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"The Clan may not be able to offer you such easy food or warmth. In the season of leaf-bare, nights in the forest can be cruel. The Clan will demand great loyalty and hard work. You will be expected to protect the Clan with your life if necessary. But the rewards are great. You will remain a tom. You will be trained in the ways of the wild. You will learn what it is to be a real cat. The strength and the fellowship of the Clan will always be with you, even when you hunt alone."
Bluestar to Rusty about the Clans in Into the Wild, page 22

Within the Warriors universe, cats live in a structured society divided into Clans.[1] There are five main Clans: ThunderClan, ShadowClan, RiverClan, WindClan,[2] and SkyClan.[3] What sets the Clans apart from other cats are their belief of their ancestors. The Clans recognize two formal afterlives, StarClan[4] and the Dark Forest.[5] Outside of these beliefs and the warrior code, there are the Twolegplace rogues, BloodClan,[6] and an informal group of kittypets known as WarriorClan.[7]

The Clans[]

RiverClan[]

"Water feeds us, cools us, and keeps us safe from foxes, dogs, and curious Twolegs. It gives us the power to choose whether we fight or not, knowing that few cats are brave enough to swim across our borders to attack us. Some say we are too quick to hide behind our barricade of streams, but it's easier to call us cowards than admit we have an advantage over all the other Clans."
―Reedwhisker Battles of the Clans, page 27
River Chell

RiverClan cats are known for swimming and fishing

RiverClan is known for their skill at swimming. While other Clan cats feared the water, RiverClan cats instead are at home swimming in its depths and hunting fish from the river.[8] RiverClan cats make their camp near the river.[9][10] The very first leader was Riverstar, who was a loner that met the cats that came from the mountains.[11] At the beginning of The Prophecies Begin arc, RiverClan was led by Crookedstar, with Oakheart as deputy.[2] RiverClan is currently led by Splashtail.[12]

ShadowClan[]

"Oh, and Mistyfoot? Never trust the shadows. My warriors wear the night like second pelts. If you wrong ShadowClan, you will never be safe in the dark."
―Blackstar Battles of the Clans, page 37
ShadowClan camp

ShadowClan cats are known for the use of the shadows

ShadowClan, the source of many of the darker cats seen in the series, is sometimes referred to as the "dark heart of the forest."[13] ShadowClan cats are known for their ability to walk quietly and avoid detection.[14] They are also known for their willingness to eat frogs, toads, lizards, rats—foods most Clan cats turn their noses up at.[15][16][17] ShadowClan cats live in a pine forest.[18][19] Their first leader was Shadowstar. She was one of the cats to make the journey from the mountains to the forest, and she lead the traveling group originally.[20] At the beginning of The Prophecies Begin, ShadowClan was led by Brokenstar, with Blackfoot as deputy.[2] ShadowClan is currently led by Tigerstar, with Cloverfoot as his deputy.[21]

ThunderClan[]

"We're ThunderClan. We protect one another. We're bound by kinship and loyalty and the warrior code. Some of you chose ThunderClan. All of you have fought for your Clan, even when everything seemed hopeless. Some of you are preparing to bring new life into ThunderClan. Kits need to be protected and loved and taught how to live as warriors, and I know they will be, because in ThunderClan we protect those who need to be helped. We live, not for ourselves, but for one another. Everyone of you has put your Clan first before yourself in the past. No matter how young or inexperienced, you've all fought to protect your Clan. The bond that we've shared will not be broken now."
―Squirrelflight Darkness Within, page 284
ThunderClan

ThunderClan, the Clan of heroes, is the most prominent group featured in the series

ThunderClan is heavily featured in the books, being the Clan of origin for many of the protagonists of the main arcs. ThunderClan cats are known for their skill at stalking prey through forest and thick undergrowth.[22][23] ThunderClan cats live in a dense forest with thick undergrowth.[24][25] The very first leader was Thunderstar, who was the son of the first SkyClan leader, Skystar. He was born in a monster den to a she-cat named Storm, when the monster den collapsed, and Thunder was her only surviving kit.[26] At the beginning of The Prophecies Begin, ThunderClan was led by Bluestar, and Redtail was deputy.[2] ThunderClan is now led by Squirrelstar,[27] with Ivypool as her deputy.[28]

WindClan[]

"There have been no easy victories against WindClan warriors, nor will there ever be."
―Webfoot Battles of the Clans, page 45
WindClan

WindClan cats are known for living on the moor and hunting rabbits

WindClan lives on the open moorlands and sleep underneath the stars.[29][30] It is said that WindClan cats believe they're the closest to StarClan because of that. WindClan Cats are known for their swift paws, which lend ease to catching prey such as rabbits on the open moors of their territory.[31] They're also proficient tunnelers, carving tunnels underneath their territory to catch prey and sneak on their enemies.[32] Their very first leader was Windstar, who was also known as Wind Runner. She and her mate, Gorsestar joined the early settlers. Before Windstar became the leader of WindClan, Gray Wing and Shadowstar held the leadership of the moor cats.[20] At the beginning of The Prophecies Begin, WindClan was led by Tallstar, with Deadfoot as deputy.[33] WindClan is now led by Harestar, with Crowfeather as his deputy.[34]

SkyClan[]

"SkyClan can survive without it. I will never go groveling to Redstar to get us out of trouble, and we can't go back on [Darkstar's] decision to let them have that territory. It would be like challenging all our ancestors, as well as the warrior code. SkyClan will survive, without the help of ThunderClan. We are strong, skillful, and more honorable than any of the five Clans of the forest. Trust me, warriors. The Twolegs will not destroy our home."
―Cloudstar Cloudstar's Journey, chapter 5
SkyClan

SkyClan was the lost fifth Clan until their reunion with the others in A Vision of Shadows

SkyClan was the fifth Clan of the forest, introduced in Firestar's Quest. They had to leave the forest a long time ago when their territory was destroyed, which severed their ties with the other Clans.[35] They were known for their ability to jump considerable heights, climbing and fighting in the trees, and they have hard pads that help them walk long distances on rough surfaces.[36][37] Their first leader was Skystar. When the mountain cats arrived at their new home, Clear Sky established a group in the forest. He and his group soon became known as the most ruthless, strong, and well-fed cats in the forest. SkyClan reunited with the others Clans by the lake in A Vision of Shadows.[34] SkyClan is currently led by Leafstar,[38] with Hawkwing as her deputy.[39]

BloodClan[]

"Look around you! These cats are bathed in blood. It soaks their fur and laps at their paws. This is why we survive! We are BLOODCLAN!"
―Scourge The Rise of Scourge, page 74
Scourge

The bloodthirsty Scourge was the founder of BloodClan

BloodClan is an unofficial Clan created by Scourge. The group was comprised of kittypets and rogues who lived in the Twolegplace.[40] Most cats born in the Twolegplace were fear-mongered into obeying Scourge and his allies. The Clan laws are quite different compared to the official Clans. They do not believe in StarClan. BloodClan does not care for the sick, weak, or elderly and instead throws them out on the borders and forces them fend for themselves.[41] After Scourge's death, BloodClan suffered through a power struggled and continued to terrorize ThunderClan.[42] The last known leaders were Ice and Snake.[43]

WarriorClan[]

"Yes, we're WarriorClan. Clan cats have lived on this territory for seasons. You must either submit to our authority, or face our wrath!"
―Monkeystar Graystripe's Vow, page 204
WarriorClan

WarriorClan is a "roleplaying" Clan of current and former kittypets

Following the original four Clans' departure from the forest, a group of kittypets grew enamored by the stories of the warrior Clans by Smudge and Barley and began pretending to be warriors themselves in the forest.[44][45] These kittypets would pretend to hunt and fight during the day but return to their Twolegs at night.[44] WarriorClan found its footing as a real Clan when Graystripe arrived and taught them about the Clans, and more former kittypets joined.[46] WarriorClan is currently led by Monkeystar,[47] with Fang as her deputy.[48]

Clan hierarchy[]

Each Clan (excluding StarClan) shares the same basic ranking system, consisting of nine distinct ranks.

Leader[]

Firestar

Firestar is a ThunderClan leader

A Clan leader is charged with the responsibility to watch over and manage an entire Clan, maintaining discipline, order, and protection. Leaders are normally granted nine lives and a new name with the ending "-star" (e.g. Firestar, Bluestar) in a ceremony where StarClan cats come to them in a dream at the Moonstone or the Moonpool.[49][50] However, a leader may not receive all nine lives if the previous leader of his or her Clan is still alive; in this instance, a leader will have a life taken off the original total of nine for every life the previous leader still possesses (e.g. Sunstar).[51] Sometimes StarClan will not accept a leader (e.g. Nightstar),[52] if this happens then the Clan is usually thrown into turmoil.[52]

Deputy[]

Brambleclaw

Brambleclaw served as the ThunderClan deputy under Firestar

The deputy is the second-in-command to the leader, and may be considered an apprentice to the art of leading the Clan. They serve in the leader's place in situations where the leader is unable to fulfill their duties.[53] They are in charge of organizing patrols,[54] and they are often called on by the leader for advice, but other than that, they retain the normal duties of a warrior.[55] To become a deputy, a cat must have trained at least one apprentice, though sometimes there are some exceptions.[56][57] Upon the leader's death, they become the leader and go to the Moonstone or the Moonpool, so StarClan can grant them nine lives.[58] Deputies may also retire and give up their place as deputy if they wish (for example, Tawnyspots),[59] or step down and continue as a normal warrior, such as Tawnypelt.[60]

Medicine cat[]

Jayfeather

Jayfeather is a ThunderClan medicine cat

The medicine cat serves the Clan as both their spiritual leader and healer, making them akin to the idea of a 'medicine man' in a tribal society.[61] In addition to their responsibilities to their Clan, they have responsibility to one another and StarClan. They carry out their responsibilities to StarClan once every half-moon, meeting together to discuss matters privately and share dreams with StarClan.[62] Clan leaders often rely on them to carry messages from StarClan, as medicine cats have a link no other cat has to their ancestors.[61] In their role as spiritual leader, they teach the code, interpret omens and prophecies, and generally serve the Clan as a conduit between the earthly cats and their ghostly counterparts.[61]
As a healer, they gather herbs and dispense them as an apothecary would. They handle diagnosis and treatment of both illness and injury for all the cats in the Clan.[63] As a medicine cat, they are not allowed to have a mate or kits,[64] but this rule has been broken by certain medicine cats (for example, Leafpool and Yellowfang). Medicine cats also exist outside of typical Clan rivalries in order to treat all cats fairly.[65]
Medicine cats serve as the third-most powerful member in Clan heirarchy, falling behind the leader and deputy. As such, if the aforementioned individuals are unavailable, the medicine cat (typically the one with most seniority should one be present[66]) serves as the acting leadership figure for the Clan until a suitable replacement is found. Examples of this are Redscar,[67] Runningnose,[68][69] and Mothwing[66][70] who served all three positions when their leader and deputy had died.

Mediator[]

Tree

Tree is the first and only mediator so far in the series

The mediator is a cat who specializes in solving disagreements within or involving the Clan[71] or outside of it as a representative for the Clans.[72] Mediators are not warriors and thus can choose whether or not to participate in Clan life[73] and may not fight in battles.[74] Mediators remain impartial to disagreements even if they go against their own Clan.[75] The first and only mediator so far in the series is Tree, a former rogue who provides an outside perspective to Clan disagreements.[71]

Warrior[]

Sunbeam

Sunbeam is a ThunderClan warrior

A warrior is an adult cat trained in the arts of fighting and hunting. Warriors make up the bulk of a Clan, and provide that Clan with the protection and food supply that keeps it safe and well-fed.[76][77] Typically, a cat is made a warrior at or over the age of twelve moons. In their oath to become a warrior, they promise to "uphold the warrior code and protect and defend their Clan, even at the cost of their life."[78] Clan kits dream of being the best warriors they can to defend their Clan.[79]

Senior warriors[]

There are also senior warriors—older, highly respected warriors, typically mentioned to have a good bond with the Clan's leader (e.g. Whitestorm to Bluestar)[80] but have not decided to retire yet.[81] They are often trusted with leading patrols or on occasion, speaking on the leader's behalf in specific situations.[82] Senior warriors also assist with Clan affairs such as taking temporary positions in the Clan heirarchy, (eg. Adderfang filling in for Tawnyspots as deputy when the latter was ill)[83], or unofficially filling in for the leader or deputy should they be absent.[84]

Apprentice[]

Cherrytail

Cherrytail was a SkyClan apprentice

An apprentice is a cat in training to become a warrior. Their names end in the word "-paw" (e.g. Tawnypaw, Bramblepaw, Firepaw, etc.) to signify the "path their paws are now on." One exception to this is Boulder who opted to keep his loner name upon joining ShadowClan, and becoming an apprentice,[85] and Egg, who kept his name upon joining SkyClan,[86] becoming Sharpclaw's apprentice. Most usually are at or over the age of six moons per the warrior code.[76] They have a mentor appointed to them at their ceremony and most days are taken out battle training or hunting.[76] They are also given the task of cleaning out bedding and removing elders' ticks and fleas.[87] Typically, apprentices must pass their warrior assessment, such as catching prey, before being promoted to warriors.[88]

Medicine cat apprentice[]

Frostpaw (RC)

Frostpaw was a RiverClan medicine cat apprentice

A medicine cat apprentice is the cat that is being trained to follow in the pawsteps of the medicine cat.[62] They learn healing and spiritual lore from the medicine cat. Medicine cat apprentices must be accepted by StarClan in order to be trained.[62] The apprentices may also accompany their mentors in their visit to the Moonstone or Moonpool every half-moon to receive dreams from StarClan.[62] Unlike warrior training, training to become a medicine cat may take longer than warrior apprenticeship.[89]
A medicine cat apprentice who has full training will be given a their full name similar to warriors; however, medicine cat apprentices remain apprentices, even when fully trained, so long as the current medicine cat is still practicing the arts.[90] When the apprentice becomes a full medicine cat, they can then have an apprentice of their own.[91] At the time the old medicine cat either dies or retires, the medicine cat apprentice becomes a full medicine cat, similar to a leader/deputy relationship.[92] However, medicine cats do not always retire when their apprentices become full medicine cats. Some exceptions to this are Alderheart, Leafpool, and Jayfeather being co-medicine cats of ThunderClan,[93] Willowshine and Mothwing of RiverClan,[94] Puddleshine and Shadowsight of ShadowClan, and Frecklewish and Fidgetflake of SkyClan.[21] Each of these medicine cats continues to serve and share responsibilities with their former apprentices.

Queen[]

Palebird

Palebird was a WindClan queen

A queen is a she-cat nursing or expecting kits. Their primary task during this time is the raising of their kits.[95] Some queens stay in the nursery after they have kits (e.g. Daisy, Goldenflower, and Ferncloud) to help the nursing or inexperienced queens.[96][97] Some queens, such as Daisy, do not feel suited for Clan life aside from helping the other queens.[98] They most often help other queens when no milk is available, or when the mother is ill or deceased (e.g. Ferncloud to Squirrelflight).[99] Queens usually stay in the nursery until their kits become apprentices, then they return to their warrior duties.[100]

Kit[]

Cloudtail

Cloudkit was a ThunderClan kit

A kit is a kitten under six moons old who has not been made an apprentice yet. Their names always end in "-kit" (e.g. Dovekit, Lionkit, Blossomkit). Most often, they are under the age of six moons, though sometimes they are held back from being an apprentice for a certain amount of time, sometimes due to injury or misbehaving (Crookedkit,[101] Deadpaw,[102] and Lionkit, Hollykit, and Jaykit).[103] Kits stay in the camp and are forbidden to leave it, unless accompanied by an older cat, such as a warrior, a medicine cat, or any kind of apprentice.[104] Kits are protected by all members of the Clan,[95] and to be protected by all Clan cats, regardless of Clan, since they are the future of the Clan.[105]

Elder[]

Mosspelt

Mosspelt is a RiverClan elder

An elder is a retired Clan cat who is too old or not in suitable shape to continue with their duties.[2] Elders are taken care of by the whole Clan, and are given respect for the time they have served as part of the Clan.[106] It is usually the apprentices job to hunt and care for the elders.[107] They are responsible for taking the body of a dead cat out to be buried.[108] Some cats don't become an elder only because of old age; if there is ever a condition which prevents the cat from fulfilling their duties to their Clan, it usually leads to the cat's decision of retiring (e.g. Longtail,[109] Heavystep).[110] Though at times they may appear grumpy, elders offer their wisdom to all Clan cats, including the Clan leader.[111]

Trivia[]

  • Kate thinks there are other Clans beyond the lake with their own code and different prophecies.[blog 1]

See also[]

For more details on the Clans, see:

For more details on the individual territories and cats, see:

For more details on the religious beliefs of the Clan cats, see:

External links[]

Notes and references[]

  1. Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 5
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Revealed in Into the Wild, allegiances
  3. Revealed in Firestar's Quest, allegiances
  4. Revealed in Into the Wild, page 43
  5. Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 392
  6. Revealed in The Darkest Hour, allegiances
  7. Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 207
  8. Revealed in Into the Wild, page 2
  9. Revealed in A Shadow in RiverClan, page 127
  10. Revealed in Sunset, page 99
  11. Revealed in The First Battle, allegiances
  12. Revealed in Thunder, page 336
  13. Revealed in Into the Wild, page 60
  14. Revealed in Battles of the Clans, page 17
  15. Revealed in Into the Woods, page 24
  16. Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, chapter 5
  17. Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, chapter 8
  18. Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 7
  19. Revealed in Outcast, page 124
  20. 20.0 20.1 Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 191
  21. 21.0 21.1 Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
  22. Revealed in Into the Wild, page 73
  23. Revealed in Battles of the Clans, page 7
  24. Revealed in Into the Wild, page 32
  25. Revealed in Starlight, page 85
  26. Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 307
  27. Revealed in Thunder, page 111
  28. Revealed in Thunder, page 112
  29. Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 140
  30. Revealed in Crowfeather's Trial, page 222
  31. Revealed in Fire and Ice, page 81
  32. Revealed in Battles of the Clans, page 67
  33. Revealed in Fire and Ice, allegiances
  34. 34.0 34.1 Revealed in Darkest Night, allegiances
  35. Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page prologue
  36. Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 207
  37. Revealed in Battles of the Clans, page 48
  38. Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 499
  39. Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, page 379
  40. Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 2
  41. Revealed in The Darkest Hour, pages 247-248
  42. Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 3
  43. Revealed in A Clan in Need, page 72
  44. 44.0 44.1 Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, chapter 15
  45. Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, chapter 21
  46. Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, chapter 29
  47. Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 205
  48. Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 395
  49. Revealed in The Darkest Hour, chapter 4
  50. Revealed in Winds of Change, page 204
  51. Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 496
  52. 52.0 52.1 Revealed in Exile from ShadowClan, page 200
  53. Revealed in Long Shadows, page 260
  54. Revealed in Rising Storm, chapter 1
  55. Revealed in Into the Wild, page 101
  56. Revealed in Sunset, page 258
  57. Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 199
  58. Revealed in The Darkest Hour, chapter 2
  59. Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 494
  60. Revealed in The Raging Storm, chapter 6
  61. 61.0 61.1 61.2 Revealed in Into the Wild, page prologue
  62. 62.0 62.1 62.2 62.3 Revealed in Forest of Secrets, chapter 17
  63. Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 9
  64. Revealed in Forest of Secrets, chapter 29
  65. Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, chapter 3
  66. 66.0 66.1 Revealed in River, page 127
  67. Revealed in Code of the Clans, page 86
  68. Revealed in Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 7
  69. Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 6
  70. Revealed in River, page 240
  71. 71.0 71.1 Revealed in River of Fire, page 196
  72. Revealed in Darkness Within, chapter 6
  73. Revealed in Lost Stars, page 60
  74. Revealed in The Raging Storm, chapter 12
  75. Revealed in Lost Stars, page 64
  76. 76.0 76.1 76.2 Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 1
  77. Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 2
  78. Revealed in Into the Wild, page 301
  79. Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, chapter 1
  80. Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 8
  81. Revealed in Into the Wild, page 48
  82. Revealed in The Raging Storm, chapter 20
  83. Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 387
  84. Revealed in Leopardstar's Honor, chapter 27
  85. Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 150
  86. Revealed in SkyClan's Destiny, page 311
  87. Revealed in The Sight, chapter 8
  88. Revealed in River, chapter 1
  89. Revealed in Long Shadows, allegiances
  90. Revealed in Sunrise, allegiances
  91. Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 4
  92. Revealed in A Dangerous Path, allegiances
  93. Revealed in Squirrelflight's Hope, allegiances
  94. Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, allegiances
  95. 95.0 95.1 Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 3
  96. Revealed in Fading Echoes, page 27
  97. Revealed in Daisy's Kin, chapter 9
  98. Revealed in Daisy's Kin, chapter 1
  99. Revealed in The Sight, chapter 1
  100. Revealed in Rising Storm, chapter 15
  101. Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 55
  102. Revealed in Tallstar's Revenge, page 490
  103. Revealed in The Sight, chapter 4
  104. Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 49
  105. Revealed in Code of the Clans, page 121
  106. Revealed in Code of the Clans, pages 36-37
  107. Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 4
  108. Revealed in Fire and Ice, chapter 26
  109. Revealed in The Sight, allegiances
  110. Revealed in Erin Hunter Chat 4
  111. Revealed in The Darkest Hour, chapter 9

Author references


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