This article contains major spoilers for the recently released book, Thunder. Please proceed at your own discretion. |
"Nightheart is my real name. No cat gets to decide what kind of warrior I am. Only I get to decide that." |
— Nightheart to Myrtlebloom about his name in Sky, page 33 |
Nightheart is a skinny[8] night[7]-black tom[1] with bright[9] amber eyes,[10] glossy,[11] thick fur,[12] and long whiskers.[13]
Nightheart is a ThunderClan warrior who has served under Bramblestar's and Squirrelstar's leaderships, briefly a ShadowClan cat under Tigerstar's leadership, in the lake territories. He was originally born in ThunderClan to Sparkpelt and Larksong as Flamekit alongside Finchkit and Flickerkit, the latter of which was stillborn. Flamekit was named after his ancestor Firestar, something he grew to resent. Moments after his birth, Larksong died, and Flamekit and Finchkit were fostered by Sorrelstripe while Sparkpelt recovered from her depression. Flamekit never grew close with his mother as a result. He later became an apprentice named Flamepaw and was mentored by his grandmother Lilyheart. Flamepaw grew up in a tumultuous time in ThunderClan when Bramblestar was possessed by Ashfur who tore the Clans and the warrior code apart; Flamepaw's mother and sister were exiled, but they returned under Squirrelflight's temporary leadership. Flamepaw struggled from the legacy of his kin and what was expected from him. After failing his warrior assessment twice, Flamepaw received his warrior name of Flameheart, but rejected his name to free himself of Firestar's shadow. Bramblestar instead named him Nightheart which earned him the disapproval of both his Clan and family. Finding himself unhappy with his Clanmates and his growing affection for Sunbeam, Nightheart joined ShadowClan to be with her, hoping to find a fresh start in a new Clan. However, Nightheart realized his heart belonged in ThunderClan, and he and Sunbeam left ShadowClan for ThunderClan under Squirrelstar's new leadership. He journeyed with Frostpaw to the Cats of the Park as her protector.
History
In The Broken Code arc
Lost Stars
- Flamekit, Finchkit, Sparkpelt, and Sorrelstripe come out of the nursery to listen to the Clan meeting. Later, Flamekit and Finchkit tumble around while being watched by Sorrelstripe as their mother speaks with the Clan deputy, Squirrelflight. When Bramblestar's body is brought to camp, he and Finchkit stare at it with sadness, along with Baykit and Myrtlekit.
The Silent Thaw
- "It would be a good way to prove to your Clanmates that you're more interested in helping them than in wandering off on your own private missions. A mother who's so worried about taking care of her kits would want to set them a good example."
- ―Bramblestar's impostor threatening Flamepaw The Silent Thaw, page 198
- Later on, the tom helps Bristlefrost repair the warriors den. He finds the hole in the roof, calling down to Bristlefrost as he patches it up with threaded bracken. Flamepaw remains tending to the den when Bristlefrost is beckoned by Bramblestar to have a chat. Bramblestar furiously scolds Sparkpelt for attempting to find Lionblaze, and Flamepaw shivers in horror as Sparkpelt pleads not to be banished because her kits are still apprentices. Bramblestar orders Sparkpelt to fetch catmint near the abandoned Twoleg nest and indirectly threatens Flamepaw.
Darkness Within
- Flamepaw and Myrtlepaw emerge from the apprentices' den to observe Thornclaw challenging Lionblaze about ThunderClan's leadership. Thornclaw points out that many of the Clan's leaders and deputies have been Firestar's kin, and he questions if Lionblaze will make Sparkpelt or Flamepaw his deputy. Thornclaw glares at Flamepaw, who shrinks in discomfort and leans closer to Myrtlepaw, and Lionblaze growls at the warrior. Later, Alderheart suggests that if Bristlefrost is bored, she can help Flamepaw and Baypaw to clear out the elders' bedding.
The Place of No Stars
- When Graystripe returns from his wander, he orders the apprentices to take the remaining prey off the fresh-kill pile to the elders.
A Light in the Mist
- Larksong asks Bristlefrost how his kits are doing, and she replies they are doing well.
In the A Starless Clan arc
River
- Flamepaw: "How long are we all going to keep talking about Ashfur, and what happened? How long are we going to make that the excuse for everything? I bet the other Clans aren't obsessing over it like we are."
- Finchlight: "ThunderClan has always been the natural leader of all the Clans. For that reason, we have to hold ourselves to a higher standard."
- River, pages 118-119
- At the Gathering, Flamepaw grumbles how his Clanmates believe ThunderClan is superior after Ashfur's defeat. Some of the other Clan apprentices tease Flamepaw for failing his warrior assessment. Sunbeam, a ShadowClan cat, breaks up the apprentices, though her remark about Flamepaw not really resembling his name hurts him. As the Clan leaders discuss changes to be made about the warrior code, Flamepaw offers that cats who decide to leave their Clan to be with their loved ones should be demoted to apprentices, but he is teased by the other apprentices. Lilyheart gently scolds Flamepaw for speaking up at the Gathering because of his rank, though Bramblestar offers support. At camp, Flamepaw is scolded by his mentor for letting Spotfur's kits Bristlekit, Stemkit, and Graykit help him with apprentices duties, but he finds comfort in his mother Sparkpelt. However, the conversation derails when Sparkpelt brings up the expectations of his lineage, resulting in Flamepaw snapping at her for abandoning him. Sorrelstripe, his foster mother, comforts him.
- Sorrelstripe encourages Flamepaw to tell Lilyheart that he's ready for his warrior assessment and Bramblestar agrees to watch. While waiting for his kin from below Highledge, Minnowtail and Havenpelt arrive from RiverClan asking if they've seen their deputy Reedwhisker who was missing. They leave shortly after and the Clan argues about their suspicious behavior before Squirrelflight stops the argument. She tells Flamepaw that Bramblestar can't make his assessment but she goes instead. During his assessment, Flamepaw catches a thrush in front of a hawk to demonstrate his courage, but Squirrelflight scolds him for acting carelessly. Failing his test yet again, Flamepaw sculks away from his Clanmates and argues with his sister when she also believes ThunderClan is better than the other Clans. The two siblings eventually make up, and while the two littermates chat about how Flamepaw feels out of place in ThunderClan, they overhear Squirrelflight and Bramblestar arguing about WindClan stealing prey. Squirrelflight decides to speak to WindClan about it without Bramblestar's permission and takes Sparkpelt and Flamepaw with her. However, Crowfeather cautions Squirrelflight about Bramblestar's odd behavior since his experience in the Dark Forest.
- At the next Gathering, Flamepaw is teased by some WindClan warriors for not receiving his warrior name yet, and he seeks to brood alone by the shore. Sunbeam is also there, and she admits how her crush Blazefire admitted to not reciprocating her feelings, her best friend Lightleap now spending more time with him, and now her brother Spireclaw revealing to wanting to be mates with Fringewhisker, a SkyClan cat. Flamepaw reveals how he failed his assessment twice, and the two find solace in their troubles. Flamepaw finally passes his assessment by catching a rabbit in its hollow, though feels disheartened when his mother credits his ancestry to Firestar for his skills. Flamepaw receives his warrior name the next day and is finally pleased to become a warrior. However, Bramblestar names him Flameheart after Firestar's warrior name Fireheart, and Flamepaw is furious. He refuses his warrior name despite outcries from the Clan. Bramblestar however understands Flamepaw's anger about wanting to be free from Firestar's shadow and renames him Nightheart in honor of his appearance and demeanor.
Sky
- "I'm not going to calm down. Not as long as I'm stuck in this hollow. This Clan treats me like a mouse-brain. I get no respect, and no cat cares what I think or how I feel. I'm not going to put up with it any longer. I'm a good warrior. I'm strong and I'm smart and I deserve Clanmates who value me. I'm going to join a Clan that'll appreciate me."
- ―Nightheart deciding to leave ThunderClan for ShadowClan Sky (book), page 317
- Nightheart, Alderheart, Fidgetflake, Rootspring, Sunbeam, and Lightleap journey beyond WindClan's territory towards a Twolegplace SkyClan had passed on the way to the lake. Nightheart and Sunbeam take first watch when they rest for the night, and the two bond discussing the recent changes to the warrior code and their own problems in their own Clans. Nightheart finds himself falling for her. The next day, Nightheart helps free Sunbeam when she is caught underneath a Twoleg fence, urging her to calm down by reminding her Lightleap is watching. They pass by a Twoleg festival and both Nightheart and Sunbeam are captivated by the enticing Twoleg food smells, though Rootspring insists they must keep walking. They find the Twolegplace and quickly locate enough catmint for all five Clans. They pass by the Twoleg festival on their way back, and when the others decide to rest for the night, Nightheart and Sunbeam dash away to the festival. Together they snatch a piece of Twoleg prey to share with the others. On their way back to the Clans, Nightheart hopes to maintain his friendship with Sunbeam.
- Back at camp, Nightheart hopes he'll have earned his Clanmates' respect after participating in the journey, though he's disappointed when Squirrelflight assigns him to den cleaning since they Clan doesn't have any apprentices. Frustrated at Squirrelflight, Nightheart goes to clean Bramblestar's den only to find Bramblestar unfocused in his nest. Bramblestar questions Nightheart about how Squirrelflight allowed Crowfeather to take a vole to settle a prey-stealing disagreement without Bramblestar's knowledge. At the emergency Gathering, Nightheart sits next to Sunbeam as Mothwing announces Owlnose as RiverClan's newest leader with Mistystar and Reedwhisker dead. While clearing out the elders' den, Nightheart overhears Leafstar discussing with Squirrelflight and Bramblestar about Tigerstar's offer to lead RiverClan while they're floundering without proper leadership. After, Bramblestar asks Nightheart to sneak into ShadowClan to figure out what Tigerstar's planning with Bayshine. Nightheart is excited to go on a secret mission for his leader, though Bayshine informs Squirrelflight who puts a halt to their plans.
- Believing that his Clanmates don't care about him, Nightheart decides to speak to Sunbeam about potentially joining ShadowClan to be with her. He asks if she would be okay with him joining ShadowClan one day and she agrees since ShadowClan needs all the strong warriors they can get. He also questions if Tigerstar is planning on invading RiverClan, though Sunbeam believes he wouldn't. After Nightheart leaves, Sunbeam shares Nightheart's worries with Flaxfoot, though her Clanmate betrays her by informing Berryheart who confronts Tigerstar about it. Tigerstar vehemently denies his intentions to invade RiverClan over his grief for Rowankit's death, and Berryheart argues with Sunbeam about trusting a ThunderClan cat. When Blazefire and Lightleap become mates, Sunbeam realizes she has feelings for Nightheart and accepts Blazefire's relationship with Lightleap. When Nightheart returns to ThunderClan's camp, he and Squirrelflight argue about the other's behavior until Nightheart announces he's leaving ThunderClan for ShadowClan. Nightheart finds ShadowClan's camp nearly empty except Blazefire, who is shocked by Nightheart's request to join the Clan.
Shadow
- "I can see ThunderClan for what it is, and I want ThunderClan to see me for who I am. I have great love for this Clan, the Clan of my ancestors, and I want to be the best warrior I can be."
- ―Nightheart to Squirrelflight about rejoining ThunderClan Shadow (book), page 269
- In preparation for his trials, Sunbeam shows him around ShadowClan's territory and the pair gather honey from an abandoned bee hive. After witnessing Fringewhisker's second trial, Sunbeam encourages Nightheart to learn from her success: to think creatively and only focus on the task Berryheart will assign him. Berryheart tasks the black tom with catching frogs for the whole Clan, and at first he struggles catching the slippery and unfamilar prey, but Nightheart quickly uses flies to lure them into a hole they cannot escape. He gleefully returns to camp with his success, and despite Berryheart's insistence that he didn't kill any of them, Tigerstar allows it since Nightheart was only tasked with catching frogs.
- When Sunbeam is tasked with guarding RiverClan for a few days, Berryheart and Yarrowleaf confront Nightheart about his loyalty to ShadowClan and Sunbeam. Berryheart reveals that Sunbeam had always loved Blazefire until he got together with Lightleap, but Nightheart vows his loyalty to Sunbeam and the Clan. In lieu of his second task, Tigerstar asks Dovewing to take Nightheart to say goodbye to his former Clanmates, much to Nightheart's horror. While the ThunderClan cats are pleased to see Dovewing, they are less than thrilled to see Nightheart. Nightheart apologizes to Lilyheart for his abrupt depature, though he argues with his mother about his unhappiness in ThunderClan. Before he leaves, Squirrelflight asks him to speak with Bramblestar. The ThunderClan leader is vacant and disinterested as Nightheart explains his reasons for leaving, and he is relieved when Dovewing says they can return to ShadowClan.
- Despite Sunbeam's concerns, Nightheart is confident he'll pass his second trial. The pair briefly argue when they spot Berryheart, Yarrowleaf, and Whorlpelt sneak out of camp. Nightheart and Sunbeam follow them to the greenleaf Twolegplace at the edge of RiverClan territory to meet with Splashtail, Duskfur, and Mallownose. They discuss their concerns about Tigerstar taking over RiverClan, and Nightheart and Sunbeam are conflicted on what they should do. The next morning, Berryheart tasks Nightheart with stealing something from the inhabited greenleaf Twolegplace to test his stealth and speed. Nightheart encounters a dog inside the Twoleg thin pelt, but manages to speed away with a scrap of Twoleg pelt.
- At the Gathering, Nightheart speaks to his sister Finchlight about Bramblestar's aloof behavior. She confesses that Bramblestar doesn't seem interested in leadership anymore. That night, Nightheart has a nightmare of his Clanmates attacking ShadowClan's camp, and he decides to visit his former Clan the following morning before his trial. He once again receives a hostile greeting from his former Clanmates, though Bramblestar is pleased to see him. The ThunderClan leader explains how he's been experiencing nightmares since his time in the Dark Forest and his doubts on his ability to continue to lead. Nightheart encourages him to step down since Squirrelflight would make a strong leader, and Bramblestar thanks him for his advice, hoping things work out with him and Sunbeam. As he returns to ShadowClan for his final trial, Nightheart is torn over his kin and Sunbeam. He arrives nearly late for his task, which Berryheart explains that he'll have to fight off rats, catch pieces of prey, and climb a precarious tree to grab an egg from a bird's nest. Nightheart easily accomplishes the first two parts, but he purposefully falls from the tree and fails his task. Tigerstar compliments his efforts but insists he must leave his territory. Sunbeam confronts Nightheart for purposefully failing, but he apologizes, explaining how ThunderClan needs him.
- Nightheart returns to ThunderClan, and Sparkpelt is pleased her son has returned, accepting him by his chosen name. Bramblestar announces that he's stepping down from leadership with Squirrelflight to take his place, much to the shock of the Clan. Nightheart advocates to Squirrelflight to rejoin the Clan, and she grants his request, warning he might have to prove himself to his Clanmates again. Nightheart vows that he will. The next day, Sunbeam arrives in their camp to join ThunderClan to be with Nightheart.
Thunder
- Nightheart: "Aha! That's called teamwork, Frostpaw! ThunderClan style!"
- Frostpaw: "Oh, are you ThunderClan this week? Weren't you ShadowClan last week? I keep losing track."
- Thunder, page 235
- Three days into their journey, Nightheart confronts Frostpaw for her distant behavior, despite her insistence that he must trust her. While fishing, the pair are attacked by otters, injuring Nightheart's hind leg. After they fumble through a Twolegplace, Nightheart begins to worry he's too much of a bother for Frostpaw. They cross a large river by jumping through tree branches and search for the salmon-colored tree as Riverstar instructed Frostpaw. Near a Twolegplace, they find a tree bathed in pink light, and Frostpaw recognizes it as the place Riverstar meant for them to find. In the morning, they are introduced to the Cats of the Park, who pass down stories of Riverstar who once rescued them from vicious rogues. Nightheart convinces Frostpaw that they should stay as long as she needs to, knowing that what she learns will save RiverClan. In the meanwhile, Nightheart teaches some of the park cats some training techniques. He comforts and reassures Frostpaw when she realizes that it was Splashtail who attacked her. After nearly a moon away from home, he and Frostpaw return back to the Clans, with Waffle and Wasp joining them. At the Gathering, the four cats overhear Splashtail assuming leadership of RiverClan. Knowing he was the one to kill Reedwhisker, Nightheart resolves that they won't let him get away with this.
In the Super Editions
Squirrelflight's Hope
- Flamekit is the secondborn of Sparkpelt and Larksong, with his sister Finchkit and his brother Flickerkit. Flamekit's brother is stillborn and Larksong dies just as the siblings are born. With the death of her mate and son, Sparkpelt is unable to look after Flamekit or Finchkit because she is in a deep depression, and the two siblings are given to Sorrelstripe to be looked after.
- Bramblestar and Squirrelflight, Flamekit's and Finchkit's grandparents, find peace looking over the two siblings as Sparkpelt struggles with her depression, and Squirrelflight begins to realize that she is enjoying looking after her grandchildren over having another litter with Bramblestar. Daisy begins to worry that the siblings won't see Sparkpelt as their mother anymore and instead turn to herself or Sorrelstripe because of Sparkpelt's refusal to interact with her kits.
- When Squirrelflight returns from StarClan, she convinces Sparkpelt to spend time with her kits after learning that Larksong and Flickerkit would be watching over them from StarClan. When Squirrelflight and Sparkpelt go to see the two kits, Flamekit is excited to see his grandmother and initially doesn't believe that Sparkpelt wants to interact with them, but his mother soon begins to develop a proper relationship with her children, while Flamekit and Finchkit are happy that their mother wants to spend time with them.
Graystripe's Vow
- When Thornclaw angrily points out the Clan's nepotism with leadership roles and Firestar's bloodline, he rhetorically yowls if Flamepaw or Sparkpelt will be named deputy next, glaring at Flamepaw.
In the Novellas
Spotfur's Rebellion
- When Spotfur and Stemleaf discuss Bramblestar's strange behavior with Thriftear, Spotfur notices Flamepaw and Finchpaw out of earshot, changing out the elders' bedding. Later, she sees Flamepaw pulling a tick from Cloudtail.
Daisy's Kin
- Daisy notes that Flamepaw had grown up so much, wondering when his warrior ceremony would be. Mousewhisker credits her with taking part in raising the young apprentice. A while later, she spots Flamepaw taking prey from the fresh-kill pile with his sister.
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
Nightheart's warrior ceremony | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Reference: River, pages 235-237 |
Kin
Members
Mate:
Mother:
Father:
Sister:
- Finchlight:[1] Living (As of Thunder)
Brother:
- Flickerkit:[16] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Foster mother:
- Sorrelstripe:[17] Living (As of Thunder)
Foster sister:
- Myrtlebloom:[17] Living (As of Thunder)
Foster brother:
- Alderheart:[18] Living (As of Thunder)
- Juniperkit:[19] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Aunts:
- Leafshade:[18] Living (As of Thunder)
- Honeyfur:[18] Living (As of Thunder)
- Dandelionkit:[19] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Grandmothers:
- Squirrelstar:[20] Living (As of Thunder)
- Lilyheart:[18] Living (As of Thunder)
Grandfathers:
- Brambleclaw:[20] Living (As of Thunder)
- Snowbush:[21] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-grandfathers:
- Tigerstar:[22] Deceased, no residence
- Firestar:[23] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Cloudtail:[24] Living (As of Thunder)
- Brackenfur:[25] Living (As of Thunder)
Great-grandmothers:
- Goldenflower:[22] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Sandstorm:[23] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Brightheart:[24] Living (As of Thunder)
- Sorreltail:[25] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-grandfathers:
- Pinestar:[26] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Jake:[27] Deceased, unknown residence
- Smallear:[28] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Oliver:[29] Status unknown
- Lionheart:[30] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Whitestorm:[31] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-grandmothers:
- Leopardfoot:[26] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Nutmeg:[27] Status unknown
- Speckletail:[32] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Princess:[33] Living (As of Dawn)
- Frostfur:[34] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Willowpelt:[35] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-great-grandfathers:
- Fuzzypelt:[36] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Adderfang:[37] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Thistleclaw:[38] Deceased, verified the Place of No Stars member
- Oakstar:[39] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Stagleap:[28] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-great-grandmothers:
- Robinwing:[36] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Swiftbreeze:[40] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Snowfur:[38] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Sweetbriar:[41] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Harepounce:[42] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Crystal:[43] Living (As of Pinestar's Choice)
Great-great-great-great-grandmothers:
- Flashnose:[44] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Moonflower:[45] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Poppydawn:[41] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-great-great-grandfathers:
- Stormtail:[46] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Windflight:[47] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-great-great-great-grandmothers:
- Fallowsong:[48] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Daisytoe:[49] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Squirrelwhisker:[50] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-great-great-great-grandfathers:
- Rooktail:[51] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Eaglestorm:[50] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-aunts:
- Leafpool:[52] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Tawnypelt:[53] Living (As of Thunder)
- Whitewing:[54] Living (As of Thunder)
- Ambermoon:[55] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Honeyfern:[56] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Poppyfrost:[56] Living (As of Thunder)
- Cinderheart:[56] Living (As of Thunder)
- Seedpaw:[57] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-uncles:
Half-great-aunt:
Half-great-uncles:
- Hawkfrost:[58] Deceased, no residence
- Tadpole:[59] Deceased, unknown residence
- Swiftpaw:[60] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Half-great-uncle/aunt:
Great-great-aunts:
- Mistkit:[63] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Nightkit:[63] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Cinderpelt:[64] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Mistlekit:[65] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-uncles:
- Thornclaw:[34] Living (As of Thunder)
- Snowkit:[66] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Rainwhisker:[67] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Sootfur:[67] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-uncles/aunts:
- Filou:[68][69] Status unknown
- Luna:[68][69] Status unknown
- Tommy:[68][69] Status unknown
- Nami:[70][29] Status unknown
- Zack:[70][29] Status unknown
- Livy:[70][29] Status unknown
- Taylor:[70][29] Status unknown
Half-great-great-uncles:
- Scourge:[71] Deceased, no residence
- Socks:[71] Living (As of The Rise of Scourge)
- Darkstripe:[72] Deceased, no residence
- Graystripe:[73] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Ashfur:[74] Deceased, no residence
- Elderkit:[74] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Tulipkit:[74] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Half-great-great-aunts:
Great-great-great-aunts:
- One-eye:[42] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Brindleface:[36] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Spottedleaf:[40] Deceased, no residence
Great-great-great-uncles:
- Patchpelt:[45] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Redtail:[40] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Dustpelt:[75] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Ravenpaw:[76] Deceased, verified StarClan and Unknown Residence member
Great-great-great-uncles/aunts:
- Ferris:[43] Living (As of Pinestar's Choice)
- Whiskers:[43] Living (As of Pinestar's Choice)
- Cherrypaw:[75] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Chestnutkit:[75] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Half-great-great-great-aunt:
- Frecklewish:[77] Deceased, verified the Place of No Stars member
Half-great-great-great-uncles:
Great-great-great-great-aunts:
- Bluestar:[79] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Rosetail:[41] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Sweetpaw:[41] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Half-great-great-great-great-aunt:
- Dappletail:[50] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Half-great-great-great-great-uncles:
- Tawnyspots:[50] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Thrushpelt:[50] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Great-great-great-great-great-uncles:
- Rabbitleap:[48] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Heronwing:[48] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Goosefeather:[80] Deceased, verified StarClan member
Second cousins:
- Hollytuft:[81] Living (As of Thunder)
- Fernsong:[81] Living (As of Thunder)
- Sorrelstripe:[81] Living (As of Thunder)
- Sleekwhisker:[82] Living (As of River of Fire)
- Juniperclaw:[83] Deceased, verified border guardian between the Dark Forest and StarClan
- Strikestone:[83] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Spotfur:[84] Living (As of Thunder)
- Flywhisker:[84] Living (As of Graystripe's Vow)
- Snaptooth:[84] Living (As of Graystripe's Vow)
- Lightleap:[85] Living (As of Thunder)
- Shadowsight:[85] Living (As of Thunder)
- Pouncestep:[85] Living (As of Thunder)
- Rowankit:[86] Deceased, verified StarClan member
- Birchpaw:[86] Living (As of Thunder)
- Bristlefrost:[87] Deceased, no residence
- Thriftear:[87] Living (As of Thunder)
- Flipclaw:[87] Living (As of Thunder)
- Bayshine:[1] Living (As of Thunder)
- Myrtlebloom:[1] Living (As of Thunder)
- Graykit:[86] Living (As of Thunder)
- Stempaw:[86] Living (As of Thunder)
- Bristlepaw:[86] Living (As of Thunder)
Tree
Genetic
= Tom
= She-cat
= Gender unknown
Foster
Sorrelstripe ♀ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finchlight ♀ | Nightheart ♂ | Myrtlebloom ♀ | Bayshine ♂ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
= Tom
= She-cat
= Gender unknown
Appearances
- Spotfur's Rebellion
- Squirrelflight's Hope
- Lost Stars (First appearance)
- The Silent Thaw
- Veil of Shadows (Allegiance only)
- Darkness Within
- Graystripe's Vow (Mentioned only)
- Daisy's Kin
- The Place of No Stars
- A Light in the Mist (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- River
- Sky
- Shadow
- Thunder
Trivia
Interesting facts
- Nightheart and his siblings have kittypet ancestry through Firestar.[88]
- Despite being younger than Bayshine and Myrtlebloom, he and Finchlight were apprenticed first.[89]
- Nightheart's original name Flamepaw was named after Firestar.[90]
- Nightheart's original warrior name, Flameheart, was named after Firestar's original warrior name: Fireheart.[6] Nightheart's current name is after his black pelt and demeanor, which reflects after his father Larksong, and the fact that Nightheart bears qualities of Firestar.[7]
- In regards to his warrior name, the Story Team added, "...but more than just accurately reflecting his appearance, his name speaks to his rebellious spirit, while still acknowledging the similarities we envisioned between the new warrior and his highly regarded ancestor. He possesses some of Firestar's best qualities—bravery, a sense of justice, a good heart—but in a kind of nighttime version that is quieter and more self-doubting. [...] Finally, there is the fact that due to his black pelt [...] At night he gets to be his boldest self and take risks he might not in the light of day. For all these reasons, Nightheart is the perfect name for him."[91]
- Nightheart is one of the few cats to reject a Clan name.[7][92][93][94]
- Nightheart is said to look like his father, Larksong.[90]
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.[95]
Mistakes
- He is called Nightpelt.[96]
- He mentions how WindClan used to tunnel, however there is no way for him to have known this as this fact had been kept a secret among WindClan.[97]
- He is mistakenly depicted as a tabby.[98][99]
Quotes
- «I'm even sort of named after Firestar, Flamepaw thought. Gazing at his black paws, he added to himself, Which is weird, because I'm not at all fire-colored. I guess Firestar was such a great cat, it was more important to Sparkpelt to remind every cat that I'm his kin, instead of looking at what I'm actually like. I wonder if my father would have gone along with it.»
- —Flamepaw about his name River (book), page 9
- "I never asked to be Firestar's kin. I don't feel like Firestar's kin. Every cat says that you look just like him, and maybe Finchlight at least has a bit of orange in her pelt, but I'm an all-black cat!"
- ―Flamepaw to Sparkpelt about the expectations of his kin River (book), page 84
- "I guess I'm sad. And confused. I'm supposed to be this brilliant ThunderClan warrior from a line of important ThunderClan warriors—so why do I feel so out of place? Am I just not a good fit for this Clan? Is that why my mother wasn't here for me when I was a kit cowering in the nursery, worrying about the bad cat who'd taken over the Clan?"
- ―Flamepaw to Finchlight about the expectations of his kin River (book), page 140
- «Flamepaw gazed at her. No cat in his own Clan had said this to him. They all act like my problems are my own fault. But here was a cat from a different Clan, a cat who really saw him, who knew what he was going through. It feels so great to be understood, but she's a ShadowClan cat, so I might not get to talk to her again.'»
- —Flamepaw's thoughts about Sunbeam River (book), page 211
- «Flamepaw wondered when his mother would give him credit for his efforts, instead of pointing to the skills of some long-ago kin he had never even met. The answer seemed to be never. [...] His kin seemed to think they were honoring him, but Flamepaw felt as trapped as a mouse kept prisoner under their claws. Or as if he walked through his days under an enormous shadow—a shadow cast by the great leader Firestar.»
- —Flamepaw about Firestar River (book), page 232
- Nightheart: "Are you happy I came to see you?"
- Sunbeam: "Sure. But why are you here? It's dangerous."
- Sky, pages 282-283
- 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
- Squirrelflight: "Did you go on Bramblestar's mission after all?"
- Nightheart: "So what if I did?"
- Sky, pages 314-316
- 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
- "So I should think first, instead of just throwing myself into my task. I'm a throwing-myself-into-it sort of cat."
- ―Nightheart Shadow (book), page 74
- 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
- Nightheart's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- A Legacy of Fire on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
- Nightheart and the Burden of Legacy 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 Flamepaw artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- A Starless Clan trio artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Our favorite Nightheart artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Nightheart and Sunbeam artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Shadow, page 269
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 321
- ↑ Revealed in Squirrelflight's Hope, chapter 17
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Revealed in The Silent Thaw, allegiances
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Revealed in River, page 235
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Revealed in River, page 237
- ↑ Revealed in River, page 228
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, chapter 22
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 91
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 107
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 90
- ↑ Revealed in River, page 233
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 268
- ↑ Revealed in Squirrelflight's Hope, page 107
- ↑ Revealed in Squirrelflight's Hope, page 253
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Revealed in Squirrelflight's Hope, page 259
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, allegiances
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, page 9
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm comic
- ↑ The allegiances of The Apprentice's Quest establish that Leafshade, Honeyfur, and Larksong are born to Lilyheart. While never outright stated that Snowbush is the father of this litter, Snowbush is confirmed to be Lilyheart's mate on page 74 of River of Fire.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Revealed in Rising Storm, pages 19-20
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 15
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Revealed in Midnight, page 17
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Revealed in Twilight, page 50
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 216
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 Revealed in The Ultimate Guide, page 197
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Blackfoot's Reckoning, chapter 6
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 95
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 48
- ↑ Revealed in Fire and Ice, page 219
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 Revealed in Forest of Secrets, pages 62-63
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, page 120
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 329
- ↑ Revealed in Spottedleaf's Heart, chapter 1
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 327
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 Revealed in Pinestar's Choice, chapter 1
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 362
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 47
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 Revealed in Goosefeather's Curse, chapter 8
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 Revealed in Pinestar's Choice, chapter 5
- ↑ Revealed in Goosefeather's Curse, chapter 3
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 8
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 19
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 315
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 Revealed in Goosefeather's Curse, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Goosefeather's Curse, chapter 4
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 50.3 50.4 Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Goosefeather's Curse, chapter 1
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 510
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, page 20
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 509
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 216
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 56.3 Revealed in Sunset, page 27
- ↑ Revealed in The Forgotten Warrior, page 146
- ↑ 58.0 58.1 Revealed in Moonrise, page 258
- ↑ Revealed in Return to the Clans, page 2
- ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 225
- ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 153
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ 63.0 63.1 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 266
- ↑ Revealed in Fire and Ice, pages 95-97
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, page 16
- ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 44
- ↑ 67.0 67.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 12
- ↑ 68.0 68.1 68.2 Revealed in Fire and Ice, pages 116-117
- ↑ 69.0 69.1 69.2 Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ 70.0 70.1 70.2 70.3 Revealed in Fire and Ice, page 230
- ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 Revealed in The Rise of Scourge, page 3
- ↑ Revealed in Onestar's Confession, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 44
- ↑ 74.0 74.1 74.2 74.3 Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ 75.0 75.1 75.2 Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 9
- ↑ Revealed in Mapleshade's Vengeance, chapter 1
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 23
- ↑ 81.0 81.1 81.2 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 478
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, pages 347-348
- ↑ 83.0 83.1 Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, pages 114-115
- ↑ 84.0 84.1 84.2 Revealed in The Raging Storm, page 11
- ↑ 85.0 85.1 85.2 Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 187
- ↑ 86.0 86.1 86.2 86.3 86.4 Revealed in River, allegiances
- ↑ 87.0 87.1 87.2 Revealed in River of Fire, page 203
- ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 1
- ↑ 89.0 89.1 Revealed in The Silent Thaw, page 43
- ↑ 90.0 90.1 Revealed in River, page 9
- ↑ Nightheart and the Burden of Legacy on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed in SkyClan's Destiny, page 311
- ↑ Revealed in Dark River, page 86
- ↑ Revealed in River of Fire, page 186
- ↑ Sunbeam and Nightheart: an unlikely Warrior Cats love story on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 282
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 114
- ↑ Revealed on the cover of River
- ↑ Revealed on the cover of Sky
ThunderClan cats | |
---|---|
Leader | Squirrelstar |
Deputy | Ivypool |
Medicine cats | Jayfeather • Alderheart |
Warriors | Whitewing • Birchfall • Mousewhisker • Poppyfrost • Cinderheart • Lionblaze • Bumblestripe • Blossomfall • Cherryfall • Molewhisker • Lilyheart • Dewnose • Stormcloud • Fernsong • Sorrelstripe • Hollytuft • Sparkpelt • Honeyfur • Leafshade • Twigbranch • Finleap • Eaglewing • Plumstone • Shellfur • Thriftear • Flipclaw • Bayshine • Myrtlebloom • Nightheart • Finchlight • Fernstripe • Sunbeam |
Apprentices | N/A |
Queens | Daisy • Spotfur |
Kits | Bristlekit • Stemkit • Graykit |
Elders | Brackenfur • Brightheart • Cloudtail • Thornclaw • Brambleclaw |