Sunbeam

"If I'm bloodying my paws already, why stop at one cat?" This article contains major spoilers for the recently released book, Wind. Please proceed at your own discretion.

"I haven't joined ThunderClan just for Nightheart. I love him, and he was the reason I chose ThunderClan, but there's more to my decision than love. In the time I've spent living with ThunderClan, in hunting and patrolling with them, and in taking the trials, I've realized it's where I belong. They have been kind to me and welcoming and fair. ShadowClan was good to me, and I'm grateful for everything my Clanmates did for me. But I wanted to follow my own path, and it led me to ThunderClan. I have friends here now, and cats who are more like kin than my own kin. I'm proud to be a ThunderClan warrior."

— Sunbeam about joining ThunderClan in Thunder, pages 316-317

Sunbeam
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.
Affiliations
Current:	ThunderClan
Past:	Loner The rebels ShadowClan
Biographical information
Age:	Approx. 25 moons (2.08 year(s)) old
Names
Kit:	Sunkit
Apprentice:	Sunpaw
Warrior:	Sunbeam
Kin
Mother:	Berryheart
Father:	Sparrowtail
Sister:	Needletail
Brothers:	Hollowspring, Spireclaw
Mate:	Nightheart
Education
Mentor:	Snaketooth
Book appearances
Living	Tigerheart's Shadow, River of Fire, Tawnypelt's Clan, The Raging Storm, Squirrelflight's Hope, The Broken Code, Graystripe's Vow, Daisy's Kin, River, Sky, Shadow, Thunder, Wind
Living	Tigerheart's Shadow, River of Fire, Tawnypelt's Clan, The Raging Storm, Squirrelflight's Hope, The Broken Code, Graystripe's Vow, Daisy's Kin, River, Sky, Shadow, Thunder, Wind

Sunbeam is a brown tabby she-cat with white patches, yellow eyes and soft, glossy fur.

Sunbeam is a ThunderClan warrior under Squirrelstar's leadership, previously a ShadowClan warrior under Tigerstar's leadership, in the lake territories. Sunkit and her brothers, Spirekit and Hollowkit, were born to Sparrowtail and Berryheart on their trek back to ShadowClan, their parents having fled the Clans during the reign of the Kin. She eventually became an apprentice named Sunpaw under the mentorship of Snaketooth and earned her warrior name, Sunbeam. Sunbeam formed a close relationship with Blazefire since they knew each other as kits and had plans to become mates one day. However, Blazefire realized he loved Lightleap instead and Sunbeam's close friendship with Lightleap and Blazefire deteriorated. After the Clan leaders accepted changes to the warrior code, including cats switching Clans to be with their mates, Sunbeam came into conflict with her mother's staunch beliefs. Nightheart of ThunderClan left his Clan to be with Sunbeam after they bonded during a mission to fetch catmint, and Sunbeam later joined him in ThunderClan after he returned to his birth Clan, under Squirrelstar's new leadership.

History

In the A Vision of Shadows arc

River of Fire

Sunkit is part of Tigerheart's patrol returning to ShadowClan, alongside Hollowkit, Spirekit, Berryheart, Sparrowtail, Cloverfoot, and Slatefur. Her mother, Berryheart, introduces Violetshine to Sunkit, Hollowkit, and Spirekit, adding that Violetshine may receive one them as her apprentice. Sunkit squeaks that it will be her, bouncing up and down while arguing about who it will be with her brothers. Violetshine is delighted at the kits enthusiasm, but feels guilty that Berryheart doesn't know ShadowClan is gone. When Tigerheart is resurrected as Tigerstar and revives the fallen ShadowClan, Sunkit joins her family and new Clanmates in following Tigerstar to her new home.

The Raging Storm

Alderheart mentions her when he tells Berryheart that Hollowkit should be kept away from his siblings until his cough is better. Berryheart informs the medicine cat that they are already sleeping with Yarrowleaf's kits.

In The Broken Code arc

Lost Stars

She is now a warrior of ShadowClan named Sunbeam.

In the A Starless Clan arc

River

"Sometimes following the rules saves a lot of headache."

―Sunbeam to Lightleap following Blazefire's injury ^{River (book), page 163}

Sunbeam scolds some apprentices from teasing Flamepaw, though notes that he doesn't really resemble his name. Later, Sunbeam and her soon-to-be mate Blazefire sunbathe in camp. Sunbeam aspires to become a mentor soon, either to Dovewing's or Cinnamontail's litters, and Blazefire gently teases her for being a "perfect little ShadowClan warrior." Lightleap, Sunbeam's best friend, asks to go hunting with her, and while the she-cats hunt, Sunbeam reflects how reckless Lightleap has become since her brother Shadowsight took her place to enter the Dark Forest. Lightleap falls from a tree trying to catch a squirrel and lands on Sunbeam's back, injuring her. Lightleap begs her friend not to tell her parents, and Sunbeam begrudgingly agrees, though Shadowsight presses her to tell the truth. Sunbeam is confined in the medicine cats' den until her injury heals. While Blazefire visits Sunbeam, Lightleap rushes in and accuses Sunbeam of telling her parents the truth about her injury. Shadowsight steps in that it was actually he who told their parents, but Lightleap lashes out at her brother. Hurt by her friend's behavior, Sunbeam asks Blazefire to speak with Lightleap for her.

A few days later, Sunbeam is free from the medicine cats' den and goes on a hunting patrol with Tawnypelt, Whorlpelt, Scorchfur, and Lightleap, and she is worried when Lightleap refuses to talk to her. Sunbeam breaks away from the patrol to reflect about her friend's behavior, and she hears a cat fighting over in RiverClan's territory. She quickly locates Lightleap nearby and wonders if she had anything to do with the noise, but Lightleap brushes her off, and Sunbeam reports the noise to Tawnypelt. The next day, Sneezecloud and Brackenpelt from RiverClan visit ShadowClan's camp to ask if they have seen Reedwhisker, RiverClan's deputy. Cloverfoot reports they have not, and the RiverClan patrol leaves. Sunbeam grows suspicious and tells Blazefire about Lightleap's strange behavior the other day, but is shocked when he brushes off her concerns.

While on a dawn patrol with her brother Hollowspring and Hopwhisker, they discover numerous Twoleg garbage at the greenleaf Twolegplace on their border with RiverClan. Hopwhisker injures her paw while searching for prey, and Sunbeam spots Lizardtail and Nightsky nearby and asks them for help. Both RiverClan cats are skeptical, but agree to bring Mothwing, RiverClan's medicine cat. They escort them partially into RiverClan territory but stop before their camp, with Nightsky leaving to fetch Mothwing. Mothwing and her apprentice Frostpaw arrive to treat Hopwhisker's paw, and Sunbeam sneaks off to spy on their camp, suspicious of their behavior. She doesn't see Mistystar or Reedwhisker in the camp. Later, Sunbeam hunts with Yarrowleaf and Gullswoop, though Sunbeam grows uneasy when Gullswoop keeps complimenting her. Gullswoop lets it slip that Blazefire is frequently spending time with Lightleap, and Sunbeams wonders if Lightleap and Blazefire are avoiding her to spend time with each other. However, Lightleap rushes into camp with news that Blazefire is trapped underneath some rocks. They manage to free Blazefire, though Sunbeam worries if he can walk again since his leg is broken. While visiting Blazefire the next day, he reveals to Sunbeam that while he loves her, he thinks they are too different to make it work as mates.

Heartbroken, Sunbeam lays in the warriors' den, and she worries that Blazefire had fallen in love with Lightleap since she was more exciting and not a rule follower. Her brother Spireclaw encourages her, and Sunbeam joins a hunting patrol with Snowbird, Whorlpelt, and Gullswoop. While hunting, Flaxfoot and Hollowspring tell them they lost a pigeon in a bramble thicket, and Sunbeam carelessly dives into the thicket to retrieve it, hoping to prove that she's not boring. Shadowsight scolds Sunbeam for acting recklessly, and Sunbeam learns that Blazefire doesn't love Lightleap and wishes to be friends again. Her mother Berryheart confides with her that she's worried about Tigerstar and the changes being made to the warrior code. At the Gathering, StarClan has accepted the proposed changes to the warrior code, and cats are free to switch Clans to be with their mates following a trial of the receiving Clan. An argument breaks out, and Sunbeam breaks away from the Gathering to find peace and runs into Flamepaw, a ThunderClan apprentice. The two find comfort in each other's problems: Sunbeam with her issues with Blazefire and Lightleap, and Flamepaw failing his assessment twice.

Fringewhisker, a SkyClan she-cat who left her Clan to be with Spireclaw, passes her exam to join the Clan by pushing a large fallen tree branch across the camp. Sunbeam spots Berryheart and other older warriors discuss how displeased they are with these changes being made to the warrior code, and Berryheart remarks that the Clans might need a reminder. Sunbeam is horrified by her mother's tone and nearly informs Tigerstar but worries about being in trouble again. Berryheart catches her daughter speaking with Tigerstar and asks her to join in on their conversations.

Sky

Berryheart: "The moment we let a cat from another Clan into ShadowClan, we risk losing everything. Is it worth it just so a few cats can be happy?"

Sunbeam: "It's more dangerous to turn Clanmates against each other."

^{Sky (book), pages 267-268}

In the days since Blazefire's rejection, Sunbeam's been keeping herself busy though grows irksome of her Clanmates' concerns. Sunbeam brings Blazefire a sparrow and awkwardly makes conversation with him when Tigerstar, Dovewing, and Shadowsight enter the medicine cats' den with Rowankit gravely ill with whitecough. With their supply of catmint nearly spent, Puddleshine leaves to ask SkyClan for more. Sunbeam worries Blazefire might also catch the illness. When SkyClan can't spare any, Tigerstar decides to send patrols to the other Clans, and Sunbeam volunteers. She, Scorchfur, Snaketooth, and Hopwhisker journey to RiverClan's camp, though they are met by Splashtail and Mallownose. The two RiverClan toms attempt to prevent them from entering their camp, though eventually they are allowed to pass through. Sunbeam notices how downtrodden RiverClan's camp is and how Frostpaw looked like she hasn't slept in days. Mothwing explains they don't have any catmint and sharply asks them to leave. When only WindClan can spare any catmint, Berryheart begins to speculate that maybe Fringewhisker brought the illness to ShadowClan, though Sunbeam believes that isn't fair to Fringewhisker.

The medicine cats decide to search for catmint beyond the Clans' borders, and Tigerstar sends Sunbeam and Lightleap to join the mission with Rootspring, Fidgetflake, Alderheart, and Flamepaw. While Sunbeam is frustrated to be paired with Lightleap, she is pleased Flamepaw is there, and compliments his new name of Nightheart. After they leave WindClan's territory, she and Nightheart work together to catch a rabbit. After crossing a Thunderpath, Sunbeam and Nightheart take first watch and the pair bond discussing their troubles in their own Clans. The next day, Sunbeam's pelt gets trapped underneath a fence and Nightheart breaks her free, urging her to calm down because Lightleap was watching. The patrol passes by a Twoleg festival, and both Sunbeam and Nightheart are enticed by the Twoleg prey scents. In the Twolegplace, the patrol quickly locates the catmint and gather enough for all five Clans. The Clan cats walk past the Twoleg festival on their way back, and when the others decide to rest for the night, Sunbeam and Nightheart dash away to snatch a piece of Twoleg prey.

Sunbeam and Lightleap quickly arrive back to their camp the next morning, but the Clan is already preparing for Rowankit's vigil. Sunbeam blames herself for not traveling faster. While she is pleased that Blazefire will recover, Sunbeam grieves for Rowankit and feels conflicted when Blazefire comforts Lightleap. Following the vigil, Berryheart brings Sunbeam to a secret meeting with Whorlpelt, Yarrowleaf, Stonewing, Snowbird, Snaketooth, and Grassheart, and Sunbeam is horrified they believe Fringewhisker purposefully brought whitecough to the camp. Tigerstar calls for an emergency Gathering to discuss the catmint shortage, and Sunbeam sits next to Nightheart as they watch Mothwing announce Owlnose as RiverClan's leader and the fallout after. In camp, Berryheart, Yarrowleaf, and Whorlpelt accuse Fringewhisker of giving prey to SkyClan, though when Sunbeam attempts to stand up to Fringewhisker, Fringewhisker admits she gave SkyClan the prey. Fringewhisker later confides with Sunbeam that the other warriors told her to do it, and Sunbeam confronts her mother about it.

Bramblestar sends Nightheart on a mission to learn what Tigerstar plans on doing with RiverClan after he had offered to lead them until Owlnose received his nine lives, and Nightheart decides to speak to Sunbeam since they're friends. However, Squirrelflight discovers Bramblestar's plans and forbids Nightheart from enacting his plan, though Nightheart leaves to do so anyway. He asks if she would be okay with him joining ShadowClan one day, and she agrees. Nightheart also asks if she knows anything about Tigerstar planning to invade RiverClan, though she is uncertain. Sunbeam shares Nightheart's concern with Flaxfoot, though the tabby tom quickly informs Berryheart who angrily confronts Tigerstar about invading RiverClan. Tigerstar angrily insists he has no plans to do so, and Berryheart argues with Sunbeam about trusting a ThunderClan cat. While she storms away, Sunbeam learns Blazefire and Lightleap are now mates, though Sunbeam accepts their relationship when she realizes that she has feelings for Nightheart instead. Later that night, Nightheart decides to leave ThunderClan to be with Sunbeam, though the rest of ShadowClan has gone to RiverClan. Tigerstar leads a patrol to RiverClan and once again insists they let him help now that StarClan has denied Owlnose nine lives twice. A battle breaks out and Sunbeam attacks Shimmerpelt and Gorseclaw. The fight quickly ends with RiverClan surrendering to Tigerstar.

Shadow

"I know this is crazy. Maybe it's the craziest thing I've ever done. But I love you, and I've realized that you mean more to me than my Clan. I never thought about a life outside ShadowClan, but now, to be with you, maybe it's time that I did."

―Sunbeam to Nightheart about joining ThunderClan ^{Shadow (book), page 290}

Sunbeam is mortified to find Nightheart in ShadowClan's camp professing his love for her without her knowledge, though cats like Blazefire, Gullswoop, and Spireclaw are pleased Sunbeam has someone who loves her. Sunbeam privately confronts Nightheart for abruptly joining the Clan to be with her without her knowledge, still unsure if she even wants a mate, though Nightheart vows to do his best to prove himself to her and her Clan even if she just wants to be friends. Berryheart angrily confronts Sunbeam for having a ThunderClan lover, though Sunbeam defends him, even if arguing with her mother hurts. At the emergency Gathering, Tigerstar announces that Nightheart has joined ShadowClan to be with Sunbeam, though Berryheart and others advocate for there to be three trials instead of one. Later, Sunbeam shows Nightheart around ShadowClan's territory, and the pair gather honey for the medicine cats. After witnessing Fringewhisker's second trial, Sunbeam encourages Nightheart to think creatively and prioritize completing the task Berryheart assigns him.

While hunting on RiverClan territory with Lightleap, Sunbeam and her Clanmate are challenged by the RiverClan cats for stealing prey. Icewing, who is temporarily leading the Clan with Cloverfoot, insists they are free to hunt as long as they catch something for RiverClan. Cloverfoot dismisses Stonewing and Hopwhisker from guard duty in exchange for Sunbeam and Lightleap. After two days guarding the camp, Sunbeam realizes how miserable the RiverClan cats are with ShadowClan commandeering their Clan. Lightleap apologizes to Sunbeam for coming in between her and Blazefire, and when Sunbeam asks when she realized she loved Blazefire, Lightleap explains how she listened to her heart and she advises Sunbeam to do the same.

After Sunbeam returns to ShadowClan and Fringewhisker successfully passes her third and final task, Sunbeam argues with Nightheart about his confidence over completing his next task, knowing her mother won't make it easy. The pair briefly argue and Sunbeam apologizes for doubting his dedication to her. Nightheart later wakes her up when Berryheart, Whorlpelt, and Yarrowleaf disappear from camp. The two young cats follow them to the greenleaf Twolegplace at the border with RiverClan to meet with Splashtail, Mallownose, and Minnowtail. They overhear them discuss their dissatisfaction with Tigerstar taking over RiverClan, and Nightheart and Sunbeam are conflicted on what they should do. Sunbeam eventually confronts her mother about it, but Berryheart insists she must protect ShadowClan when she failed in the past. After Nightheart passes his second task by stealing a Twoleg pelt from the greenleaf Twolegplace, Sunbeam scolds Berryheart for leading him there with a dog nearby.

At the Gathering, Sunbeam grows conflicted about the arguments against ShadowClan's involvement in RiverClan, having seen it first hand from her time in RiverClan's camp. She worries about a future war between the Clans if ShadowClan doesn't leave RiverClan alone. When Nightheart is late for his third trial, Sunbeam frets until he eventually shows up. However, she is dismayed when he fails his third trial and angry when she realizes that he failed it on purpose. Nightheart apologizes, explaining that ThunderClan needs him, but Sunbeam's heart is broken. After Nightheart leaves, Berryheart comforts her. She has a nightmare of Nightheart becoming mates with another she-cat. Blazefire and Lightleap attempt to cheer her up, but Tigerstar calls a Clan meeting. He plans on sending more ShadowClan warriors to RiverClan after hearing rumors of an uprising, though Sunbeam is disheartened to be chosen. She wonders whether she should tell Tigerstar about Berryheart and Splashtail's schemes in RiverClan, sensing trouble coming for the Clans. However, Sunbeam decides to join ThunderClan to be with Nightheart, realizing how much she loves him.

Thunder

"Your Clan is the one you protect. And from now on, I will protect ThunderClan."

―Sunbeam to Graykit, Bristlekit, and Stemkit ^{Thunder, page 72}

Sunbeam is warmly welcomed into ThunderClan by Nightheart's friends and family. When her mother abruptly arrives to demand that she returns to ShadowClan, Sunbeam insists she's doing this because she loves Nightheart, and his family defends her. As the new deputy, Ivypool sets out the three trials for Sunbeam to become an official member of the Clan. Her first task is to teach Graykit, Bristlekit, and Stemkit how to hunt as a team, which she excels in. However, she's disappointed when Nightheart is called away again to the Moonpool for Squirrelflight's nine lives ceremony. When Squirrelstar returns without Nightheart, the new ThunderClan leader informs Sunbeam that StarClan told her that Nightheart would return. While Sunbeam worries about Nightheart, his family reassures that he'll come back home again. Sunbeam begins to question if she really wants to join ThunderClan if Nightheart is not there.

At the emergency Gathering, Sunbeam attempts to speak to her mother, but Berryheart ignores her. Four days later, Sunbeam and Ivypool speak with Dovewing and Sparrowtail about the growing tensions between ShadowClan and SkyClan. Sparrowtail is disappointed that his daughter is not planning to come home, but reassures her that Berryheart has a plan. A few days later, Ivypool tasks Sunbeam with her second trial: to safely remove a large rock from the edge of the stone hollow with Bayshine, Cherryfall, and Alderheart. While the others search for a large piece of bark to shove the boulder onto, Cherryfall argues with Sunbeam's decisions causing Sunbeam to snap at her. They manage to safely pull the boulder away from the ledge, and Sunbeam passes her second trial. A few days later, Sunbeam familiarizes herself with ThunderClan's territory. She finds Finchlight, who shows her the Ancient Oak, one of the oldest trees in the forest. Back in camp, Ivypool announces Sunbeam's final trial: to follow a set of clues around the territory. She finds ThunderClan cats waiting for her at each location with a new clue: Lionblaze, Jayfeather, Cherryfall, and Sparkpelt. However, Cherryfall purposefully gives Sunbeam the wrong clue, but she manages to figure out the proper answer and meet Sparkpelt by the Ancient Oak. Sunbeam still misses Nightheart, but she knows she's meant to be a ThunderClan warrior, and she is officially accepted as a proper warrior of ThunderClan.

Sunbeam confronts Cherryfall for attempting to thwart her trial, but she soon earns Cherryfall's respect. The next day, Squirrelstar invites Sunbeam to join her meeting with Tree and the other leaders to discuss Tigerstar's plans to withdraw his warriors from RiverClan. To her surprise, Berryheart is also there. She's dismayed to hear that her daughter has officially joined ThunderClan, but she vows that she has a plan. At the Gathering, Squirrelstar announces Sunbeam as their newest member, though Berryheart and her supporters call her out. However, Sunbeam declares that she is happy to have joined ThunderClan and is proud to be loyal to them. She is dismayed, however, when Tigerstar casts out Berryheart, and Sparrowtail and Hollowspring follow her.

Wind

"I am [scared], but not for myself, or for any cat in ThunderClan. We all have one another, and we'll see each other through. But my kin are out there somewhere, and they don't have a Clan to protect them. I can't help but fearing the worst."

―Sunbeam to Nightheart about the coming storm ^{Wind (book), page 213}

Sunbeam warmly greets Nightheart when he, Frostpaw, Wasp, and Waffle arrive at the Gathering. A quarter-moon later while hunting, Sunbeam and Nightheart discuss their future family when a WindClan patrol led by Breezepelt informs them that Berryheart, Sparrowtail, and Hollowspring have been detected beyond WindClan's borders. Sunbeam grows worried when she learns that her mother may be unwell. She asks Squirrelstar if she can make sure they are alright. Squirrelstar verbally disagrees, but Sunbeam picks up on her secret meaning: she can go as long as she doesn't get caught.

Sunbeam locates her family beyond the horseplace, and her mother's haunch is injured after a Twoleg threw something at her. Berryheart, however, refuses Sunbeam's offers of help from Smoky or ShadowClan. With Nightheart guarding, Sunbeam steals some herbs from Jayfeather and Alderheart's den to bring to Berryheart, but her mother once again refuses the herbs. Sunbeam is caught by a WindClan patrol while returning to ThunderClan, and is kept overnight at their camp. Crowfeather escorts her back to ThunderClan's camp the following morning, much to Sunbeam's embarrassment, and Squirrelstar punishes her with apprentices duties. Nightheart visits Sparrowtail in Sunbeam's place, though he doesn't locate her family at their assigned meeting spot. Sunbeam suspects that her mother died from her infection.

While hunting with Lionblaze and Twigbranch, the three warriors take shelter against a boulder when a storm arrives, and they are surprised to find Frostpaw already there on their territory. Frostpaw is on her way to warn WindClan of her vision of a tree falling into their camp, and she urges the ThunderClan warriors to return to their own. When Frostpaw arrives with concerns that WindClan ignored her warning, Sunbeam and Nightheart travel with Frostpaw back to WindClan. They witness lightning striking a tree, causing it to fall on top of WindClan's nursery. The three cats help WindClan save Leafkit. Later, Sunbeam learns that her family went to RiverClan. Frostpaw, and Nightheart spy on RiverClan's camp and witness Splashtail murder his own deputy, Harelight, when he questions his leader's decisions. To Sunbeam's horror, Splashtail names her mother his new deputy.

In the Super Editions

Tigerheart's Shadow

Warning: Rippletail's appearances in Tigerheart's Shadow are a mistake as confirmed by Kate Cary and further installments in the canon. Slatefur was meant to be in the patrol traveling with Tigerheart.

Sunkit is born to Berryheart and Sparrowtail, alongside her brothers, Hollowkit and Spirekit. A moon later, Sunkit and her brothers have tried prey for the first time. Growing quickly, they explore further from their nest, but still need to suckle during the night. Sunkit nestles at Berryheart's belly as Tigerheart wonders if the kits are ready to travel back to ShadowClan.

When the older cats discuss how to reach ShadowClan, Berryheart and Sparrowtail tell Sunkit and Spirekit to play with Dovewing's kits. Berryheart nudges her daughter away, and and Dovewing asks Pouncekit to keep them busy. Pouncekit asks if they can listen and Dovewing tells them they may listen but must not interrupt. The kits hurry to Pouncekit, clustering closer together. Tigerheart asks Berryheart if her kits are ready to travel, but their mother points out that they are not even weaned. They consider carrying the kits, but Dovewing suggests waiting a quarter moon, and Berryheart agrees that the kits will be ready then if the weather permits.

Dovewing watches Hollowkit and Sunkit explore beyond the camp wall, with Pouncekit and Lightkit bouncing around them. Tigerheart warns them to hide as an owl appears, and Sunkit stares at him, wide-eyed. When the owl drops Tigerheart from the sky, Sunkit hides behind Berryheart as they check on him. When Tigerheart joins StarClan, he sees Sunkit with her siblings, along with his own kits, being shielded by Berryheart, Cloverfoot, and Cinnamon from his corpse as Sparrowtail and Rippletail carry it away. Sunkit and the others travel to ShadowClan and are welcomed as the newest members of the Clan.

Squirrelflight's Hope

She and her brothers are now apprentices, and her mentor is Snaketooth.

In the Novellas

Tawnypelt's Clan

She is spotted by Tawnypelt playing with the other kits in ShadowClan while Berryheart and Cloverfoot watch over them.

Character pixels

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

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Sunbeam on the cover of River (book) Sunbeam on the cover of Sky (book) Sunbeam on the cover of Thunder (book) Sunbeam's icon on the Warriors family tree Sunbeam's Warriors website fact sheet

Kin

Members

Mate:

Nightheart: Living (As of Wind)

Mother:

Berryheart: Living (As of Wind)

Father:

Sparrowtail: Living (As of Wind)

Sister:

Needletail: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Brothers:

Hollowspring: Living (As of Wind)

Spireclaw: Living (As of Wind)

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Aunts:

Cloverfoot: Living (As of Wind)

Beenose: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Yarrowleaf: Living (As of Wind)

Bluebellkit: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Frondwhisker: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Gullswoop: Living (As of Wind)

Dewkit: Deceased, residence unknown

Mistcloud: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Uncles:

Buster: Living (As of River of Fire)

Conefoot: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Grandmothers:

Snowbird: Living (As of Wind)

Kinkfur: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Grandfather:

Scorchfur: Living (As of Wind)

Great-uncle:

Ratscar: Living (As of Squirrelflight's Hope)

First cousins:

Flaxfoot: Living (As of Wind)

Hopwhisker: Living (As of Wind)

Tree

Unknown

Kinkfur ♀

Scorchfur ♂

Snowbird ♀

Ratscar ♂

Dewkit ♀

Mistcloud ♀

Sparrowtail ♂

Berryheart ♀

Cloverfoot ♀

Beenose ♀

Yarrowleaf ♀

Nettle ♂

Buster ♂

Gullswoop ♀

Frondwhisker ♀

Conefoot ♂

Bluebellkit ♀

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Fringewhisker ♀

Spireclaw ♂

Hollowspring ♂

Needletail ♀

Flaxfoot ♂

Hopwhisker ♀

Sunbeam ♀

Nightheart ♂

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    = Tom

    = She-cat

    = Gender unknown

Appearances

• Tigerheart's Shadow (First appearance)
• River of Fire
• Tawnypelt's Clan
• The Raging Storm (Mentioned only)
• Squirrelflight's Hope (Allegiance only)
• Lost Stars (Allegiance only)
• The Silent Thaw (Allegiance only)
• Veil of Shadows (Allegiance only)
• Darkness Within (Allegiance only)
• Graystripe's Vow (Allegiance only)
• Daisy's Kin (Allegiance only)
• The Place of No Stars (Allegiance only)
• A Light in the Mist (Allegiance only)
• River
• Sky
• Shadow
• Thunder
• Wind

Trivia

Interesting facts

• Sunbeam's favorite prey is shrew.

Author statements

• In earlier drafts of the A Starless Clan arc, Nightheart and Sunbeam were originally supposed to break up, though the Story Team was touched by their connection and faith in each other.

Mistakes

• Sunbeam is mistakenly called "Sunshine".

Quotes

Sunbeam: "I'm sure I'll get an apprentice soon. Then I'll have to run around after them all the time. It's still a ways off, but in a few moons, Dovewing and Tigerstar's kits will need mentors. And Cinnamontail will have her kits with Slatefur any day now."

Blazefire: "Well, I hope it's a good long time before I get an apprentice. I like being able to do what I want, when I want."

^{River, page 34}

«Oh, Blazefire, I know that something is really, really wrong! And what in StarClan's name am I going to do about it?»

—Sunbeam's thoughts about trouble in RiverClan

Sunbeam: "It's okay. I mean, you should have known better than to go into that tunnel! But you'll recover, and then everything will be fine, and we..."

Blazefire: "I wanted to tell you...I was planning to tell you...I do love you, I think I always will, but I don't think we're a good match to be mates. We're just too different. And it wouldn't be fair to make you wait while I recover—if I ever do—and then not have it work out. Are you okay?"

^{River, pages 165-166}

"I'll never believe you're right. Not over this. Not ever. From now on, leave me out of your meetings. Keep your opinions to yourself. I don't want to hear them."

―Sunbeam to Berryheart ^{Sky, page 268}

Nightheart: "Are you happy I came to see you?"

Sunbeam: "Sure. But why are you here? It's dangerous."

^{Sky, pages 282-283}

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Nightheart: "And you think inter-Clan relationships are fine?"

Sunbeam: "I think they make the Clans stronger. Berryheart is stuck in the past, that's all. She thinks that all cats from outside ShadowClan must be rogues, even if they're warriors. But the Clans have changed since she was young. We're all closer now, and it makes sense for cats to choose who to love and where to raise their kits."

^{Sky, page 284}

Sunbeam: "Nightheart, what in the name of StarClan are you doing? We barely know each other—how can we be mates? I don't know if I want a mate!"

Nightheart: "I'm sorry..."

^{Shadow, pages 18-20}

Nightheart: "I'm sorry...so sorry. I wish I could have told you. I wanted to, but there was no time—I only realized this morning. And I knew I had to fail this task. If I'd just left, every cat would have said it was because I didn't want to be with you anymore. And I do, Sunbeam, oh, I do. I care about you so much. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to face. But...I need to be in ThunderClan right now. I've had trouble with my kin and my former Clanmates, it's true. But they need me. And I think I've grown enough to finally be the warrior I've always wanted to be. When Dovewing took me to ThunderClan to say good-bye, she said that after a while, going to ThunderClan felt like just visiting any other place, because ShadowClan was home. I've tried hard to get there, but...I can't. Each time I go back, I feel it a little more strongly. ThunderClan is my home. I just wish...I wish I didn't have to leave you to get there."

Sunbeam: "'So you were just playing with me. You came to my Clan and made me care about you, Nightheart. I didn't ask you to do that!"

^{Shadow, pages 255-257}

External links

• Featured
• Book Specific
• Themes and Concepts
• Fan Content

• Sunbeam's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Sunbeam and Nightheart: an unlikely Warrior Cats love story on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Our Favorite Sunbeam Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• A Starless Clan trio artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Nightheart and Sunbeam artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• More of our favorite Sunbeam artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Exclusive! Veil of Shadows: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)

Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)

Exclusive! Darkness Within: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)

Exclusive! The Place of No Stars Except on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)

Exclusive! A Warrior's Choice Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)

Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #1 on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Exclusive! A Light in the Mist: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)

Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #2 on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Exclusive! River: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)

The journey so far: A Light in the Mist on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

New Release: River on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Exclusive! Sky: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)

The journey so far: River on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #4 on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Exclusive! Shadow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)

The journey so far: Sky on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Exclusive! Thunder: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)

The journey so far: Shadow on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Exclusive: Wind chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Thunder recap: the story so far on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Nothing But Stories on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)

Darkness to balance the light on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Kits and queens on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Clan-swappers: are they here to stay? on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Winners of the April 2022 fan challenge + new challenge announcement on the Warriors official website (backup link)

River: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Winners of the March 2022 fan challenge + new challenge announcement on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Shadow: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Thunder: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Wind: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

A Starless Clan family artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Warrior Cats love stories on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Notes and references

Author references