Barley

"At least now, [...] he was able to believe that his paws would find a path forward, even though he didn't yet know what that path would be." This article contains major spoilers for the recently released, Graystripe's Vow. 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
Affiliations
Current:	Loner
Past:	BloodClan ThunderClan (temporary) SkyClan (temporary) LionClan
Names
Kit:	Barley
Warrior:	Barley
BloodClan:	Barley
Loner:	Barley
Rogue:	Barley
Refugee:	Barley
Kin
Sister:	Violet
Brothers:	Hoot, Jumper
Partner:	Ravenpaw
Book appearances
Living	Yellowfang's Secret, The Prophecies Begin, Tigerclaw's Fury, Firestar's Quest, Ravenpaw's Path, Midnight, Moonrise, Dawn, Warrior's Return, Ravenpaw's Farewell, Hawkwing's Journey, Darkest Night, Graystripe's Vow
Living	Yellowfang's Secret, The Prophecies Begin, Tigerclaw's Fury, Firestar's Quest, Ravenpaw's Path, Midnight, Moonrise, Dawn, Warrior's Return, Ravenpaw's Farewell, Hawkwing's Journey, Darkest Night, Graystripe's Vow

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

Barley is a loner who lives on a farm on the edge of WindClan territory in the forest. He was born into BloodClan alongside his siblings, Violet, Hoot and Jumper. After Snake and Ice attacked their sister, Barley took her to a kittypet, and he left to settle down in a barn. Barley was friendly with the Clans, and when Ravenpaw escaped ThunderClan by Fireheart and Graystripe, the former apprentice joined Barley, growing incredibly close. He assisted LionClan during the battle against BloodClan, and Ravenpaw helped overcome his past.

Barley, nervous around crowds and preferred his life as a loner, always worried that Ravenpaw would leave him to return to the Clans, but Ravenpaw continuously proved his loyalty to Barley. He followed Ravenpaw, Bella, and Riley, his sister's kits, to SkyClan, and mourned when Ravenpaw died after a fight with kittypets. He went back to the barn and reunited with Rileypool and Bellaleaf, telling the journeying SkyClan the direction to the Clans. When Graystripe left his Clan moons later, he reunited with Barley. The two toms exchange their greeting, and Barley admitted that he misses Ravenpaw everyday, waiting to join him. Before Graystripe left to go back home, he and Barley share their final farewell to each other, knowing that this will be the last time they would see each other.

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

Barley is a loner who lives on a farm on the edge of Clan territory. He welcomes Bluestar, Tigerclaw, Firepaw, Graypaw and Ravenpaw to his barn from their journey from the Moonstone. Rats attack them, and Tigerclaw accuses Barley of leading them into a trap. Ravenpaw flees ThunderClan and stays with Barley. The pair quickly bond and offer sanctuary for several cats, including WindClan. When BloodClan poses as a threat to the forest, Barley confides with Firestar that he used to live in BloodClan, and that their leader, Scourge, only has one life. He and Ravenpaw participate in the battle against BloodClan.

The New Prophecy

"Don't mind Barley. It's not often we have so many visitors all at once."

―Ravenpaw to Brambleclaw

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 place. Later, the pair lets the Clans stay at their farm before the Great Journey.

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

Barley reunites with Hawkwing and his patrol as they return to the gorge. Cherrytail and Cloudmist, who had been staying with him, reunite with their kin. 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

In Hawkwing's Journey, Barley reunites with his kin, Rileypool and Bellaleaf, when SkyClan arrives trying to find the other Clans. Barley points them in the direction the others went, but notes it has been many moons since the Clans have left. Cherrytail and Cloudmist decide to remain with the loner, and Barley agrees. Sandynose and Fallowfern arrive at the farm, and Barley relays 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

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, and Barley reflects that although he was sure he would never see a Clan cat again, he's glad it was 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

In Ravenpaw's Farewell, Violet, Barley's sister, introduces Barley and Ravenpaw to her 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. However, Barley later joins them on their journey. They find SkyClan, but Leafstar refuses to let the kits join. Meanwhile, Barley worries for Ravenpaw's deteriorating condition. The four help SkyClan fight off some kittypets and Leafstar names Riley and Bella apprentices. Barley 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

A few moons after the battle with BloodClan, he and Ravenpaw allow Willie and his friends to stay at their barn due to Minty close to giving birth. As the group waits for Willie and Minty's kits to grow up, Barley is highly suspicious of Snapper and the others. He attempts to convince Ravenpaw, but he brushes off his concerns. When Willie and his group commandeer the barn and reveal they're from the former BloodClan, Barley and Ravenpaw are driven out from their home and seek guidance from StarClan who urge them to go to ThunderClan.

The pair arrive in ThunderClan, and Firestar begrudgingly refuses to help them since BloodClan's former members are terrorizing his warriors. Barley, a former member of BloodClan, initially refuses to help out of fear of old memories resurfacing. However, Ravenpaw encourages him, and the two seek out Violet for help. Violet, along with a friend, Mitzi, reveal the location of BloodClan's new hideout. Barley is horrified to discover his brothers, Snake and Ice, are BloodClan's new leaders, and helps ThunderClan to chase them out.

A few days later, Firestar leads a patrol with Graystripe, Cloudtail, Brightheart, Brackenfur, and Bramblepaw to help Barley and Ravenpaw. Their first attempt results in failure as Snake and Ice and other former members of BloodClan are hiding at the farm. However, their second try, along with aid from the dogs, results in success. Barley allows his brothers, renamed Hoot and Jumper, to stay out of loyalty. They order Ravenpaw around and he grows frustrated with Barley's lack of assertiveness. However, Barley stands up for Ravenpaw and orders his kin to leave the farm for good.

Detailed description

Barley is a short, long-furred, black-and-white tom. He has a plump belly, big paws, broad shoulders, and face. He has a pelt streaked gray with age, and blue eyes.

Character pixels

Please do not edit this gallery Kit Version Rogue Version BloodClan Version Loner Version Refugee Version Warrior Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery 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

Family

Main article: Barley/Family

Barley's littermates are Violet, Hoot, and Jumper, and his partner is Ravenpaw. For more of Barley's family, click here!

Appearances

• Moth Flight's Vision (Vision or Dream)
• Yellowfang's Secret
• Into the Wild (First appearance)
• Fire and Ice
• Forest of Secrets
• Rising Storm (Mentioned only)
• Tigerclaw's Fury (Allegiance only)
• A Dangerous Path (Allegiance only)
• The Darkest Hour
• Firestar's Quest
• Graystripe's Vow (Then) (Allegiance only)
• Shattered Peace
• A Clan in Need
• The Heart of a Warrior
• Midnight
• Moonrise (Allegiance 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)
• Secrets of the Clans (Retconned)
• Code of the Clans
• The Ultimate Guide

Trivia

Author statements

• Vicky believes that Barley will not go to StarClan when he dies, as he lacks the necessary faith. Kate, however, believes that he'll live just on the outskirts of StarClan.
• Vicky has stated that Ravenpaw and Barley loved each other and their life together.
• Vicky doesn't think that Barley is still alive.
  • However, this is later contradicted, as he appears alive in Hawkwing's Journey, Darkest Night, and Graystripe's Vow

Interesting facts

• Ravenpaw and Barley would rather die then let BloodClan take over the barn, and they are safely in control of it.

Mistakes

• He has been mistakenly called tall.
• The Warriors App erroneously states that Barley killed Spottedleaf instead of Clawface.

Continuity

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

• 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.

Quotes

Main article: Barley/Quotes

External links

• Warrior of the Week Gallery #54 - Barley on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #54) (backup link)
• Blood Isn't Everything on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
• We Hunt to Survive on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
• Which Warrior is Worthy - The Return on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
• More Ways to Live on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
• Exclusive! A Warrior's Spirit: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
• Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
• Where it all began on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)

Notes and references

Author references