Founding of the Clans

"Clans! The five Clans, like the five petals of the Blazing Star."

— Pebble Heart remarking on the Clans' formation in Path of Stars, page 304

Founding of the Clans
General information
Book	Path of Stars, Riverstar's Home
Timeframe	Leaf-bare
Place	The forest territories
Outcome	WindClan, ThunderClan, ShadowClan, RiverClan, and SkyClan are formed
Participants
Key characters	Gray Wing, Clear Sky, Wind Runner, Tall Shadow, Thunder, River Ripple
Affiliations involved	Tall Shadow's camp Clear Sky's camp River Ripple's camp Wind Runner's camp Thunder's camp
Chronology
Preceded by:	The sickness, One Eye's oppression
Followed by:	SkyClan-WindClan conflict

The founding of the Clans was an event that took place throughout Dawn of the Clans, though culminating in Path of Stars, in which the groups of wild cats living in the forest territories formally took on the names WindClan, ThunderClan, ShadowClan, RiverClan, and SkyClan.

Summary

Premise

Main article: Journey to the forest territories (DotC)

"Our home cannot support us all. But there is another place for some of us, full of sunlight and warmth and prey for all seasons. I have seen it...in my dreams."

―Stoneteller about their new home ^{The Sun Trail, page 14}

During a barren cold season in which the Tribe of Rushing Water suffered a great famine, sixteen Tribe cats left in search of the territory dreamed of by Stoneteller. After reaching the new land, the mountain cats fractured into separate groups and accepted many of the native rogues and loners into their ranks. However, Clear Sky began enforcing borders to protect those in his territory, and his ruthless behavior towards his former Tribemates drove a wedge between them. As tensions rose, the leaders—Tall Shadow, Gray Wing, and Thunder from the moor and Clear Sky from the forest—met at the four trees to attempt to come to a compromise, but it resulted in a deadly battle. Following the first battle, the spirits of their fallen rose and informed them to unite or die.

Overview

"We came to tell you one thing. Unite or die."

―Shaded Moss to the living cats ^{The First Battle, page 289}

Under the direction of their slain kin, the cats eventually solidified into five groups in the forest, by the river, on the moor, and in the pine forest. These groups took on the name Clans, proposed by Gray Wing to describe the bonds formed between campmates, and were named after their founders: WindClan, ThunderClan, ShadowClan, RiverClan, and SkyClan. The Clans differentiated themselves from other groups due to caring for one another, from the weakest kit to the frailest elder, and they developed unique traditions, such as abiding by a code of honor, the role of medicine cats, and the granting of nine lives in a leadership ceremony.

Description

The Blazing Star

Moon Shadow: "But there's still more work to be done. Only the Blazing Star can blunt the claw."

Bright Stream: "Yes, the Blazing Star. To survive, you must grow and spread like the Blazing Star."

^{The Blazing Star (book), page 35}

The spirit cats asked the Early Settlers to grow and spread like the five petals of the Blazing Star.

One moon after the first battle, the leaders met again at four trees in a truce under the full moon to speak with the spirit cats. The spirit cats provide them with a new message: they must grow and spread like the Blazing Star. When an unknown sickness spreads amongst the groups, the mountain cats realize the Blazing Star is a healing herb, and the four groups work together to share the vital herb and defeat One Eye, a notorious rogue preventing them from gathering the herb. The spirit cats meet with the leaders in their dreams to remind them of the Blazing Star. Now that they realize what the herb means—and its five petals—Gray Wing surmises they must split into five groups, one group for each petal, though Clear Sky suspects it means the groups must be unified once more.

With leaf-bare approaching, the moor cats decide to split into different groups to better suit their own needs and preferences: the forest with Clear Sky, the pine forest, the moor, and the river with River Ripple. Wind Runner's group is initially excluded due to her leaving to care for her family. The cats cast stones, just as they did when they left the mountains, and the cats split into three groups. Tall Shadow leads a group to the pine forest, others join Clear Sky's group in the forest, and few join River Ripple's group. Fed up with his father, Thunder leads a group to settle elsewhere in the forest in a ravine. More cats join the five groups, including some of Slash's former cats. Newcomers were encouraged to format their names to match the longer names like the mountain cats, and later members were required to swear an oath of loyalty to defend the group.

Naming of the Clans

«"They have their own groups." Groups. Suddenly, the word didn't seem enough to describe the closeness he felt for his campmates. Wind Runner, Gorse Fur, Slate, Swift Minnow, Reed Tail, and Spotted Fur—he suddenly realized that he felt as close to them as he felt to his own kin. His thoughts quickened, searching for a word that meant more than groups. A word that reflected the kinship he felt for those he hunted and fought beside. "They have their own Clans," he meowed suddenly."»

—Gray Wing's thoughts about renaming the groups to Clans ^{Path of Stars, page 304}

As Gray Wing begins to die from complications due to his asthma, his kin gathers around him. He suddenly reflects that "groups" doesn't fit the description of the strong bonds that tie him with his campmates, positing that they are instead Clans. He names WindClan after the moor. Silver Stripe proposes ThunderClan after Thunder, White Tail suggests ShadowClan after Tall Shadow, and Black Ear recommends RiverClan after River Ripple. Gray Wing proposes SkyClan for Clear Sky's group, reflecting on how his brother has always kept his determined gaze on the distant horizon. After Gray Wing dies, his suggestions for the term "Clan" is accepted by all five groups, a recommendation that felt right from the moment he said it.

Contact with StarClan

"Like the stars, we light your way when it grows dark. We know what is in your hearts and your dreams."

―Half Moon to Moth Flight ^{Moth Flight's Vision, page 90}

StarClan, originally known as the spirit cats, first appeared to the mountain cats after a devastating battle. They encouraged their living kin to "unite or "die", insisting forming the five Clans would help them survive challenges in the future.

The cats' ancestors—originally known as the spirit cats—first appeared after the first battle when the spirits of the campmates rose from their fallen bodies. The living cats are bewildered by what they see. The spirit cats inform them to stop the unnecessary death and to unite or die. The spirit cats request the leaders to meet at four trees during the next full moon, demanding peace until then. They give him a message to grow and spread like the Blazing Star in order to survive the coming challenges. After combating One Eye and the sickness, the early settlers learn that the Blazing Star is a star-shaped herb. The spirit cats visit the leaders in their dreams to remind them of the Blazing Star prophecy. They sharply remind them of the prophecy when they still having figured it out, and warmly praise them when they have begun splitting into five groups: one group for each petal of the Blazing Star.

The spirit cats begin sending Moth Flight dreams of leadership ceremonies, and sending her a moth to follow. Following the moth, Moth Flight finds the Moonstone, a glowing quartz rock in the middle of a cavern in Highstones. There, the spirit cats name her the first medicine cat and tasks her to find the others. They explain she'll be responsible for healing her Clanmates, interpreting omens, and advising her leader. Though Moth Flight is doubtful, the spirit cats reassure her they'll send a sign. The spirit cats deliver their first sign: striking a tree with lightning to split the sky. The five medicine cats return to the Moonstone at the half moon to communicate with the spirit cats, and Moth Flight coins the name StarClan. After Wind Runner is gravely injured, Moth Flight takes her to the Moonstone where she receives her nine lives and is renamed Windstar.

Development of Clan culture

The warrior code

"Clear Sky is right. If we want these rogues to live by our code, we must show them that our code makes life better. They must see that peace and sharing and honor are good for the group, and that what's good for the group is good for the individual. We find trust in trusting, and learn kindness by being kind."

―River Ripple about the warrior code ^{Path of Stars, page 205}

The early groups established a series of general guidelines to distinguish themselves from the rogue groups in the area and to prevent further terrible battles. The groups share their prey, take care of each other, strive for peace and prosperity, and value honor. Newcomers were required to swear an oath of loyalty to protect and defend their campmates before receiving their new names. The early groups were taught by the spirit cats about a peaceful existence after death and to avoid killing. In addition, leaders were expected to be obeyed, and chose who would succeed them, usually the cat the leader trusted the most. The groups also meet in peace under the full moon at four trees, and kits and queens are encouraged to eat first to grow strong. Over time, this code expanded into sixteen specific laws.

The first ceremony

"Do you promise loyalty to your new campmates? Will you hunt for them and fight for them? Protect them when they are weak and stand by them when they are strong? Then you are part of our group. Our ancestors have watched us tonight. They have heard the promise you have made to your new campmates. May you keep it always, for their sake and all of ours."

―River Ripple's ceremony to the newcomers ^{Path of Stars, page 237}

The first ceremony was held at a meeting of the five groups at four trees under the full moon. Posited by River Ripple, the silver-furred leader suggested a formal ceremony to welcome Slash's former rogues into their groups. The newcomers swore loyalty to their new groups and promise to protect and defend their campmates. The five groups then suggested new names for them. Based upon the wording of the ceremony, it is likely the inspiration of the warrior ceremony, as new warriors vow to protect and defend their Clan with StarClan as their witness and receive their full name.

Mentors, deputies, and medicine cats

Tall Shadow: "Storm Pelt, Dew Nose, and Eagle Feather each have their own trainer. They've only been learning to hunt so far, but they could learn some battle moves too. You've formed quite a bond with Eagle Feather, haven't you?"

Mouse Ear: "He's a fast learner. And it's easier if I train him alone. I can learn his strengths and weaknesses and build on what he already knows."

^{Path of Stars, page 98}

The mountain cats taught their young how to hunt, and to fight, usually in supervised sessions from their kin or other adult cats. In the Cats of the Park, each young cat was assigned a mentor to educate them in the ways of the group. When Slash's rogues began terrorizing the groups, the five groups began assigning their kits with individual trainers to teach them how to hunt and fight. First proposed by Tall Shadow when she observed how well Eagle Feather worked with Mouse Ear, the other groups agreed to follow this process but not to assign kin to teach their own kits due to complications. RiverClan was the first to acknowledge this relationship formally as mentors and apprentices.

Moth Flight was the first medicine cat. She was the first to follow StarClan's messages and discover the Moonstone.

The group leaders chose cats who should succeed them as the group grew and matured. Thunder chose Lightning Tail as the next leader of his group due to the strong bond between the two foster brothers. Wind Runner officially selects Gorse Fur to lead the group when she travels to the Moonstone while gravely injured. At some point, the term deputy for this second-in-command position arose.

In the Tribe, Cloud Spots and Dappled Pelt were the most knowledgeable about healing and herbs, and used their knowledge to treat injuries in their new home. They found plenty of herbs they already knew about in the forest territories and began an herb storage so they'll have a consistent supply during the cold season. Cloud Spots begins to teach Pebble Heart when he begins to show interest in learning. Some rogues in the area, such as Reed, learn which herbs are useful to treat wounds. Moth Flight was named the first official medicine cat when the spirit cats guided her to the Moonstone. They instructed her to deliver their message to the other Clans, to inform the other medicine cats, to heal and care for her Clanmates, interpreting omens from their ancestors, and advising her leader. Moth Flight informs the five Clans at the Gathering about the spirit cats' message. The other chosen medicine cats reveal they've also been having unusual dreams, and they agree to learn from each other about treating diseases and injuries. The medicine cats visit the Moonstone during the half moon to communicate with the spirit cats with instructions to meet every half moon. After Moth Flight gives up her kits to the other Clans, the medicine cats vow to never have families to remain dedicated to their Clanmates.

Aftermath

"Five territories beside one another with the lake at their heart."

―Mistystar ^{The Raging Storm, page 319}

The Clans thrived in the forest for many years, expanding their code and developing mythology about the Clans' origin in LionClan, TigerClan, and LeopardClan, though their memories of the Tribe faded. However, SkyClan was forced to leave the forest when their territory was destroyed and the other Clans refused to help them, and their memory eventually was lost over time. Eventually, the four remaining Clans were forced to leave the forest when Twolegs destroyed their territory. They settled in the lake territories, once the home of the Ancients, who were the ancestors of the Tribe of Rushing Water. SkyClan lived in a gorge until they disbanded from rats until Firestar revived the lost Clan. They lived in isolation until reuniting with the other four Clans by the lake.

Major characters

Gray Wing

«I have traveled so far and loved so much, and yet I am still following the Sun Trail, heading for my new hunting grounds.»

—Gray Wing as he heads for StarClan ^{Path of Stars, page 308}

Gray Wing, the early settler who proposed the name Clans.

Gray Wing was a member of the Tribe who journeyed on the sun trail with his Tribemates and brothers, Clear Sky and Jagged Peak. He was once a leader of the moor group, attempting to keep the peace between his cats and the forest cats led by Clear Sky. Just before his death, Gray Wing created the term Clans for the groups of cats living in the forest, naming the moor group WindClan and the forest group SkyClan. Gray Wing's children, Silver Stripe, White Tail, and Black Ear, named the remaining groups ThunderClan, ShadowClan, and RiverClan respectively. Gray Wing was known as a father to many, including Pebble Heart, Sparrow Fur, Owl Eyes, and Thunder, who became the first leader of ThunderClan. He was also a skilled strategist, capable of scheming brilliant battle strategies. Later generations would remember him as Gray Wing the Wise.

Windstar

«[Gray Wing] trusted Wind Runner to keep her word. She was a brave and honorable leader, and he felt fortunate to have been trusted by her.»

—Gray Wing reflecting on his friendship with Wind Runner as he dies ^{Path of Stars, page 302}

Windstar, the first leader of WindClan.

Windstar, originally known as Wind and Wind Runner, was the first leader of WindClan. She was formerly a rogue living on the moor with Gorse, her mate, and they befriended Gray Wing. Wind and Gorse joined Tall Shadow's group, although Tall Shadow was initially hesitant to trust outsiders. Wind was renamed Wind Runner like the mountain cats. She was headstrong, determined, and quickly demonstrated leadership skills, making the others wonder if she wanted to lead. When Clear Sky began enforcing borders, Wind Runner challenged them due to her seniority living in the forest, and she quickly developed a bitter opinion of Clear Sky. However, after the death of two of her kits, Wind Runner decided to take her family and leave the group. She established her own group on the moor, using what she learned from living with the mountain cats. Wind Runner was distrustful of outsiders, and it took a long time for others to gain her trust. Wind Runner eventually became the leader of WindClan and she was the first leader to gain nine lives from StarClan.

Thunderstar

«Gray Wing gazed at [Thunder] proudly. The hotheaded young tom had become a strong leader. His cats looked up to him. Gray Wing had seen the warmth and respect with which his campmates looked at him.»

—Gray Wing's pride in Thunder ^{Path of Stars, page 303}

Thunderstar, the first leader of ThunderClan.

Thunderstar, originally known as Thunder, was the first leader of ThunderClan. Thunder was the son of Storm and Clear Sky, though he was raised by Gray Wing after his mother's death and his father's dismissal. Thunder grew up intrigued by the forest and his father's group, and after demonstrating his bravery during the fire, Thunder joined his father's group. However, the young tom and his father frequently argued, and Thunder left the group after his father exiled Frost. Their relationship continued to deteriorate towards the first battle. Thunder grew as a leader in Tall Shadow's group, his bravery and courage making him a natural leader. After Tall Shadow's group split, Thunder left for the forest where his heart belonged, though he left Clear Sky's group after continued arguments with his father to form his own group in the forest. His dedication and care towards his cats encouraged others to follow him. Thunder eventually became the leader of ThunderClan and earned the name Thunderstar.

Shadowstar

«[Shadowstar] wished that Moon Shadow had lived to see the life she and the other cats from the mountains had built here: their five thriving Clans, the peace between them, and the fine hunting around their territories, so different from the starvation they’d fled. They’d found the future they’d been hoping for when they left the mountains, but her brother had not been with them to enjoy it.»

—Shadowstar reflecting on the Clans' founding ^{Shadowstar's Life, chapter 1}

Shadowstar, the first leader of ShadowClan.

Shadowstar, originally known as Tall Shadow, was the first leader of ShadowClan. She and her brother Moon Shadow left the mountains in search of a new home. After Shaded Moss's death, Tall Shadow took leadership of the sun trail group, and she led them to the forest territories. She settled in the moor and grew distrustful of the native rogues living in the area. When Clear Sky and others wish to live in the woodlands, Tall Shadow lets them leave. After a while, some cats began to challenge Tall Shadow's passive leadership over Gray Wing's more active role. After her brother's death, Tall Shadow stepped down to properly grieve while Gray Wing took leadership of the group. Following the first battle, Tall Shadow set her sights on the pine forest across the Thunderpath, and eventually disbanded the moor group to settle there. Tall Shadow found herself at home underneath the pine forest where her natural talents for stalking and her quick wittedness helped her become a successful hunter. Tall Shadow eventually became the leader of ShadowClan and earned the name Shadowstar.

Riverstar

"Clear Sky is right. If we want these rogues to live by our code, we must show them that our code makes life better. They must see that peace and sharing and honor are good for the group, and that what's good for the group is good for the individual. We find trust in trusting, and learn kindness by being kind."

―River Ripple about the warrior code ^{Path of Stars, page 205}

Riverstar, the first leader of RiverClan.

Riverstar, originally known as Ripple and River Ripple, was the first leader of RiverClan. Ripple grew up in the Cats of the Park learning from his mentor Arc. However, Twolegs destroyed his home and Ripple was saved by the river. The young tom was carried down the river to the forest territories, where he vowed to dedicate is life to the river that saved him. River Ripple grew up to be a wise yet mysterious cat, intoned with those around him. When the mountain cats arrived, River Ripple was friendly towards them though kept his distance. He saved Gray Wing and Clear Sky's group during the fire. River Ripple watched the Great Battle occur, and the spirit cats informed the other leaders to listen to the strange tom. He participated in the meetings with the other leaders at four trees and was usually the first to decipher the spirit cats' mysterious riddles. When Tall Shadow's group broke apart, River Ripple welcomed some of her cats, gradually forming into a group settled near the river. River Ripple was more accepting of having newcomers join his group, encouraging the other leaders to find trust. It was River Ripple's idea to have a ceremony for the newcomers to swear their loyalties to their new homes. River Ripple eventually became the leader of RiverClan and earned the name Riverstar.

Skystar

"SkyClan. Trust you to name my Clan for something beyond my reach."

―Clear Sky reacting to his Clan's name ^{Path of Stars, page 305}

Skystar, the first leader of SkyClan.

Skystar, originally known as Clear Sky, was the first leader of SkyClan. Clear Sky was a member of the ancient Tribe who participated on the journey to their new home. Ambitious and strongly dedicated to the cats around him, Clear Sky was eager to find a new home. However, after the deaths of Bright Stream and Storm, Clear Sky channeled his fear about losing he cared about into fiercely defending his territory and cats. In the forest, he began implementing borders, expanding his territory, and exiling those who do not contribute to the group, including his own brother Jagged Peak and son Thunder. His cruelty created a wedge between his group and the moor cats, culminating into a deadly battle. After the spirit cats' visit, Clear Sky realized the error in his ways and attempted to make amends by suggesting the groups unite. However, his stubborn personality forced his son Thunder to split off from his group and create his own in the forest. Clear Sky made amends with his son after Star Flower gave birth to Clear Sky's kits, realizing the importance of family. However ambition, Clear Sky's fearless dedication and unwavering loyalty to his cats made him a resilient leader. Clear Sky became the leader of SkyClan and later earned the name Skystar.

Trivia

Continuity

The following information is from sources considered non-canon, retconned, or from adapted material.

• In Secrets of the Clans, the wild cats receive the message, "Unite or die," from the spirits of their kin slain in the battle at Fourtrees. Four cats, Shadow, River, Wind, and Thunder argue over which of them should lead, each presenting the traits that make them most suitable. A spirit cat interrupts their squabbling and orders them to separate into different groups, with the promise that each leader will be given eight more lives. The spirit declares them warriors and orders them to follow a warrior code.

See also

• Path of Stars
• Path of Stars/Cliffnotes
• The Early Settlers
• Following the sun trail
• The first battle (event)