"I would not have survived that dark time if it weren't for Cloudtail. He gave me another destiny, and I knew that no matter what I looked like, I would be all right. As long as Cloudtail loved me, I was no longer Lostface, but Brightheart." |
— Brightheart describing the aftermath of her incident with the dog pack in Secrets of the Clans, page 14 |
Brightheart is a white she-cat with ginger patches,[4] a single blue eye[19] and fur torn away from one side of her face.[20]
Brightheart is a ThunderClan elder 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 Firestar and Bramblestar in the forest and the lake territories. She was born to Lionheart and Frostfur as Brightkit alongside her siblings, Brackenfur, Cinderpelt, and Thornclaw. She and her siblings were captured by ShadowClan, but they were later rescued by a ThunderClan patrol and ShadowClan's elders. As an apprentice, Brightpaw was mentored by Whitestorm. When Bluestar refused to give Brightpaw and Swiftpaw their warrior names, she and Swiftpaw went to look for the dogs that tormented Snakerocks in an attempt to prove themselves. Consequently, Swiftpaw was killed and half of Brightpaw's face was mauled, causing life-lasting scars on her face. Because of this, Bluestar gave her the name Lostface as a reminder that StarClan had allowed the tragedy to occur, much to the dismay of some of her Clanmates.
However, after Firestar became leader, she was renamed to Brightheart, to show that she was no longer Lostface, and to honor her courage and growth. Brightheart's mate, Cloudtail, rekindled her broken spirit, and they had two litters of kits, Whitekit, and Snowkit, Dewkit, and Amberkit. Brightheart briefly mentored Jayfeather before he decided to train as a medicine cat and later fostered Lilyheart and Seedpaw after their mother was killed in battle. Many moons later, she retired to the elders' den with Cloudtail and Brackenfur, and was later joined by her other brother Thornclaw.
History
Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!
The Prophecies Begin
- "From this moment on she will be known as Brightheart, for though her body has been gravely injured, we honor her brave spirit and the light that shines on within her."
- ―Firestar renaming Lostface The Darkest Hour, page 223
- When brought to Cinderpelt's den, Brightpaw goes into shock, repeating, "pack, pack, kill, kill." Cloudtail becomes attached to her, helping her through her trauma. He persuades Bluestar to grant her a warrior name, but the leader cruelly names her Lostface as a reminder that StarClan did nothing to stop the dogs. After Bluestar's death, Firestar gives her the name Brightheart. Cloudtail trains her to fight with only one eye, and Brightheart is able to carry out warrior duties.
The New Prophecy
- "Brightheart needs a purpose just now. She has found it in helping Cinderpelt. Be generous to her."
- ―Spottedleaf to Leafpool Twilight, page 249
Power of Three
- "She's had to fight hard to prove to her Clanmates that she's as good as them, and this must feel like a battle she has lost."
- ―Leafpool to Jaypaw after Brightheart loses him as an apprentice The Sight, page 261
Omen of the Stars
- "You and Brightheart are going to work together. You've got five kits to protect. Sorreltail will be needed on battle patrol so I'm relying on you to help defend the nursery. There is no cat more dangerous than a queen."
- ―Lionblaze to Brightheart and Daisy The Last Hope, page 239
A Vision of Shadows
- "Maybe SkyClan cats don't understand that they can't just jump from one Clan to another. Finpaw, you have to be sure."
- ―Brightheart to Finpaw when he joins ThunderClan River of Fire, page 20
The Broken Code
- Brightheart: "Don't worry Bristlefrost. And Flipclaw, don't forget that I checked the leaves, too. Bristlefrost will be fine."
- Bristlefrost: "I never knew you were a medicine cat."
- Veil of Shadows, page 194
A Starless Clan
- "Do you think the other Clans are really short of catmint?"
- ―Brightheart to Nightheart Sky (book), chapter 5
- More Coming Soon
Super Editions
This section summarizes Brightheart's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- In Firestar's Quest, Brightheart becomes pregnant with her and Cloudtail's first litter, giving birth to Whitekit.
Novellas
This section summarizes Brightheart's significant Novellas appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- In Leafpool's Wish, Brightheart assists Leafpool in the medicine den after the battle against the badgers. Because of all the duties being assigned to her, Brightheart suspects that Leafpool wants her to become her apprentice. At this suggestion, Brightheart declines, thinking of her mate and kit. Her daughter, Whitepaw, has her tail dislocated by a hare, and Brightheart worries over her. After Leafpool leaves to find a special herb, Brightheart takes over her medicine cat duties, though Leafpool is actually journeying away to have her kits.
- In Dovewing's Silence, Brightheart takes in Seedkit and Lilykit after their mother, Sorreltail, is killed in the Great Battle, and because she is raising two litters of kits, can no longer help in the medicine den.
Detailed description
- Brightheart is a white she-cat with ginger patches along her back, a ginger tail,[4] and thick,[21] soft fur.[22] She has one shredded ear, huge claw marks scored across her muzzle,[20] a single blue eye[19] and fur torn away from[20] the right side of her face.[23]
Scars and injuries gained
The following is a chronological list of scars and/or major injuries that Brightheart has gained:
- Torn face on her right side caused by dogs in A Dangerous Path.[20]
- Missing right eye caused by dogs in A Dangerous Path.[20]
- Huge claw marks on her muzzle caused by dogs in A Dangerous Path.[20]
- Missing ear caused by dogs in A Dangerous Path.[20][24][note 4]
Character pixels
Main images
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. |
Alternate images
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 |
Ceremonies
Brightpaw's apprentice ceremony | ||||||
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Lostface's warrior ceremony | ||||||||
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Brightheart's name changing ceremony | ||||||
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Family
- Main article: Brightheart/Family
- Brightheart's parents are Lionheart and Frostfur. Her mate is Cloudtail, and Whitewing, Dewnose, Snowbush, and Ambermoon are their children. For more of Brightheart's family, click here!
Appearances
- Yellowfang's Secret (Comic)
- Redtail's Debt
- Exile from ShadowClan
- Into the Wild (First appearance)
- Fire and Ice (Indirect mention only)
- Forest of Secrets
- Tigerclaw's Fury (Allegiance only)
- Rising Storm
- A Dangerous Path
- The Darkest Hour
- Blackfoot's Reckoning (Flashback only)
- A Thief in ThunderClan
- Firestar's Quest
- Graystripe's Vow (Then)
- A Clan in Need
- The Heart of a Warrior
- Mothwing's Secret (Allegiance only)
- Midnight
- Moonrise
- Dawn
- The Lost Warrior
- Starlight
- Winds of Change
- 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 (Allegiance only)
- Spotfur's Rebellion
- The Raging Storm (Allegiance only)
- Squirrelflight's Hope (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- Lost Stars
- The Silent Thaw
- Veil of Shadows
- Darkness Within
- Graystripe's Vow (Now)
- Daisy's Kin (Allegiance only)
- The Place of No Stars
- A Light in the Mist (Allegiance only)
- River
- Sky
- Shadow
- Thunder (Allegiance only)
- Wind
- Secrets of the Clans (Retconned)
- Cats of the Clans
- Battles of the Clans
- The Ultimate Guide
- The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition
- After Sunset: The Right Choice?
- The Clans Decide
Merchandise
- Main article: Brightheart/Merchandise
Toys and Plush
Brightheart Large Plush Cat
- Series 2
- Large soft plush of Brightheart, approximately 35cm in length.
- Perhaps no cat is more resilient than Brightheart, who not only found the strength to overcome grievous wounds, but also learned to fight again, despite the loss of an eye, eventually becoming one of ThunderClan's bravest warriors.
- Approximately $34.99 USD.
Cinderpelt & Brightheart - Mini Collector Figures
- Series 2
- This pair of ThunderClan sisters have both triumphed after formidable challenges. Cinderpelt's dreams of becoming a warrior were dashed the day she broke her leg, but she excelled in her new role as a medicine cat. Meanwhile, Brightheart's determination to prove herself a great warrior almost came at the cost of her life—though she too would overcome her injuries and earn a place of honor in the Clan.
- Also included in a three-pack bundle with the rest of Series 2: Blackstar, Jayfeather, Ravenpaw, and Sandstorm.
- Approximate individual price is $12.99 USD, and the three-pack bundle is $38.97 USD.
Brightheart & Yellowfang - Mini Collector Figures (The Prophecies Begin)
- The Prophecies Begin
- Reprints of Yellowfang and Brightheart in new poses.
- These two she-cats both suffered the pain of betrayal and uncertainty. Yellowfang suffered the agony of being banished by her own son, struggling to find a way forward until ThunderClan took her in. Brightheart’s scars and cruel new name left her floundering and no longer sure of who she was, until Cloudtail’s support and her own strength led her forward to a brighter future.
- Also included in a three-pack bundle with the rest of The Prophecies Begin: Firestar, Scourge, Graystripe, and Ravenpaw.
- Approximate individual price is $12.99 USD, and the three-pack bundle is $38.97 USD.
Trivia
- Main article: Brightheart/Trivia
- Did you know Kate Cary revealed she never intended for Brightheart to not receive another apprentice and admits she would've given her one of Rosepetal's apprentices? For more trivia about Brightheart, click here!
Quotes
- "Cloudtail, Princess looked almost as if she were scared of me. I want—I want to see myself. Is there a puddle nearby I can look into?"
- ―Lostface to Cloudtail, Fireheart, and Graystripe A Dangerous Path, page 263
- "You're still beautiful to me. You always will be."
- ―Cloudtail to Lostface A Dangerous Path, page 264
- «[Cloudtail] was talking to Daisy while her three kits tried to scramble over him. Brambleclaw saw sadness shadow Brightheart's gaze, and felt a stab of anger. Cloudtail had bees in his brain if he couldn't see how he was hurting Brightheart with the attention he was giving to the horseplace cat!»
- —Brambleclaw's thoughts on Brightheart Starlight, page 64
- Brightheart: "You know I never mind helping you, Leafpool, but any cat would think you wanted me to be your apprentice!"
- Leafpool: "How would you feel about that?"
- Leafpool's Wish, chapter 5
- Jaypaw: "I never meant to hurt her."
- Leafpool: "It takes some cats longer to see past their weaknesses clearly enough to appreciate their strengths. And until they do, they feel every hurt like a tongue on raw flesh."
- The Sight, pages 261-262
- "But Brightheart can remember what she looked like before Tigerstar's half-trained pack of dogs attacked her. It breaks her heart every time she sees her reflection—why do you think she never goes down to the lake? She is brave to her Clanmates, hardly flinches when a newcomer or a kit shrieks at the sight of her scars. But her first warrior name, Lostface, echoes in her ears whenever she is alone. If only she could see inside herself, to the beauty that lies in courage and loyalty and devotion."
- ―Rock about Brightheart Cats of the Clans, page 26
External links
- Brightheart's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Exclusive title and cover reveal! Upcoming 2023 graphic novel on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Brightheart and A Thief in ThunderClan on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Warrior of the Week Gallery #107 - Brightheart on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #107) (backup link)
- Our favorite Brightheart 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
- ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 248
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Revealed in Forest of Secrets, page 62
- ↑ Winners of the July Fan Challenge + New Challenge Announcement on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Brightheart's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed in Forest of Secrets, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 223
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 108
- ↑ Revealed in Sunrise, page 75
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 509
- ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Revealed in Leafpool's Wish, chapter 7
- ↑ Revealed in Forest of Secrets, page 63
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, pages 147-148
- ↑ Revealed in The Sight, page 89
- ↑ Revealed in A Thief in ThunderClan, page 22
- ↑ Revealed in Leafpool's Wish, chapter 10
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Revealed in Night Whispers, page 7
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 218
- ↑ Revealed in The Sight, page 7
- ↑ Revealed in Dawn, page 29
- ↑ In every depiction of Brightheart with her injuries, including from Ravenpaw's Path and The Ultimate Guide, it shows the right eye being the one that is missing.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Revealed in A Dangerous Path, chapter 20
- ↑ 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]
- ↑ Brightheart's kit name, Brightkit, has only ever been revealed on the Warrior Cats website.
- ↑ Brightheart served as ThunderClan's temporary medicine cat while Leafpool left to give birth to her kits.[13]
- ↑ Cinderpelt says that she couldn't save Brightpaw's ear or eye, heavily implying that her ear was torn enough to be cut off.[24]
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 |