
- Onestar's Confession
- Into the Wild (First appearance)
- Fire and Ice
- Forest of Secrets
- Rising Storm (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- Tigerclaw's Fury (Allegiances only)
- A Dangerous Path (Allegiances only)
- The Darkest Hour
- Blackfoot's Reckoning (Allegiances only)
- Firestar's Quest
- Graystripe's Vow (Then) (Allegiances only)
- Shattered Peace
- A Clan in Need
- The Heart of a Warrior
- Midnight
- Moonrise (Allegiances only)
- Dawn
- Starlight (Mentioned only)
- Sunset (Mentioned only)
- Warrior's Refuge (Flashback only)
- Warrior's Return
- Ravenpaw's Farewell
- Bramblestar's Storm (Mentioned only)
- Hawkwing's Journey
- Pebbleshine's Kits (Mentioned only)
- Shattered Sky (Mentioned only)
- Darkest Night
- Graystripe's Vow (Now)
- The Prophecies Begin, volume 1
- The Prophecies Begin, volume 2 (Mentioned only)
- Secrets of the Clans (Retconned)
- Code of the Clans
- The Ultimate Guide
- The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition
Trivia[]
Author statements[]
- Vicky believes that Barley will not go to StarClan when he dies,[24] as he lacks the necessary faith.[25] Kate, however, believes that he will live just on the outskirts of StarClan.[blog 1]
- Vicky has stated that Ravenpaw and Barley loved each other and their life together.[26] In addition, Vicky stated that Ravenpaw and Barley were always intended to be a couple but "the books were written at a different time, when it was not possible to be open and honest about this kind of thing." Ravenpaw/Barley is also one of her favorite ships.[27]
Interesting facts[]
- Ravenpaw and Barley would rather die than let BloodClan take over the barn, and they are safely in control of it.[28]
- Barley is likely one of the oldest cats in the series, as he appears in Yellowfang's Secret,[29] and is seen still alive in Graystripe's Vow.[30]
Mistakes[]
- He has been called tall.[15]
- The Warriors App erroneously states that Barley killed Spottedleaf instead of Clawface.[31]
Continuity[]
The following information is from sources considered non-canon, retconned, or from adapted material.
- On Vicky's Facebook, Barley was approximately one year old when he moved into the barn in Yellowfang's Secret.[32]
- 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.[33]
Quotes[]
- Main article: Barley/Quotes
External links[]
Barley on Warriors official website (backup link)
Blood Isn't Everything on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
We Hunt to Survive on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
Which Warrior is Worthy - The Return on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
More Ways to Live on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Exclusive! A Warrior's Spirit: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Where it all began on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
The Forest Map: ThunderClan on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
The forest map: WindClan on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Warrior Cats books that will make you cry on Warriors official website (backup link)
Ravenpaw activity sheet on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Graphic novel artwork: allegiances in The Prophecies Begin book 1 on Warriors official website (backup link)
Graphic novel artwork: allegiances in The Prophecies Begin book 2 on Warriors official website (backup link)
The Prophecies Begin graphic novel book 3 sneak peek on Warriors official website (backup link)
Fan content[]
Winners of the January 2023 fan challenge on Warriors official website (backup link)
Results of the May 2023 fan challenge + new challenge announcement on Warriors official website (backup link)
Winners of the Valentine's Day card fan challenge on Warriors official website (backup link)
Warrior of the Week Gallery #54 - Barley on Warriors official website (backup link) (Warrior of the Week #54)
Our Favorite Barley Artwork on Warriors official website (backup link)
Our favorite loners artwork on Warriors official website (backup link)
Warrior Cats love stories on Warriors official website (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Revealed in Into the Wild, page 183
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 249
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Revealed in A Clan in Need, page 35
- ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, pages chapter 9-10
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 210
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 91
- ↑ Revealed in A Clan in Need, page 77
- ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 288
- ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 309
- ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 10
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 47
- ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 12
- ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 1
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 7
- ↑ Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, page 273
- ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 285
- ↑ Revealed in The Prophecies Begin, volume 3, page 39
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 247
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 153
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 2
- ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, page 20
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Erin Hunter Answers Your Questions Summer 2011
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 427
- ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 283
- ↑ Revealed in the Warriors App
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans
Author references
BloodClan cats | |
---|---|
Leaders | Scourge • Claw • Fury • Snake • Ice |
Deputy | Bone |
Members | Brick • Hoot • Jumper • Jaggedtooth • Minty • Pounce • Snapper • Snipe • Tess • Willie |
Former members | Barley • Violet • Boulder • Gremlin • Scraps |