| "There are high expectations of you because of your kin. You belong to a family that's done great things for our Clan: Alderheart, Squirrelflight, Bramblestar, all the way back to [Firestar]. And I can understand that you wouldn't want that pressure—Alderheart and I struggled under it, too—but we can't control who we are. We can't control what our Clanmates think when they look at us, or how they chatter when one of us is...well, struggling. But it's a gift, really, having Firestar in our blood." |
| — Sparkpelt to Flamepaw about their heritage in River, page 84 |
Sparkpelt is a flame-colored[11] tabby she-cat[1] with bright[6] emerald[12]-green eyes.[13]
Sparkpelt is a ThunderClan warrior who has served under Bramblestar's, the impostor's, Lionblaze's, Graystripe's, and Squirrelstar's leaderships in the lake territories. She was born as Sparkkit to Brambleclaw and Squirrelstar, along with her siblings Alderkit, Dandelionkit, and Juniperkit, though Dandelionkit and Juniperkit died soon after birth. She received her apprentice name of Sparkpaw with Cherryfall as her mentor. Along with Alderpaw, she went on a quest to find SkyClan, but the mission was ultimately unsuccessful.
Moons after, Sparkpaw earned her warrior name, Sparkpelt. As a warrior, she developed strong feelings against SkyClan returning to the lake, despite Alderheart's opposite opinions. She mentored Twigbranch, who returned to ThunderClan from SkyClan, and rigorously trained her apprentice. She eventually became Larksong's mate and gave birth to Finchlight, Nightheart, and Flickerkit. However, Flickerkit was stillborn and Larksong succumbed to illness just as Sparkpelt finished giving birth. The death of her mate and son, combined with her parents' fighting, sent Sparkpelt into a depression, but she soon recovered and was able to be a mother to her kits. Sparkpelt was later briefly exiled by Bramblestar's impostor along with several other cats, but returned under the leadership of Squirrelflight, helping convince the Clans that Squirrelflight was not an accomplice alongside Ashfur, but his victim. However, Sparkpelt developed a difficult relationship with her son Nightheart, and he grew to resent her distance.
Quick Answers
What were the names of Sparkpelt's siblings?
Sparkpelt's siblings are Alderheart, Dandelionkit, and Juniperkit, though only she and Alderheart survived to adulthood.
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Who are Sparkpelt's parents in the ThunderClan?
Sparkpelt is the daughter of Brambleclaw and Squirrelstar. When she was born, her father Bramblestar was leader of ThunderClan and her mother Squirrelflight was Clan deputy.
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What role did Sparkpelt play in A Starless Clan?
Sparkpelt is the mother of one of the main protagonists, Nightheart, formerly known as Flamepaw. Nightheart had a difficult relationship with his mother originally, as he resented her for leaving him behind when the impostor exiled Sparkpelt. However, Nightheart rekindled his bond with his mother upon his return to ThunderClan with Sunbeam. Sparkpelt also befriended Nightheart's mate, Sunbeam, and helped her with her trials.
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History[]
Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!
A Vision of Shadows[]
- "I know SkyClan has suffered much and lost many Clanmates. But why can't they return to their old home? […] We managed without them before. Why do we need them now?"
- ―Sparkpelt about SkyClan at a Gathering Darkest Night, pages 35-36
- When SkyClan returns to the lake, she questions SkyClan's legitimacy and place with the other Clans, an opinion is shared with many others around the lake. However, Sparkpelt continues to care for her brother, rescuing him from a dog, and escorting him on a herb-gathering mission to RiverClan's closed border. Despite her strong feelings towards SkyClan, Bramblestar gives Sparkpelt Twigpaw, who is defecting from SkyClan to return to ThunderClan, to mentor. Her frustrations towards SkyClan become apparent during Twigpaw's training, but she successfully teaches her apprentice to become a loyal ThunderClan warrior. She also develops feelings for Larksong, a fellow ThunderClan warrior.
The Broken Code[]
- "Don't banish me too. I can't leave my Clan, and my kits are still only apprentices. They need me."
- ―Sparkpelt to Bramblestar The Silent Thaw, page 197
- Upon learning that Ashfur, the identity of the impostor, has kidnapped Squirrelflight, Sparkpelt accompanies Lionblaze's patrol to the Moonpool and refuses to believe that Squirrelflight willingly went with Ashfur. She volunteers to enter the Dark Forest to try and find her mother, but Willowshine argues that Ashfur could use Sparkpelt's relation to Squirrelflight against her. Graystripe, having taken over leadership of ThunderClan from Lionblaze, places Sparkpelt in charge of ThunderClan while he and Lionblaze are away, knowing she would do her mother proud.
A Starless Clan[]
- "Anyway, I suppose being with Sparkpelt might have helped me learn my warrior skills, but she talked about you all the time while we were in exile. She missed you with every heartbeat. And I know that you will get closer in time. Just be patient."
- ―Finchlight to Flamepaw about their mother River (book), page 41
- More Coming Soon
Super Editions[]
This section summarizes Sparkpelt's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- In Squirrelflight's Hope, Sparkpelt nervously reveals to her bickering parents that she is expecting kits, and often experiences cramps. Larksong accompanies her on patrols and vows to be the best father he can be. After Larksong collapses due to an illness, Sparkpelt stays at his side in the medicine cats' den and she catches the sickness as well. She gives birth to three kits, but one of them is stillborn, and Larksong nuzzles his kit before he dies. Sparkpelt falls into a depression and ignores her surviving kits until Squirrelflight, having returned from StarClan, reveals she saw Larksong and their kit, Flickerkit, happy together.
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  Queen Version  Loner Version  Refugee Version |
Official art[]
|
Please do not edit this gallery  Sparkpelt on the cover of Thunder  Sparkpelt's Warriors website fact sheet  Sparkpelt's Warriors website fact sheet for A Vision of Shadows  Sparkpelt's icon on the Warriors family tree |
Ceremonies[]
| Sparkpaw's apprentice ceremony | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||
Family[]
- Main article: Sparkpelt/Family
- Sparkpelt's parents are Squirrelstar and Brambleclaw, and her brother is Alderheart. Her mate is Larksong, and Finchlight, Nightheart, and Flickerkit are their children. For more of Sparkpelt's family, click here!
Personality[]
Confident,[4] assured, resourceful,[14] Sparkpelt can also be insolent and show-off.[15][13] Despite this, she always supports and encourages her brother during their apprenticeship.[16][17] She is positive and enthusiastic with her Clanmates.[18][19] As she grows up, she develops a certain hostility towards strangers.[20][21] Despite their divergent opinions and the very different paths they have chosen, Alderheart and Sparkpelt still manage to communicate healthily.[22]
Appearances[]
- Onestar's Confession
- The Apprentice's Quest (First appearance)
- Thunder and Shadow
- Shattered Sky
- Darkest Night
- Tigerheart's Shadow (Allegiance only)
- River of Fire
- Tawnypelt's Clan (Allegiance only)
- Spotfur's Rebellion
- The Raging Storm
- Squirrelflight's Hope
- Lost Stars
- The Silent Thaw
- Veil of Shadows
- Darkness Within (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- Graystripe's Vow (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- Daisy's Kin
- The Place of No Stars
- A Light in the Mist (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- River
- Sky
- Shadow
- Thunder
- Wind
- Ivypool's Heart
- The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition
Trivia[]
Interesting facts[]
- She has kittypet blood through Firestar,[23] and SkyClan blood through her grandfather, Tigerstar.[24]
- She bears a striking resemblance to Firestar.[blog 1]
Author statements[]
- Kate said that she liked Alderheart better than Sparkpelt because although Sparkpelt is 'adorably cheery', she prefers a worrier.[blog 2]
- Kate suggested the name Sparkfire for Sparkpaw's warrior name, but HarperCollins rejected the idea.[blog 3] Kate stated that Sparkpaw's warrior name would not be 'Sparkplug' either.[blog 4]
- This is later printed as a sort of "easter egg", where Graystripe thought that Sparkfire would've been a nice warrior name to remember Firestar by.[6]
- Kate says that Sparkpelt feels comfortable in her own skin, and she has no need to feel pressured to live up to Firestar's legacy.[blog 5]
- Kate believes Sparkpelt to be short-furred.[blog 6]
Quotes[]
- "That’s amazing! It feels so much better. Thanks so much, Alderpaw. You’re turning out to be a great medicine cat."
- ―Sparkpaw when Alderpaw heals her The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 8
- Sparkpaw: "Huh, Thunderpaths! Purdy told me all about them. They're no big deal."
- Sandstorm: "No big deal? Are you mouse-brained? Cats have died on Thunderpaths."
- The Apprentice's Quest, page 122
- Sparkpaw: "In the Clans, we bring all the prey back to camp and make a fresh-kill pile. Some cat will take food to elders and nursing queens, and to any cats who are sick, and then the warriors and apprentices are allowed to help themselves. We don't fight like that.... It's only fair. You must've eaten like that in the past, since you're warriors too, and you're supposed to follow the warrior code."
- Darktail: "We have developed our own code. After we left the other Clans, SkyClan realized our members were becoming weak, and we decided to make up some new rules. SkyClan rules reward the strong and aggressive—the cats who will best defend the Clan."
- The Apprentice's Quest, page 204
- "I know SkyClan has suffered much and lost many Clanmates. But why can't they return to their old home? Darktail is gone now, and so are his rogues. SkyClan's old home is safe again. I'm sure they were happy there once. They can be happy there again. We managed without them before. Why do we need them now? If they stay beside the lake, who is going to give up territory to give them a new home?"
- ―Sparkpelt about SkyClan at a Gathering Darkest Night, pages 35-36
See more
- Alderheart: "You didn't care how I felt about SkyClan. Or that I've been worried about the prophecy or that it might be embarrassing to need saving from a kittypet! You're always so sure of yourself—you act like everything you do is okay, and sometimes it's not okay!"
- Sparkpelt: "I know you wanted SkyClan to stay. But that doesn't mean I had to agree. I can have my own opinion. And of course I care that you're worried. But you're right. I guess I've been too caught up with Larksong to take the time to talk to you about stuff that's important. And I'm sorry I saved you from that fat kittypet... I'm not sorry exactly. I wasn't going to let you get your fur ripped off. But I trained as a warrior and you trained as a medicine cat. But if I was bleeding to death right now, you'd save me, wouldn't you? Because that's what you do. You save cats. I hunt and fight."
- Darkest Night, pages 197-199
- Alderheart: "Tell me about Larksong. Do you really like him?"
- Sparkpelt: "Yeah. A lot. But... I don't know. I want to enjoy being a warrior right now. I don't want to get serious. But I like being with Larksong, and I think he likes being with me. Do you think he likes being with me?"
- Darkest Night, page 200
- "It didn’t take long for SkyClan to claim more territory! I knew they shouldn’t have come here."
- ―Sparkpelt about SkyClan at a Gathering Darkest Night, chapter 20
- "Yes, you must go. You can't truly become our leader until you receive your nine lives."
- ―Sparkpelt trying to urge Squirrelflight to go to the Moonpool Lost Stars, page 248
- Bramblestar's impostor: "You disappeared during your hunting patrol yesterday. Where did you go?"
- Sparkpelt: "I was hunting. I wanted to check the territory near the border. We hadn't hunted there for a while."
- The Silent Thaw, pages 194-195
- Sparkpelt: "I went to look for Lionblaze, okay? Has StarClan made a rule against caring about our Clanmates now?"
- Bramblestar's impostor: "How dare you! I banished Lionblaze. You had no business going after him."
- The Silent Thaw, page 196
- "The dogs that attacked her weren't there by accident. Bramblestar sent Sparkpelt to see. She was attacked by dogs while she was looking for it. I went to investigate and found that some cat had been storing fresh-kill inside the old den. I think it was Bramblestar. I think he'd been luring dogs there for days before he sent Sparkpelt to fetch the catmint."
- ―Bristlefrost about Sparkpelt The Silent Thaw, pages 237-238
External links[]
- Sparkpelt's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- A Vision of Shadows characters - a visual guide on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Firestar's Family Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Our favorite Sparkpelt artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, allegiances
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 228
- ↑ Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 231
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 1
- ↑ Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, page 8
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 124
- ↑ Revealed in River, page 144
- ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 286
- ↑ Revealed in River of Fire, page 21
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 122
- ↑ Revealed in Squirrelflight's Hope, page 400
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 9
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, chapter 5
- ↑ Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 2
- ↑ Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 4
- ↑ Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 8
- ↑ Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 3
- ↑ Revealed in Darkest Night, chapter 1
- ↑ Revealed in Darkest Night, chapter 2
- ↑ Revealed in Darkest Night, chapter 20
- ↑ Revealed in Darkest Night, chapter 14
- ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 37
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, pages 496-497
Author references
- ↑ EXCLUSIVE: Complete Allegiance List for The Apprentice's Quest! on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
- ↑ The Apprentice's Quest Spoiler Page on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
- ↑ The Apprentice's Quest Spoiler Page on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
- ↑ The Apprentice's Quest Spoiler Page on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
- ↑ Thunder and Shadow Spoiler Page on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
- ↑ The Apprentice's Quest Spoiler Page on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
 ThunderClan cats
| |
|---|---|
| Leader | Squirrelstar |
| Deputy | Ivypool |
| Medicine cats | Jayfeather • Alderheart |
| Warriors | Whitewing • Birchfall • Mousewhisker • Poppyfrost • Cinderheart • Lionblaze • Bumblestripe • Blossomfall • Cherryfall • Molewhisker (Stempaw) • Lilyheart • Dewnose • Stormcloud • Fernsong • Sorrelstripe • Hollytuft • Sparkpelt • Honeyfur • Leafshade • Twigbranch • Finleap • Eaglewing • Plumstone • Shellfur • Spotfur • Thriftear • Flipclaw • Bayshine (Bristlepaw) • Myrtlebloom • Nightheart (Wafflepaw) • Finchlight (Graypaw) • Fernstripe • Sunbeam |
| Apprentices | Wafflepaw • Bristlepaw • Stempaw • Graypaw |
| Queen | Daisy |
| Kits | None |
| Elders | Brackenfur • Brightheart • Cloudtail • Thornclaw • Brambleclaw |