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This article contains major spoilers for the recently released, Darkness Within. This also includes the reveal of the identity of the impostor. Please proceed at your own discretion. |
"There is no use in blaming. What is important now is to remember that we came together to drive out the rogues. We would not let them destroy the Clans then, and we must not let them tear us apart now. Together we are strong. If the events of the past moons has taught us anything, they have taught us that." |
— Bramblestar to the Clans at a Gathering in Darkest Night, page 29 |
Bramblestar is a dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes.[14]
Bramblestar is a ghost and the former leader of ThunderClan in the lake territories. He was born as Bramblekit to Tigerclaw and Goldenflower in ThunderClan with his sister Tawnypelt. His father was exiled from ThunderClan after he attempted to murder Bluestar, and Bramblekit constantly attempted to prove himself free of his father's shadow. As an apprentice, Bramblepaw was mentored by Fireheart so the latter could keep a close eye on him. As a warrior, Brambleclaw was chosen to go on a quest to find Midnight, and he grew close with Squirrelpaw. At their new home, Brambleclaw became deputy with the promise to mentor Berrynose, and he killed his half-brother, Hawkfrost, when he trapped Firestar for Brambleclaw to kill.
Brambleclaw became a father to Lionblaze, Jayfeather, and Hollyleaf, but later broke up with Squirrelflight when it was revealed their true parents were Crowfeather and Leafpool. He became leader of ThunderClan as Bramblestar after Firestar died in the Great Battle and appointed Squirrelflight as his deputy. They forgave each other and had four kits of their own: Alderheart, Sparkpelt, Juniperkit, and Dandelionkit. Bramblestar eventually fell ill, and without the guidance of StarClan, he died. However, a spirit possessed his body instead, leaving Bramblestar trapped as a ghost and the spirit posing as the ThunderClan leader. He sought help from Rootpaw who was able to convince multiple cats of Bramblestar's situation. The impostor trapped Bramblestar in the Place of No Stars until he was freed by Shadowsight. Squirrelflight revealed his body is inhabited by Ashfur seeking vengeance on Squirrelflight. However, Bramblestar's spirit remained missing, and the Clans decided to kill Ashfur, but Ashfur escaped with Bramblestar's body into the Moonpool with Squirrelflight.
Contents
History
Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!
The Prophecies Begin
- "Join you? Join you? After everything you've done? I'd rather die!"
- ―Bramblepaw to Tigerstar The Darkest Hour, pages 223-224
The New Prophecy
- "Brambleclaw, think, will you? You're an amazing cat already; you're brave and loyal and you have tremendous warrior skills. Why do you need Tigerstar?"
- ―Tawnypelt to Brambleclaw in the Dark Forest Sunset, page 180
- Brambleclaw becomes close to his half-brother, Hawkfrost, after learning that the RiverClan warrior was his kin. Squirrelflight distrusts Hawkfrost, and she and Brambleclaw fight about his relationship with Hawkfrost, and they end up breaking up. He and Hawkfrost train with their father in the Dark Forest, and Tigerstar plots his sons' takeover of the Clans. With Graystripe still missing after being taken by Twolegs, StarClan sends Leafpool a dream approving Brambleclaw as the rightful deputy of ThunderClan; despite having not trained an apprentice, Brambleclaw is named deputy and promised to mentor Berrykit. Hawkfrost, encouraged by their father Tigerstar, sets up a trap for Firestar so that Brambleclaw can kill him and become leader. Brambleclaw realizes his loyalty is to ThunderClan and his leader, and kills Hawkfrost, fulfilling the "blood will spill blood" prophecy. Squirrelflight begins to trust him again and they become mates.
Power of Three
- "If you want to be remembered for your strengths, you must work on them. And if that means proving yourself to those who doubt you, then do it. You can't force Hollypaw to believe in you. You have to show her that you are worth believing in."
- ―Brambleclaw to Lionpaw Dark River, page 72
Omen of the Stars
- "I will honor my ancestors in StarClan, but not those who have ever walked in the Dark Forest. Guide my steps wisely, warriors of the past. And warriors of now."
- ―Brambleclaw rising as a new leader The Last Hope, page 328
A Vision of Shadows
- "The first time I went hunting with Firestar, I really wanted to impress him. I ran so hard after a squirrel that I slipped on some wet leaves, went nose over paws, and crashed into a tree. Great StarClan, it hurt! And what hurt even more was that I was pretty sure Firestar had to stop himself from laughing."
- ―Bramblestar to Alderpaw The Apprentice's Quest, page chapter 2
The Broken Code
- "Speak up! Say something! You can't let this happen! Whoever's in my body up there, this is just the start. He's going to destroy the Clans! He'll turn the Clans against one another, and then he'll turn each Clan against itself. Some cat has to speak out!"
- ―Bramblestar to Rootpaw The Silent Thaw, page 183
- Squirrelflight reveals the impostor to be Ashfur who used Bramblestar's body to get close to Squirrelflight as revenge for her choosing Bramblestar over himself. While Bramblestar's ghost remains missing, several Clan cats wish to destroy Ashfur to get rid of him, but Squirrelflight holds hope for the return of her mate. After the Sisters fail to summon his spirit, the Clan leaders decide to kill Bramblestar's body, and Squirrelflight grimly accepts his fate. Ashfur, upon learning that the Clans had decided to kill him, forces Bramblestar to possess his body once more to convince Shadowsight to let him escape, though Shadowsight ponders if it was really Bramblestar, or Ashfur putting on the persona once more.
Super Editions
This section summarizes Bramblestar's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- "Close to him, [Firestar] could see that Bramblepaw's serious expression hid an almost unbearable excitement. He realized how much this ceremony meant to his apprentice; had Bramblepaw sometimes doubted that he would ever be accepted into ThunderClan as a full warrior?"
- ―Firestar's thoughts before Bramblepaw's warrior ceremony Firestar's Quest, page 19

Bramblestar worrying about Squirrelflight
- "Firestar is dead. I am leader of ThunderClan now. And I am proud to uphold his legacy of preserving all the Clans in the forest. No Clan was left behind on the Great Journey to find the lake. No Clan was abandoned to fight alone against the Dark Forest. No Clan will be allowed to fall now, not if the rest of us can protect them."
- ―Bramblestar to the Clans at the Gathering Bramblestar's Storm, page 472
- "Don't talk to your mother like that! I don't care how upset you are. Hurting cats who love you isn't going to help Larksong. It's just going to make everyone as miserable as you are. I'm sorry Larksong is ill, and we'll do everything to make sure he gets well again, but don't accuse your mother of being a mouse-heart. She's one of the bravest warriors I know. And I'm doing everything I can to keep peace among the Clans. I have to stand up to Tigerstar, or he'll push SkyClan around forever. It's hard standing up for what you believe in, and it's even harder when the cats who are supposed to support you undermine you instead. I'm trying to lead a Clan! How can I expect my warriors to follow me if my own kin challenge me at every turn?"
- ―Bramblestar to Squirrelflight and Sparkpelt Squirrelflight's Hope, page 211

Brambleclaw teasing Squirrelpaw
- In Squirrelflight's Hope, Bramblestar struggles to maintain the peace between the Clans and isn't as eager to have another litter as Squirrelflight is. The two continually argue when Squirrelflight seems to favor the Sisters over her own Clan, and even questions her legitimacy as his deputy. He and Squirrelflight find some peace spending time with Sparkpelt's kits, Finchkit and Flamekit, after Larksong and Flickerkit die. Squirrelflight convinces Bramblestar to not attack the Sisters, and he mourns for her after she is fatally injured from a cave in. After Squirrelflight returns from StarClan, the two reconcile.
Novellas
This section summarizes Bramblestar's significant Novellas appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- "But I promise it won't happen again. Yesterday changed everything. Hawkfrost is dead—dead because of me! And I know where my loyalties lie now. I am the deputy of ThunderClan, and my Clan is the only thing that matters."
- ―Brambleclaw to Leafpool about training in the Dark Forest Leafpool's Wish, page chapter 2
- "Know this, warriors. The Dark Forest will win if we do not forgive those cats who were once their allies. Forgiveness is far more powerful than hatred and suspicion. United, we are as strong as we ever were. Divided, we will fall. Remember that the Dark Forest is still out there, ready to prey on our dreams. Hostility and distrust among us will give them more force than they deserve."
- ―Bramblestar uniting his warriors Dovewing's Silence, page chapter 9
Field Guides
This section summarizes Bramblestar's significant appearances in the Field Guides. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- "I will do my best to live each of these lives according to the gifts you have made. Firestar, your Clan will never forget you. And if I can be half the leader you were, I will be proud."
- ―Bramblestar accepting his nine lives and his new name The Ultimate Guide, page 57
Detailed description
- Bramblestar is a huge[15] and muscular[16] dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes.[14] He has sleek fur,[17] long, curved claws,[18] and a long scar on his shoulder.[19]
Character pixels
Please do not edit this gallery |
Official art
Please do not edit this gallery Bramblestar in The Heart of a Warrior Bramblestar in Ravenpaw's Path Bramblestar on the cover of Midnight Bramblestar on the reprinted cover of Midnight Bramblestar in The Lost Warrior Bramblestar in Graystripe's Adventure Bramblestar in Tallstar's Revenge Bramblestar on the full cover of Bramblestar's Storm Bramblestar on the full cover of Bramblestar's Storm Bramblestar on the reprinted cover of Bramblestar's Storm Bramblestar in Bramblestar's Storm Bramblestar in Squirrelflight's Hope Bramblestar on the cover of Darkest Night Bramblestar on the cover of The Silent Thaw Bramblestar on the cover of Darkness Within Bramblestar on the cover of A Light in the Mist Bramblestar in The Ultimate Guide Bramblestar's Warriors official website fact sheet Bramblestar's icon on the Warriors family tree Bramblestar's icon on the Warriors website |
Killed victims
This list shows the victims Bramblestar has killed:
- Bone[20] (Along with Ashpaw, Tawnypaw, Stormpaw and Featherpaw)
- Hawkfrost[21][22] (Physically and spiritually)
Ceremonies
Bramblepaw's apprentice ceremony | ||||
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Brambleclaw's warrior ceremony | ||||||||||
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Brambleclaw's deputy ceremony | ||||
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Bramblestar's leader ceremony | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Reference: The Ultimate Guide, pages 51-57 |
Leader info
Leader info | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Personality and Relationships
- Main article: Bramblestar/PR
- Bramblestar is determined to prove himself free of his father's shadow. While he and his mate experienced some tensions, they are devout parents to their children. For more of Bramblestar's personality and relationships, click here!
Family
- Main article: Bramblestar/Family
- Bramblestar's parents are Goldenflower and Tigerstar. His former mate is Squirrelflight, and Alderheart, Sparkpelt, Juniperkit, and Dandelionkit are their children. He was also the adopted father to Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Hollyleaf. For more of Bramblestar's family, click here!
Appearances
- Forest of Secrets (First appearance)
- Rising Storm
- Tigerclaw's Fury
- A Dangerous Path
- The Darkest Hour
- A Shadow in RiverClan (Mentioned only)
- Firestar's Quest
- Graystripe's Vow (Then)
- The Heart of a Warrior
- Mothwing's Secret
- Midnight
- Moonrise
- Dawn
- The Lost Warrior
- Starlight
- Tallstar's Revenge (manga)
- Twilight
- Sunset
- Leafpool's Wish
- The Sight
- Dark River
- Outcast
- Eclipse
- Long Shadows
- Sunrise
- Hollyleaf's Story
- 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
- Bramblestar's Storm
- The Apprentice's Quest
- Thunder and Shadow
- Shattered Sky
- Darkest Night
- Tigerheart's Shadow (Allegiance only)
- River of Fire
- Tawnypelt's Clan (Mentioned only)
- The Raging Storm
- Squirrelflight's Hope
- Lost Stars †
- The Silent Thaw
- Veil of Shadows
- Darkness Within
- Graystripe's Vow (Now) (Mentioned only)
- Secrets of the Clans (Retconned)
- Cats of the Clans
- Battles of the Clans
- The Ultimate Guide
- After Sunset: The Right Choice?
- Beyond the Code: Brightspirit's Mercy
- The Clans Decide
Trivia
- Main article: Bramblestar/Trivia
- Did you know Bramblestar is the spitting image of his father, Tigerstar, and half-brother, Hawkfrost? For more trivia about Bramblestar, click here!
Quotes
- Main article: Bramblestar/Quotes
External links
- Bramblestar's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Author Profile: Cherith Baldry on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- A Legacy of Fire on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Leadership Among the Clans: An Overview on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- A First Time For Nine Lives on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- The Journey So Far: The Raging Storm on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Lost Stars and Path of a Warrior on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Writing Lost Stars on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Honoring the Mother Cats on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- The Measure of a Father on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- New Cat Profile: Tawnypelt on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Blood Isn't Everything on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- The Law That Never Was on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- A Lost Tradition on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Outpacing other 'Paws (and Mentors) on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Character Spotlight - Squirrelflight on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Squirrelflight's Hope on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- A Weakened Code? on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Codebreakers: Brainstorming The Broken Code on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- The Journey So Far: Lost Stars on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- The Silent Thaw on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Together We Are Strong on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Stand Together or Fall Divided on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Morningstar's Folly - When Peace Isn't the Answer on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- A Common Bond on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Clan or Kin? on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Unexpected Storylines on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Kin of Your Kin on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Reading the Omens on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Beyond Our Borders on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within on the Warriors official website (Warrior Cats Hub app only) (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Exclusive! Veil of Shadows: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Winds of Change on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- The Journey So Far: The Silent Thaw on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Veil of Shadows and A Warrior's Spirit on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- The Tribe of Rushing Water on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- So Much to Discover on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Reach Beyond Borders on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Wander the world on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- The Cats of The New Prophecy on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Missing the old days on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Just some weirdo... on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Darkness Within: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- The Journey So Far: Veil of Shadows on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Ashfur: Did StarClan Make a Mistake? on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Shadowsight’s choice - right or wrong? on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: The Broken Code #6 on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- The Cats of Power of Three on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- True warriors? on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
- A new challenge for a new year! on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Exclusive! The Place of No Stars Except on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) ([testing backup link])
- Exclusive! A Warrior's Choice Excerpt on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
- Character Spotlight: Spotfur on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
Notes
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Revealed in Lost Stars, chapter 24
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Revealed in Rising Storm, page 19
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 210
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 245
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Revealed in Lost Stars, chapter 22
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Revealed in Lost Stars, page 22
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 235
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 20
- ↑ Revealed in Dawn, page 137
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Revealed in Sunset, page 257
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 328
- ↑ Revealed in The Ultimate Guide, page 74
- ↑ Revealed in The Sight, allegiances
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Twilight, page 192
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 9
- ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, page 261
- ↑ Revealed in Sunset, page 62
- ↑ Revealed in Sunset, page 87
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 297
- ↑ Revealed in Sunset, page 299
- ↑ Revealed in The Last Hope, page 319
Dark Forest cats | |
---|---|
Leaders | Tigerstar • Hawkfrost • Mapleshade • Thistleclaw • Maggottail • Brokenstar |
Members | Antpelt • Darkstripe • Houndleap • Silverhawk • Snowtuft • Shredtail • Sparrowfeather • Redwillow • Rushtooth |
Trainees | Crookedstar • Thistleclaw • Bramblestar • Hawkfrost • Lionblaze • Ivypool • Mousewhisker • Birchfall • Blossomfall • Thornclaw • Tigerstar • Antpelt • Ratscar • Applefur • Redwillow • Sunstrike • Harestar • Breezepelt • Minnowtail • Icewing • Beetlewhisker • Hollowflight • Furzepelt • Larkwing • Whiskernose |
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