Mudclaw (WC)

"Onewhisker...I give you a life for determination. You must protect WindClan...in the way you think is best. And please believe me...I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I hope you can forgive me. [...] And I'll watch over you...Onestar. Together, we'll do our best to keep WindClan safe."

— Mudclaw accepting Onewhisker as leader at his leadership ceremony in Winds of Change, pages 203-204

Mudclaw (WC)
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.
Affiliations
Current:	StarClan
Past:	WindClan
Biographical information
Cause of death:	Crushed by a falling tree
Names
Kit:	Mudkit
Apprentice:	Mudpaw
Warrior:	Mudclaw
Senior warrior:	Mudclaw
Deputy:	Mudclaw
StarClan resident:	Mudclaw
Kin
Mother:	Ryestalk
Father:	Shrewclaw
Brother:	Tornear
Education
Apprentices:	Brushpaw, Webfoot, Crowfeather
Deputy position
Preceded by:	Deadfoot
Succeeded by:	Onewhisker
Book appearances
Living	Tallstar's Revenge, Redtail's Debt, Onestar's Confession, Fire and Ice, Forest of Secrets, Rising Storm, A Dangerous Path, The Darkest Hour, Tigerclaw's Fury, Blackfoot's Reckoning, A Shadow in RiverClan, Firestar's Quest, Graystripe's Vow, A Clan in Need, Mothwing's Secret, Midnight, Moonrise, Dawn, Starlight, Winds of Change, Field Guides
Living	Tallstar's Revenge, Redtail's Debt, Onestar's Confession, Fire and Ice, Forest of Secrets, Rising Storm, A Dangerous Path, The Darkest Hour, Tigerclaw's Fury, Blackfoot's Reckoning, A Shadow in RiverClan, Firestar's Quest, Graystripe's Vow, A Clan in Need, Mothwing's Secret, Midnight, Moonrise, Dawn, Starlight, Winds of Change, Field Guides
Dead	Onestar's Confession, Winds of Change, Night Whispers
Dead	Onestar's Confession, Winds of Change, Night Whispers

Mudclaw is a wiry, mottled dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes.

Mudclaw was a deputy of WindClan under Tallstar's leadership. He was born as Mudkit to Ryestalk and Shrewclaw along with his brother Tornear. He was apprenticed as Mudpaw and later earned his warrior name, Mudclaw. As a warrior, Mudclaw was fiercely loyal to his Clan and was eager to defend his territory. He mentored three apprentices, Brushpaw, Webfoot, and Crowfeather. Mudclaw's ruthless devotion to protecting his Clan in battle convinced Tallstar to make him deputy to balance WindClan's leadership. However, when Tallstar replaced Mudclaw with Onewhisker as deputy moments before the leader died, Mudclaw felt betrayed and openly challenged Onewhisker's legitimate leadership. Hawkfrost convinced Mudclaw that Onewhisker was a puppet leader for Firestar and was planning on taking over the Clans, and Mudclaw, Hawkfrost, and several ShadowClan and WindClan warriors attempted to overthrow Onewhisker and his supporters. However, StarClan sent lightning, striking a tree down, which killed Mudclaw. He ascended to StarClan, and despite Mudclaw's insistence otherwise, Tallstar revealed Mudclaw belonged in StarClan since he believed he was acting in his Clan's best interest. Mudclaw gave Onewhisker a life for determination and promised to work together to protect their Clan. He and other StarClan cats later decided that they must persuade the Clans to fight against the Dark Forest.

History

Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!

The Prophecies Begin

"You gave up your rights to StarClan's protection when you took Brokentail into your Clan!"

―Mudclaw to Fireheart and Bluestar ^{Rising Storm, page 65}

Mudclaw is a warrior of WindClan and has an apprentice, Webpaw. He, along with his Clan, is driven off by Brokenstar and ShadowClan who greedily took over WindClan's territory. Mudclaw is viewed as hostile and overly belligerent towards cats from other Clans. He works hard to make WindClan strong again after they are brought back to the forest by Fireheart and Graystripe but coldly asserts to them that he does not owe them anything. He and his brother, Tornear, turn away Bluestar and Fireheart when they try to reach the Highstones, explaining it as payback for ThunderClan sheltering Brokentail, and later adamantly questions Bluestar when she offers a truce between their two Clans. Despite prior encounters and being heavily injured, Mudclaw runs to ThunderClan for aid when TigerClan attacks their camp and participates in the battle against BloodClan.

The New Prophecy

"You don't think I believe this load of fox dung, do you? Every cat knows that Tallstar practically handed our Clan over to Firestar before he left the forest. He's always felt more loyalty to ThunderClan than they ever deserved. And now Firestar tells us that his friend Onewhisker is to be leader!"

―Mudclaw to his Clanmates ^{Starlight, page 126}

Mudclaw is furious about being replaced

Mudclaw is appointed as the next deputy of WindClan by Tallstar. Mudclaw's aggressive and quick-tempered nature is balanced by Tallstar's calm and patient leadership approach, and the two cats tend to run the Clan well together. Mudclaw acquires another apprentice, Crowpaw. Mudclaw participates in the Great Journey with the other Clans. During this journey, Tallstar becomes frail and sick, and Mudclaw slowly begins slipping into the leadership position and gives out orders to WindClan.

When they reach their new home, Tallstar tells Firestar, Onewhisker, and Brambleclaw that he made a mistake choosing Mudclaw as his deputy and could not allow him to become leader, as he could wage unnecessary wars with ThunderClan. Tallstar appoints Onewhisker as the new deputy of WindClan with his last breath and loses his final life. The other cats are shocked, especially Mudclaw. Mudclaw begins to plot a takeover with Hawkfrost and other Clan cats to drive out Onewhisker and seize his leadership, but it ultimately fails and Mudclaw is killed by a falling tree. The tree is seen as a sign from StarClan that Onewhisker is the rightful leader of WindClan and it provides a bridge to the island for Gatherings.

Super Editions

This section summarizes Mudclaw (WC)'s significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!

"But Tallstar, WindClan comes before everything else. We must protect what is ours."

―Mudclaw to Tallstar about setting new borders at the lake ^{Tallstar's Revenge, comic}

In Tallstar's Revenge, Mudkit is born to Shrewclaw and Ryestalk along with Tornkit. However, his father is killed in battle against ShadowClan before he and his brother are born. In the comic, Mudclaw is eager to establish WindClan's borders at the lake, though the last thing Tallstar wanted was for WindClan to make enemies already. As he lay dying, Tallstar realizes WindClan would be led into constant bloodshed under Mudclaw's rule, and instead reflects on his friendship with Jake and Firestar. He replaces Mudclaw with Onewhisker, hoping the latter would benefit both of their Clans with his companionship with Firestar.

Stand-Alone Graphic Novels

«I feel...as if I'm watching some other cat do these things. Separate from myself. But I can't be weak. It has to be done. WindClan needs a leader. A strong leader. Their real leader.»

—Mudclaw's thoughts before the battle ^{Winds of Change, pages 162-163}

Mudclaw realizing his mistake

In Winds of Change, as the Clans arrive at their new home, Mudclaw prepares to affirm WindClan's place in their territory, though Tallstar wishes for peace between the Clans. After Tallstar's death, Mudclaw is furious when Firestar announces that Tallstar named Onewhisker his deputy before his death, and wonders what he did wrong to fault his former leader. At the Gathering, Hawkfrost spins ideas into Mudclaw's mind that Onewhisker is a puppet leader for Firestar and the ThunderClan leader plans to take over the Clans, starting with WindClan. Mudclaw is wary at first of Hawkfrost's ideas but begrudgingly obliges. He forms a rebellion with Hawkfrost, meets in secret with other cats at night, and continues to undermine and argue with Onewhisker at camp. Mudclaw's fears of Onewhisker siding with ThunderClan and not having WindClan's best interests continue when Onewhisker gives territory to ThunderClan. When Leafpaw discovers the Moonpool, Hawkfrost insists that their rebellion must kill Onewhisker and Ashfoot for Mudclaw to secure leadership, and Mudclaw resolves that WindClan must come first. During the assault, he challenges Onewhisker when ThunderClan arrives to help. As the small rebellion flees, Mudclaw nearly kills Brambleclaw when Hawkfrost stops him, lying to Brambleclaw that Mudclaw manipulating him to join his cause. As Mudclaw flees, he realizes what he has done and lightning sends a tree from the island to kill him. Mudclaw wakes up in StarClan, and questions Tallstar why he deserves a place among their ancestors. Tallstar explains that Mudclaw did what he thought was best for WindClan, and Mudclaw gives Onewhisker a life for determination, welcoming him as WindClan's true leader.

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 Deputy Version StarClan Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Mudclaw in A Clan in Need Mudclaw in Ravenpaw's Path Mudclaw in A Shadow in RiverClan Mudclaw in Tallstar's Revenge Mudclaw on the cover of Winds of Change Mudclaw in Winds of Change Mudclaw in Onestar's Confession Mudclaw in The Ultimate Guide Mudclaw in The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition Mudclaw's Warriors website fact sheet Mudclaw's Warriors website fact sheet for The New Prophecy Mudclaw's icon on the Warriors family tree

Ceremonies

Lives granted

The following is a list of gifts Mudclaw (WC) has granted during nine lives ceremonies:

Lives granted
Gift Receiver Determination Onestar

Personality

Coming Soon

Relationships

Onestar

Coming Soon

Tallstar

Coming Soon

Tornear

Coming Soon

Kin

Members

Mother:

Ryestalk: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Father:

Shrewclaw: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Brother:

Tornear: Deceased, verified StarClan member

See more

Grandmothers:

Mistmouse: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Brackenwing: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Grandfathers:

Hareflight: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Redclaw: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Uncles:

Stagleap: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Barkface: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Aunt:

Doespring: Deceased, verified StarClan member

First cousins:

Onestar: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Morningflower: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Ashfoot: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Second cousins:

Storkkit: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Quailkit: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Gorsepaw: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Crowfeather: Living (As of Ivypool's Heart)

Eaglekit: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Hillkit: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Downkit: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Heathertail: Living (As of Ivypool's Heart)

Galekit: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Darktail: Deceased, no residence

Smoke's kits: Deceased, residence unknown

Distant ancestors:

Windstar's mother: Deceased, residence unknown

Gorsestar's mother: Status unknown

Windstar's sister: Deceased, residence unknown

Gorsestar: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Windstar: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Micah's mother: Deceased, residence unknown

Micah: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Moth Flight: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Emberkit: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Morning Whisker: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Dust Muzzle: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Bubbling Stream: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Honey Pelt: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Spider Paw: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Blue Whisker: Deceased, verified StarClan member

Three unnamed kits: Living (As of Moth Flight's Vision comic)

Tree

Windstar ♀

Gorsestar ♂

See more

Moth Flight ♀

Micah ♂

Blue Whisker ♀

Bubbling Stream ♀

Honey Pelt ♂

Spider Paw ♂

Three kits

Missing Generations

Redclaw ♂

Brackenwing ♀

Mistmouse ♀

Hareflight ♂

See more

Barkface ♂

Shrewclaw ♂

Ryestalk ♀

Doespring ♀

Stagleap ♂

Wrenflight ♀

Mudclaw ♂

Tornear ♂

Morningflower ♀

Ashfoot ♀

Onestar ♂

Storkkit

Quailkit

Gorsepaw ♂

Downkit

Crowfeather ♂

Hillkit

Eaglekit

Heathertail ♀

Galekit ♀

Darktail ♂

Unnamed kits

See more

See more

    = Tom

    = She-cat

    = Gender unknown

Appearances

• Tallstar's Revenge
• Redtail's Debt
• Onestar's Confession †
• Fire and Ice (First appearance; allegiance only)
• Forest of Secrets (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
• Rising Storm
• Tigerclaw's Fury (Allegiance only)
• A Dangerous Path
• The Darkest Hour
• Blackfoot's Reckoning (Allegiance only)
• A Shadow in RiverClan
• Firestar's Quest
• Graystripe's Vow (Allegiance only)
• A Clan in Need
• Mothwing's Secret (Allegiance only)
• Midnight
• Moonrise
• Dawn
• Starlight †
• Winds of Change †
• Twilight (Mentioned only)
• Fading Echoes (Mentioned only)
• Night Whispers
• Crowfeather's Trial (Mentioned only)
• Cats of the Clans
• Code of the Clans (Mentioned only)
• Battles of the Clans
• The Ultimate Guide
• The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition

Merchandise

Toys and Plush

Ashfur & Mudclaw - Mini Collector Figures

Ashfur and Mudclaw

• Series 3
• These two cats could tell quite a tale of the dangers of bitterness. After serving for moons as a loyal deputy of WindClan, Mudclaw felt cheated when his chance to lead was stolen from him with Tallstar's dying breath. He convinced himself that his replacement, Onewhisker, was too dangerously naïve to be the leader WindClan needed, and led a rebellion to overthrow him. After dying during the battle, Mudclaw realized how wrong he'd been to rise against his own Clanmate, and made his peace with Onewhisker and Tallstar. Ashfur, on the other hand, allowed his bitterness against Squirrelflight for refusing to return his love to consume him entirely, turning him into one of the most dangerous adversaries the Clans have ever faced. In life, he attempted to murder Squirrelflight's kits in a fire and succeeded in claiming one of Firestar's through Hawkfrost's fox trap, but the true danger he posed didn't become apparent until after his death when Bramblestar lost his first life and Ashfur took over his body.
• Sturdy mini figure of Ashfur and Mudclaw, approximately 7cm in height.
• Also included in a three-pack bundle with the rest of Series 3: Squirrelflight, Scourge, Yellowfang, and Ivypool.
• Approximate individual price is $12.99 USD, and the three-pack bundle is $38.97 USD.

Trivia

Author statements

• Vicky stated that Mudclaw was not evil enough to go to the Dark Forest and that she felt bad for him losing his deputy position. She has also stated that he went to StarClan due to his legitimate claim for WindClan's leadership. This is further backed by Tallstar's explanation in Winds of Change.
• Kate said she liked the idea of Shrewclaw being Mudclaw's father, and Vicky later confirmed so.

Mistakes

• Mudclaw is said to be a kit in the nursery when Tallstar became leader in Starlight, but in Tallstar's Revenge, he is shown as a warrior when Tallstar is going to receive his nine lives.
  • Furthermore, he is seen as a kit in Redtail's Debt, when he should be a warrior by then, as he was fathered by Shrewclaw who died many seasons prior.
• In Firestar's Quest and Graystripe's Vow, the allegiances show Mudclaw as WindClan's deputy, but in The Heart of a Warrior, which takes place afterward, Deadfoot is still the deputy.

Quotes

Bluestar: "We are traveling to Highstones. StarClan grants us safe passage. You have no right to stop us!"

Mudclaw: "You gave up your rights to StarClan's protection when you took Brokentail into your Clan!"

^{Rising Storm, pages 64-65}

"But he couldn't resist flexing his claws, still angry at the memory, and was angered further when Mudclaw leaned sideways to whisper something into his companion's ears with a meaningful glance at Fireheart. To Fireheart's surprise Onewhisker blinked sympathetically at him, then turned and walked away, leaving Mudclaw flicking his tail with annoyance. It looked as if there was at least one WindClan warrior who remembered the old debt of loyalty to ThunderClan. Fireheart couldn’t stop his whiskers from twitching with satisfaction as he stalked past Mudclaw and headed toward Leopardfur and the ShadowClan warrior."

―Narrator about Fireheart, Mudclaw and Onewhisker ^{Rising Storm, page 81}

Onewhisker: "Fireheart!"

Fireheart: "Hi, Onewhisker. You'd better not let Mudclaw see you talking to me, truce or no truce. We didn't part on very good terms last time we met."

^{Rising Storm, pages 309-310}

See more

Mudclaw: "Crowpaw can't lead WindClan. He's only an apprentice."

Brambleclaw: "Have you crossed this path before?"

^{Dawn, page 264}

Mudclaw: "We'll begin making plans at once. Establish WindClan's boundaries...keep everyone else's paws off our territory."

Tallstar: "I appreciate your eagerness, Mudclaw...but the last thing we need is to make fresh enemies."

^{Tallstar's Revenge, comic}

"Before I go to StarClan, there is something I must do. Firestar, Onewhisker, listen. Mudclaw is a brave warrior, but he is not the right cat to lead WindClan. In these last moons we have learned that the future of our Clans lies in friendship. I want no rivalry between WindClan and ThunderClan after I am gone. We must have no enemies. But this will not happen if Mudclaw rules the Clan."

―Tallstar to Firestar, Onewhisker, and Brambleclaw his worries about Mudclaw ^{Starlight, page 118}

"Are you just going to sit here and accept this? Do we let ThunderClan choose our leader for us? How many of our warriors do you think will follow you, you sniveling, crow-food eating traitor?"

―Mudclaw to Onewhisker ^{Starlight, page 128}

"Are you completely mouse-brained? You're giving away WindClan territory for a pawful of healing herbs? Barkface was perfectly capable of treating the sick cats without this apprentice sticking her nose in."

―Mudclaw arguing with Onewhisker ^{Starlight, page 200}

Tornear: "Mudclaw, we need to be careful. Clanmates turning against another is the absolute worst thing for our Clan."

Mudclaw: "No. The absolute worst thing for our Clan is a leader we can't trust.'"

^{Winds of Change, page 131}

Tallstar: "I should have told you, Mudclaw. I should have prepared you. But when I finally knew for sure...it was nearly too late. I had to tell Onewhisker before I died."

Mudclaw: "So it's...it's true? You really did pick Onewhisker to be leader? I always tried to be the best deputy I could. Why not pick me? What did I do wrong?"

^{Winds of Change, pages 194-196}

"Mudclaw was WindClan's most senior warrior, made deputy because even Tallstar recognized that his on peace-pursuing leadership needed the support of a warrior not afraid to show his claws. Tallstar's decision to replace Mudclaw with Onewhisker was a terrible betrayal of Mudclaw's loyalty. Would Mudclaw have made such a dreadful leader? Yes, he was ambitious - but his ambition was to become leader of his Clan, and no cat can doubt that he would have surrended all his lives to defending his Clanmates and the Clan's borders."

―Rock's opinion on Mudclaw ^{Cats of the Clans, page 50}

"Mudclaw was furious- and can you blame him, really? He'd done nothing wrong. But as a warrior, he should have respected his leader's decision and supported Onestar. Instead, he plotted to take over WindClan by force, and visited all the other Clans in secret, gaining allies. They struck one night, Mudclaw and a RiverClan warrior named Hawkfrost leading the attack. The rest of us fought on Onestar's behalf, and Onestar won- helped by StarClan. Do you see that island down there? With the tall trees? If you look closely, you can make out a fallen tree joining the island to the shore, with its roots on the island side. StarClan sent a bolt of lightning to strike that tree and make it fall on top of Mudclaw, killing him instantly, and showing that Onestar was the true leader of WindClan."

―Tawnypelt about Mudclaw ^{Battles of the Clans, page 86}

"Mudclaw was chosen to be deputy because Tallstar recognized the need for a warrior who was not afraid to show his claws to balance out his own gentler, peace-loving leadership. Mudclaw was fearless, fiercely loyal to his Clan, and determined to be a strong leader without having the bloodthirsty ambition that had polluted the paths of leaders in other Clans. When Tallstar dismissed him and appointed Onestar in his place, Mudclaw felt utterly betrayed. He saw no reason behind Tallstar's decision, except that the old cat had lost his mind just before losing his ninth life. A challenge to Onestar's leadership seemed entirely logical, and Mudclaw was encouraged by a significant number of cats who shared his disbelief-not just from his own Clan, but ShadowClan and RiverClan too."

―Narrator on Mudclaw ^{The Ultimate Guide, page 106}

External links

• Mudclaw's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Stand Together or Fall Divided on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Unexpected Storylines 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 Title and Cover Reveal! Upcoming Graphic Novel on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Winds of Change - Sneak Peek! on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• What matters most... on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
• Tallstar's Decision on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Winds of Change on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Mudclaw's Rebellion on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Sneak peek: Warrior Cats series 3 mini figures, including Scourge! on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Exclusive! Onestar's Confession: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• The forest map: WindClan on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
• Guess that cat - ear and tree on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• First look at brand new Warrior Cats artwork from The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Guess that cat - dog and bell on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
• The New Prophecy characters - a visual guide on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Mini Figures Series 7 cats: the details on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Fan content

• Our Favorite Starlight Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Our Favorite Mudclaw Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Our favorite rebels artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Notes and references

Author references