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This character is a member of BloodClan. Click here for more information.
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English

Barley

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"The time comes for prophecies to unfold and heroes to rise."
This article contains major spoilers for the upcoming book, The Prophecies Begin, volume 3. Please proceed at your own discretion.
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.[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? toggle section
Barley has two brothers named Hoot and Jumper, and a sister named Violet.
Provided by: Community
How did Barley break Scourge's rules? toggle section
During his time in BloodClan during his youth, Barley defied Scourge's rules by staying connected with his sister, Violet. After an attack on Violet by their brothers, Snake and Ice, Barley sought refuge for her with a kittypet and left to live in a barn at the edge of WindClan territory. Despite his BloodClan origins, Barley formed alliances with the Clans, notably aiding LionClan in their conflict against BloodClan.
Provided by: Community
What is the significance of Barley's relationship with Violet? toggle section
Barley values Violet's compassion and her determination to prevent suffering if she can help. Violet's readiness to help Barley with BloodClan attacking ThunderClan demonstrates her bravery and positivity.
Provided by: Community
How did Barley's relationship with Ravenpaw develop? toggle section
Ravenpaw and Barley's bond began when Ravenpaw was brought to Barley's barn for protection from Tigerclaw. They helped each other heal from their pasts and became close allies, assisting Firestar in battling Scourge and providing shelter for the Clans during the Great Journey. When the Clans left the forest, Ravenpaw chose to remain with Barley. Barley, valuing Ravenpaw's loyalty, accepted him as family. They regarded their barn as their territory, and Ravenpaw found in Barley the peace, friendship, and love he couldn't find in ThunderClan. Near the end of his life, Ravenpaw helped Barley's kin Riley and Bella find SkyClan so they could become warriors.
Provided by: Community

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.

Kin[]

Members[]

Mate:

Ravenpaw:[18] Deceased, unknown residence member and StarClan visitor

Mother:

Unnamed she-cat:[19] Status unknown

Brothers:

Hoot:[20] Living (As of The Heart of a Warrior)
Jumper:[20] Living (As of The Heart of a Warrior)

Sister:

Violet:[6] Living (As of Ravenpaw's Farewell)
See more
Nieces:
Bellaleaf:[21] Living (As of The Elders' Quest)
Lulu:[21] Living (As of Ravenpaw's Farewell)

Nephews:

Rileypool:[21] Deceased, residence unknown
Patch:[21] Living (As of Ravenpaw's Farewell)

Grandniece:

Wrenflight:[22] Living (As of The Elders' Quest)

Grandnieces/nephews:

Two unnamed kits:[23] Deceased, residence unknown


Tree[]

Unnamed ♀See more
See moreJumper ♂Violet ♀Hoot ♂Barley ♂Ravenpaw ♂
Rabbitleap ♂Bellaleaf ♀Rileypool ♂Lulu ♀Patch ♂
Two kitsWrenflight ♀Gravelnose ♂See more

    = Tom

    = She-cat

    = Gender unknown


Appearances[]


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[]

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
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 Graystripe's Vow, page 288
  9. ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 309
  10. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 10
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 47
  12. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 12
  13. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, allegiances
  14. ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 1
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 7
  16. ↑ Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, page 273
  17. ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 285
  18. ↑ Revealed in The Prophecies Begin, volume 3, page 39
  19. ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 247
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path, page 153
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 2
  22. ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
  23. ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, page 20
  24. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  25. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  26. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  27. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  28. ↑ Revealed in Erin Hunter Answers Your Questions Summer 2011
  29. ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 427
  30. ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 283
  31. ↑ Revealed in the Warriors App
  32. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
  33. ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans
  1. ↑ While not explicitedly called a kittypet in the text, the Twolegs provide Barley with medicine and food, and the narrative specifically calls them his Twolegs. This implies that Barley is being cared for the Twolegs in his old age.[8][9]

Author references




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