| "Every leaf and every blade of grass reminds me of her. I know she's watching over me and her kits from StarClan. One day we'll meet again. I would wait forever to see her face once more." |
| — Brackenfur to Bramblestar about Sorreltail in Bramblestar's Storm, page 31 |
Brackenfur is a golden-brown tabby tom[6] with amber eyes.[19] He has fur around his muzzle that is fading to gray,[20] long legs,[21] and a scar on his flank.[22]
Brackenfur is an elder of ThunderClan under Bramblestar's, the impostor's, Lionblaze's, Graystripe's, and Squirrelstar's leaderships in the lake territories, and previously served as a warrior under Bluestar, Firestar, and Bramblestar in the forest and lake territories. He was born to Lionheart and Frostfur along with his littermates, Thornclaw, Brightheart, and Cinderpelt. He and his siblings were captured by ShadowClan, but were later saved by a ThunderClan patrol and ShadowClan's elders. He was apprenticed early with the name Brackenpaw, mentored by Graystripe. However, Graystripe neglected his duties, and Brackenpaw's training was mostly completed by Fireheart. He earned his warrior name, Brackenfur, and served as a diligent warrior, becoming the mentor of Tawnypelt before she left for ShadowClan. Later, he also mentored Whitewing.
After the Great Journey, Brackenfur grew closer to Sorreltail, and the two became mates. During the battle against the badgers, Sorreltail gave birth to their kits, Cinderkit, Honeykit, Poppykit, and Molekit. After Hollyleaf decided to become a warrior apprentice, he took over as her mentor. Sorreltail gave birth to their second litter of kits, Lilykit and Seedkit, and Brackenfur fought in the Great Battle. Despite the death of Sorreltail in the battle, Brackenfur continued to serve as a ThunderClan warrior, becoming mentor to his granddaughter, Sorrelstripe, and eventually retiring as an elder.
Quick Answers
What significant events did Brackenfur experience during his time as a warrior?
Brackenfur has lived since the Clans were in the forest territories. He participated in the battle against BloodClan, the Great Journey to the lake territories, the battle against the badgers when they attacked ThunderClan's camp, the battle where WindClan and RiverClan attacked their camp during the solar eclipse, the battle in the tunnels against Sol, the Great Battle against the Dark Forest, and numerous other skirmishes between WindClan and ShadowClan. He bears a scar on his flank from one border skirmish with ShadowClan. He also participated in the journey to the sun-drown-place to find Sol.
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Who are Brackenfur's parents and littermates?
Brackenfur is the son of Lionheart, the former ThunderClan deputy, and Frostfur. His father died when ShadowClan raided their camp to steal Brackenkit and his littermates. Both of his parents are in StarClan. His littermates are Cinderpelt, Thornclaw, and Brightheart. Cinderpelt also resides in StarClan, and Brackenfur currently resides in the elders' den with Thornclaw and Brightheart.
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How did Brackenfur's relationship with Sorreltail develop?
Brackenfur and Sorreltail grew closer during the Great Journey and eventually became mates. Their first litter of kits, Cinderkit, Honeykit, Poppykit, and Molekit, were born amidst a badger attack in ThunderClan's camp. They later had a second litter, Lilykit and Seedkit, shortly before the Great Battle that resulted in Sorreltail's death.
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When was Brackenfur's kit name revealed?
Despite existing in the series since the very beginning, Brackenfur's kit name, Brackenkit, was only revealed in 2024 with the release of "The Prophecies Begin (volume 1)" graphic novel adapation.
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History[]
Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!
The Prophecies Begin[]
- «Though Brackenfur had not been a warrior for many moons, he had the serious air of a much older cat. He was ready for an apprentice, and Fireheart was sure he would make a fine mentor—patient and responsible.»
- —Fireheart's thoughts on Brackenfur A Dangerous Path, page 90
- As a kit, he and his littermates are stolen by Clawface, a ShadowClan warrior, and are later rescued by ThunderClan warriors with the help of Yellowfang and some ShadowClan elders. Apprenticed to Graystripe, Brackenpaw's training is neglected when his mentor frequently visits Silverstream, a RiverClan warrior. Fireheart is forced to pick up most of Graystripe's mentor duties in training Brackenpaw. He earns his warrior name, Brackenfur, after a battle with ShadowClan and WindClan.
- Brackenfur spends time with Snowkit in hopes to become his mentor and realizes something is wrong with him. He tells Fireheart and Cinderpelt, the latter revealing that Snowkit is deaf. After a hawk snatches Snowkit, who was unable to hear any cats' cries, Brackenfur and Swiftpaw chase after it but fail to rescue Snowkit. Fireheart gives Brackenfur Tawnypaw to mentor instead. When Tawnypaw leaves ThunderClan to join her father, Tigerstar, in ShadowClan, Brackenfur searches frantically for her and insists it was his fault that she left. He later participates in the battle against BloodClan.
The New Prophecy[]
- "I'd almost decided to appoint Brackenfur. He would be a good deputy too, and he is a loyal warrior. But I have to remember that I'm not only choosing a deputy, I'm choosing the cat who might be the next leader of ThunderClan. And somehow...I'm not sure Brackenfur is that cat."
- ―Firestar about appointing his next deputy Sunset, page 256
- Brackenfur is now a senior warrior and has a new apprentice, Whitepaw, comforting her when her parents, Cloudtail and Brightheart, are captured by Twolegs. He and Sorreltail guide Brambleclaw and Squirrelpaw back to Sunningrocks when they return from their journey, where the Clan is now residing. During the Great Journey, Brackenfur saves a kit from an eagle.
- He becomes closer with Sorreltail as the Clan settles in their new home. Sorreltail eventually is revealed to be expecting his kits. When badgers attack the camp, Brackenfur fiercely fights in front of the nursery to protect his mate and unborn kits. However, Sorreltail's kits are coming, and Cinderpelt suffers a fatal blow from the badgers to ensure her brother's kits are safe. After the attack, Brackenfur guards his new family defensively, and Sorreltail announces they have named the kits Molekit, Poppykit, Honeykit, and Cinderkit. Firestar considers making Brackenfur deputy until Leafpool reveals she had a sign from StarClan that Brambleclaw should be deputy.
Power of Three[]
- «Did Brackenfur always give such little warning before he shot off?»
- —Hollypaw on Brackenfur Dark River, page 253
- Whitepaw is now a warrior with the name Whitewing, and Brackenfur's daughters are now apprentices. However, his son, Molepaw, is revealed to have died of greencough. Brackenfur becomes Hollypaw's new mentor after she decided to switch her training from a medicine cat apprentice to a warrior. He promises her she will have to work hard to catch up with the rest of the apprentices.
- After participating in the battle of the eclipse, Hollyleaf earns her warrior name, and Brackenfur mentors Tigerpaw temporarily when Tawnypelt brings her kits to ThunderClan. He is chosen to go on a journey to find Sol along with Brambleclaw, Hazeltail, Birchfall, Lionblaze, and Hollyleaf. As the two senior warriors, he and Brambleclaw take charge leading the patrol through the Twolegplace. Afterward, he takes over Icepaw's training when her mentor, Whitewing, moves to the nursery.
Omen of the Stars[]
- Brackenfur: "Stupid furball. What were you thinking of, leaving the camp like that?"
- Sorreltail: "I needed air. I wasn't expecting the kits to come yet, and I thought it would be cooler at the lake..."
- The Forgotten Warrior, chapter 12
- He participates in the battle on ShadowClan's border, leading a patrol with Thornclaw to outflank the ShadowClan cats. Later, his mate Sorreltail gives birth early to their second litter while she is walking by the lake. When he discovers Cinderheart is the reincarnation of his sister, Cinderpelt, he questions Jayfeather why StarClan would do it and what it meant for her future. However, he and Sorreltail insist they love their daughter for who she is. When Hollyleaf returns to the Clans, she trains ThunderClan to fight in the tunnels and Brackenfur becomes the second best fighter after Hollyleaf. He participates in the battle against the Dark Forest, and is seen protecting the nursery.
A Vision of Shadows[]
- "Didn't Juniperclaw abandon ShadowClan to follow Darktail? [...] A deputy must be loyal!"
- ―Brackenfur speaking against Juniperclaw as deputy The Raging Storm, page 80
- Brackenfur participates in the initial fight against Darktail when they attack WindClan. He also takes part in Sparkpelt's warrior assessment and noted she did brilliantly. When a mudslide occurs in ThunderClan's camp, Brackenfur runs out of the warriors' den and orders his Clanmates to clear evacuation routes and escort the elders out. During a Gathering, Brackenfur calls out in protest about Juniperclaw's appointment as ShadowClan's deputy due to the fact he was a follower of Darktail.
The Broken Code[]
- The impostor: "Have I chosen the prey I want to eat yet?"
- Stormcloud: "No, but Brackenfur said he was hungry, and I just thought I would bring him—"
- Veil of Shadows, page 164
- Brackenfur has now retired from his warrior duties, and is now an elder. He joins Brightheart, his sister, and Cloudtail, her mate, in the elders' den. When Ashfur possesses Bramblestar's body, he begins implementing strict adherence to the warrior code, though often bending it to his will. The impostor snaps at Stormcloud for fetching prey to Brackenfur and punishes him with sleeping in the forest for doing so. The imposter decides that he and Squirrelflight will eat before any other cats, including the elders of ThunderClan.
A Starless Clan[]
- Coming Soon
Super Editions[]
This section summarizes Brackenfur's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- Brackenfur: "We'll need a lot of brambles to patch that up. Dustpelt, do you think—. Sorry, I forgot. I'm not sure I can do this without him."
- Whitewing: "You worked with Dustpelt for many seasons. You know just what he would have done. And we'll all help rebuild our home. You're not alone."
- Bramblestar's Storm, page 433
- In Bramblestar's Storm, Brackenfur desperately misses Sorreltail, and is reminded her of in everything he sees. When the camp floods, Brackenfur calls to Lilypaw and Seedpaw to evacuate. He helps Briarlight escape using the Stick of the Fallen. While fetching sticks, Seedpaw drowns and Lilypaw blames herself. Brackenfur demands to know what happened, and asks how he can bear to lose his daughter so soon after Sorreltail's death. He participates in the training to fight the badgers by having the apprentices cling to his back. When the water level lowers, Brackenfur admits he may not be able to rebuild the camp without Dustpelt, who was killed in the fight with badgers. Brackenfur is re-energized, though, once the work actually begins. After the flood subsides, he is appointed as Sorrelpaw's mentor.
Novellas[]
This section summarizes Brackenfur's significant Novellas appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- "I know you can do this, Leafpool. Go on."
- ―Brackenfur to Leafpool when Whitepaw is injured Leafpool's Wish, chapter 5
- «At first Brackenfur seemed reluctant to let anyone else touch Sorreltail, as if they might disturb her. Gently Rosepetal, Berrynose, and Whitewing pressed around the queen's body and lifted her as carefully as if she were a newborn kit. Brackenfur stooped to cradle Sorreltail's chin on the back of his neck. His grief clung like mist to his ruffled pelt and Dovewing had to look away.»
- —Dovewing's thoughts after Sorreltail's vigil Dovewing's Silence, chapter 2
Detailed description[]
Scars gained[]
The following is a chronological list of scars and/or major injuries that Brackenfur has gained:
- Scar on flank caused by a battle against ShadowClan over the clearing at their border prior to The Sight.[22]
Character pixels[]
Main images[]
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.  Kit Version  Apprentice Version  Warrior Version  Elder Version |
Alternate images[]
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.  Alternative Kit Version  Alternative Kit Version  Alternative Apprentice Version  Alternative Apprentice Version  Alternative Apprentice Version  Alternative Warrior Version  Alternative Warrior Version  Alternative Warrior Version  Alternative Warrior Version  Alternative Warrior Version |
Official art[]
|
Please do not edit this gallery  Brackenfur in Exile from ShadowClan  Brackenfur in A Thief in ThunderClan  Brackenfur in The Heart of a Warrior  Brackenfur in The Heart of a Warrior  Brackenfur in Ravenpaw's Path  Brackenfur in Ravenpaw's Path  Brackenfur in Winds of Change  Brackenfur in The Prophecies Begin, volume 1  Brackenfur in Bramblestar's Storm  Brackenfur's icon on the Warriors family tree |
Ceremonies[]
| Brackenpaw's apprentice ceremony | ||||||||
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| Brackenfur's warrior ceremony | ||||||||||
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Family[]
- Main article: Brackenfur/Family
- Brackenfur's parents are Lionheart and Frostfur. His mate is Sorreltail, and Cinderheart, Poppyfrost, Honeyfern, Molepaw, Lilyheart, and Seedpaw are their children. For more of Brackenfur's family, click here!
Appearances[]
- Redtail's Debt
- Onestar's Confession
- Exile from ShadowClan
- Into the Wild (First appearance)
- Fire and Ice
- Forest of Secrets
- Tigerclaw's Fury (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- Rising Storm
- A Dangerous Path
- The Darkest Hour
- Blackfoot's Reckoning (Flashback only)
- A Thief in ThunderClan
- Firestar's Quest
- Graystripe's Vow (Then)
- The Heart of a Warrior
- Mothwing's Secret (Allegiance only)
- Midnight
- Moonrise
- Dawn
- Starlight
- Winds of Change
- Twilight
- Sunset
- Leafpool's Wish
- The Sight
- Dark River
- Outcast
- Eclipse
- Long Shadows
- Sunrise
- Hollyleaf's Story (Allegiance only)
- The Fourth Apprentice
- Mistystar's Omen (Allegiance only)
- Fading Echoes
- Night Whispers
- Sign of the Moon
- The Forgotten Warrior
- The Last Hope
- Dovewing's Silence
- Crowfeather's Trial (Allegiance only)
- Bramblestar's Storm
- The Apprentice's Quest
- Thunder and Shadow
- Shattered Sky (Allegiance only)
- Darkest Night
- Tigerheart's Shadow (Allegiance only)
- Tawnypelt's Clan (Allegiance only)
- Spotfur's Rebellion (Allegiance only)
- River of Fire
- The Raging Storm
- Squirrelflight's Hope
- Lost Stars
- The Silent Thaw
- Veil of Shadows (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- Darkness Within
- Graystripe's Vow (Now)
- Daisy's Kin (Allegiance only)
- The Place of No Stars (Allegiance only)
- A Light in the Mist (Allegiance only)
- River
- Sky (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- Shadow
- Thunder
- Wind
- Ivypool's Heart (Allegiance only)
- The Prophecies Begin, volume 1
- Secrets of the Clans (Retconned)
- Battles of the Clans
- The Ultimate Guide (Mentioned only)
- The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition
Trivia[]
Interesting facts[]
- Brackenfur, along with Cinderpelt, was apprenticed before becoming six moons old.[23] Graypaw comments how Frostfur's kits are three moons old when they were captured by Clawface, meaning Brackenfur and Cinderpelt were at least four moons old when they were apprenticed.[3]
Author statements[]
- Vicky has commented about the possibility of Lionheart fathering Frostfur's kits,[24] and at least once that Lionheart never fathered kits.[25]
- However, Lionheart indeed being Frostfur's mate and the father of her kits was first revealed on the Warriors website family tree,[26] and later in Blackfoot's Reckoning.[27]
- Vicky doesn't think that he and Thornclaw are identical twins.[28]
![[26]](#cite_note-familytreeLionheart.family.png-28){kind=link}
Mistakes[]
- Brackenfur's description is often mixed up. Over the time span of his appearance in the series, he has been called ginger,[5][29] pale ginger,[30] dark ginger,[31] light brown,[32][33] and russet colored.[34] In addition to those mistakes, he has also been depicted with a white muzzle, tail-tip, and paws in The Heart of a Warrior.[35] This is fixed in the colored edition, however.[36] In The Prophecies Begin, volume 1, he is depicted with white.[37]
- He has been mentioned with green eyes.[38]
- Despite earning his warrior name in Forest of Secrets, he is mentioned as an apprentice in Tigerclaw's Fury, which takes place afterwards.[39]
Continuity[]
The following information is from sources considered non-canon, retconned, or from adapted material.
- In Secrets of the Clans, a 2007 field guide, Brackenfur recounts his last day as an apprentice when Fireheart takes him out to hunt, noting he had no idea where Graystripe was. He scents WindClan and ShadowClan and instantly knows that the cats are coming for Brokentail. Fireheart sends him racing back to the camp, and Brackenpaw places himself in front of Brokentail's den to protect the prisoner. After driving off the invaders, he is named a warrior. Brackenfur then recalls the day he received Whitepaw as an apprentice, and how he cannot wait for the day she becomes a warrior and experiences the feelings that he did at his ceremony.[40]
Quotes[]
- Fireheart: "You were lucky, thank StarClan, and you saved me from a nasty bite. It was a brave thing to do, Brackenpaw."
- Brackenpaw: "It wasn't really brave, I didn't have time to think."
- Forest of Secrets, page 95
- Brackenfur: "You should have been with me."
- Cinderpaw: "No, I'm fine as I am. You'll have to be a warrior for both of us. And I'll have to settle for being the greatest medicine cat this forest has ever seen!"
- Forest of Secrets, pages 215-216
- Brackenfur: "Are you okay?"
- Sorreltail: "No, I'm fine, Brackenfur. Just a bit tired."
- Twilight, page 51
External links[]
- Warrior of the Week Gallery #87 - Brackenfur on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #87) (backup link)
- Our favorite Brackenfur and Thornclaw artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 20
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 210
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Revealed in Into the Wild, page 248
- ↑ Revealed in The Prophecies Begin, volume 1, page 219
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Revealed in Fire and Ice, page 95
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Revealed in Fire and Ice, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Forest of Secrets, page 214
- ↑ Revealed in Dawn, page 139
- ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Fire and Ice, page 98
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Revealed in Fire and Ice, page 149
- ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 235
- ↑ Revealed in Midnight, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in The Sight, page 251
- ↑ Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm comic
- ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, pages 89-90
- ↑ Revealed in Long Shadows, page 90
- ↑ Revealed in Sunrise, page 208
- ↑ Revealed in Sign of the Moon, page 271
- ↑ Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 286
- ↑ Revealed in Midnight, page 14
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Revealed in The Sight, page 54
- ↑ Revealed in Fire and Ice, page 93
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Blackfoot's Reckoning, chapter 6
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 146
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, page 165
- ↑ Revealed in The Sight, page 38
- ↑ Revealed in Forest of Secrets, page 92
- ↑ Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 108
- ↑ Revealed in Night Whispers, page 92
- ↑ Revealed in The Heart of a Warrior, page 11
- ↑ Revealed in Ravenpaw's Path
- ↑ Revealed in The Prophecies Begin, volume 1, page 221
- ↑ Revealed in The Forgotten Warrior, page 75
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 2
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans
- ↑ Graypaw says that Frostfur's kits are three moons old when they are captured by Clawface, which would put the their season of birth in late newleaf three moons prior.[3]
- ↑ Although unofficial at first, Fireheart essentially finished Brackenpaw's training due to Graystripe's inability because of his constant leaving camp to maintain a relationship with Silverstream.[11]
 ThunderClan cats
| |
|---|---|
| Leader | Squirrelstar |
| Deputy | Ivypool |
| Medicine cats | Jayfeather • Alderheart |
| Warriors | Whitewing • Birchfall • Mousewhisker • Poppyfrost • Cinderheart • Lionblaze • Bumblestripe • Blossomfall • Cherryfall • Molewhisker (Stempaw) • Lilyheart • Dewnose • Stormcloud • Fernsong • Sorrelstripe • Hollytuft • Sparkpelt • Honeyfur • Leafshade • Twigbranch • Finleap • Eaglewing • Plumstone • Shellfur • Spotfur • Thriftear • Flipclaw • Bayshine (Bristlepaw) • Myrtlebloom • Nightheart (Wafflepaw) • Finchlight (Graypaw) • Fernstripe • Sunbeam |
| Apprentices | Wafflepaw • Bristlepaw • Stempaw • Graypaw |
| Queen | Daisy |
| Kits | None |
| Elders | Brackenfur • Brightheart • Cloudtail • Thornclaw • Brambleclaw |