Tallstar

"I promise you all that I will lead WindClan with the fierce devotion of a father and the pure love of a mother. Nothing matters more to me than making WindClan strong so that future generations may live with dignity and peace. Every cat I have known—Every cat I have loved has taught me the meaning of friendship and the unbending power of the warrior code."

— Tallstar to StarClan in Tallstar's Revenge, page 502

Tallstar
The pixel artwork represents an interpretation of the character based upon canon material.
Affiliations
Current:	StarClan
Past:	WindClan Kittypet Loner Rogue LionClan
Biographical information
Age:	Approx. 132 moons (11 years) at death
Names
Kit:	Tallkit
Apprentice:	Tallpaw
Warrior:	Talltail
Deputy:	Talltail
Leader:	Tallstar
Loner:	Talltail
Rogue:	Talltail
Kittypet:	Talltail
StarClan resident:	Tallstar
Kin
Mother:	Palebird
Father:	Sandgorse
Sister:	Finchkit
Half-sisters:	Wrenflight, Rabbitpaw
Half-brothers:	Bristlepaw, Flypaw
Education
Mentor:	Dawnstripe
Apprentice:	Deadfoot
Leader position
Preceded by:	Heatherstar
Succeeded by:	Onestar
Book appearances
Living	Tallstar's Revenge, Yellowfang's Secret, Crookedstar's Promise, Leopardstar's Honor, Bluestar's Prophecy, Redtail's Debt, The Prophecies Begin, Tigerclaw's Fury, Blackfoot's Reckoning, A Shadow in RiverClan, Firestar's Quest, Graystripe's Vow, Mothwing's Secret, Midnight, Moonrise, Dawn, Starlight, Winds of Change, Battles of the Clans
Living	Tallstar's Revenge, Yellowfang's Secret, Crookedstar's Promise, Leopardstar's Honor, Bluestar's Prophecy, Redtail's Debt, The Prophecies Begin, Tigerclaw's Fury, Blackfoot's Reckoning, A Shadow in RiverClan, Firestar's Quest, Graystripe's Vow, Mothwing's Secret, Midnight, Moonrise, Dawn, Starlight, Winds of Change, Battles of the Clans
Dead	Tallstar's Revenge, Winds of Change, Twilight, Sunset, The Sight, Eclipse, The Raging Storm, Squirrelflight's Hope, Darkness Within, Code of the Clans
Dead	Tallstar's Revenge, Winds of Change, Twilight, Sunset, The Sight, Eclipse, The Raging Storm, Squirrelflight's Hope, Darkness Within, Code of the Clans

Tallstar is a black-and-white tom with a very long tail and amber eyes.

Tallstar was a leader of WindClan in the forest territories. He was born as Tallkit to Palebird and Sandgorse alongside his sister, Finchkit, who died shortly after birth, and was later apprenticed as Tallpaw to the moor-runner, Dawnstripe, much to his father's dismay. After Sandgorse took Sparrow to the unstable tunnels, they collapsed, and Sandgorse died while Sparrow escaped. Tallpaw blamed Sparrow for his father's death, vowing for revenge. After becoming a warrior, Talltail left WindClan to find Sparrow, where he met a kittypet named Jake, and the two formed a strong bond.

Talltail allowed Jake to come with him on his journey, and after Sparrow told him the truth of Sandgorse's death, Talltail went back to WindClan, parting ways with Jake. He was accepted back into WindClan, becoming a mentor to Deadfoot and then deputy, and after Heatherstar's death, he became leader as Tallstar. His Clan was exiled by Brokenstar, but was retrieved by Fireheart and Graystripe. He led his Clan to the lake after Twolegs destroyed the forest, and upon arrival, he became very weak and frail. On his deathbed, Tallstar made Onewhisker his deputy instead of Mudclaw, and ascended to StarClan afterwards.

History

Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!

The Prophecies Begin

"Spoken like a true warrior. Having traveled with you, I wasn't surprised when Bluestar made you her deputy. There are those who thought such a young cat would never carry off such a great responsibility. I was not among them."

―Tallstar to Fireheart

Tallstar is the leader of WindClan. His Clan is forced into exile by Brokenstar and ShadowClan. Fireheart and Graystripe, two warriors from ThunderClan, are sent to return them to the forest. Tallstar is grateful for ThunderClan's assistance, and even more so when they unite once more to stop RiverClan and ShadowClan attempting to drive WindClan out again. However, Tallstar joins forces with ShadowClan when he and the other Clans learn of ThunderClan harboring Brokenstar, now Brokentail. In order to stop an impending and unnecessary fight between ThunderClan and WindClan when Bluestar accuses WindClan of prey-stealing, Fireheart appeals to his friendship with Tallstar and asks him to meet with Bluestar instead. Tallstar is supportive of Firestar's new leadership. The two refuse to join TigerClan and form an alliance, LionClan. Together with the other Clans, Tallstar and the others drive BloodClan out of the forest.

The New Prophecy

"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. I can still choose the cat who will lead WindClan after me. From this moment Mudclaw is no longer deputy of WindClan."

―Tallstar appointing a new deputy before his death

Mudclaw disagreeing with Tallstar about WindClan's future

Tallstar grows frailer as the moons pass. His deputy, Deadfoot passes on sometime, and Mudclaw is chosen to succeed him. He asks Leopardstar for permission for his cats to cross into RiverClan territory to drink water, though Leopardstar begrudgingly agrees until Hawkfrost accuses them of stealing prey. As Twolegs continue to destroy their territory, Tallstar's Clan begins to starve. When Crowpaw and the others return from journey to find Midnight with news of the Clans exodus, Tallstar wishes to partner with ThunderClan for the impending journey. Firestar refuses to leave until all the Clans agree to leave, and they begin their Great Journey.

Tallstar continues to weaken as the journey progresses. Onewhisker assists his leader throughout the journey while Mudclaw takes over much of the leadership duties. When the Clans finally arrive at the lake, Tallstar is close to joining StarClan. Surrounded by Firestar, Brambleclaw, and Onewhisker, Tallstar thanks Firestar for their enduring friendship. Inspired by their bond, Tallstar appoints Onewhisker as deputy. However, Tallstar's unorthodox appointment causes a rift within the Clan and Mudclaw rebels against Onewhisker's leadership. He is later seen in StarClan giving Cinderpelt a message of her foreseen death alongside Bluestar.

Super Editions

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

"I learned a lot. Friendship and kinship matter more than adventure. Boundaries only exist in our minds. A heart can travel to the horizon without moving a paw step. And I made the best friend any cat ever had."

―Talltail explaining to Heatherstar what he had learned

In Tallstar's Revenge, Tallkit is born to Sandgorse and Palebird, two tunnelers who are gifted at hunting in the cramped, dark tunnels underneath WindClan's territory. His sister, Finchkit, is born stillborn, causing Palebird to go into depression. Tallkit grows up distant from his mother and idolizes his father who wishes for his son to become a tunneler. Tallkit is constantly teased by Shrewkit because he will end up as a tunneler. However, Tallkit doesn't have the natural talent for tunneling, and is instead apprenticed to Dawnstripe as a moor-runner. When visiting rogues return to WindClan's camp, Sandgorse shows Sparrow the tunnels when they collapse, killing Sandgorse. As a result, Tallpaw wishes to train as a tunneler to honor his father's memory, but Heatherstar revokes their ancient tradition for fear of her Clan's safety.

As Tallpaw grows up and becomes a warrior, Talltail, his desire of vengeance for Sparrow grows, who he believes killed his father. Feeling distant from WindClan, Talltail leaves to find Sparrow. He meets a kittypet named Jake who joins him on his journey. When the pair finds the rogues, Jake begs Talltail not to kill Sparrow, and how it will not bring any justice. When Talltail finally confronts Sparrow, the brown tom reveals Sandgorse saved his life in the tunnels. Jake is relieved when he doesn't kill Sparrow, and the two journey back. Talltail and Jake bid an emotional farewell, knowing their true paths were in their respective homes, and Talltail returns to WindClan. He later becomes Heatherstar's deputy and succeeds her as leader. In the manga, as Tallstar journeys to StarClan, he is reunited with Jake.

Stand-Alone Graphic Novels

"We have all traveled together an overcome so much. There should be peace between the Clans. Firestar and ThunderClan have always been friends to WindClan. I would like to spend the end of my final life thinking the other Clans can become friends as well."

―Tallstar to Mudclaw

Tallstar and Mudclaw in StarClan

Tallstar and his Clanmates have arrived at their new home, but Tallstar's condition is deteriorating. As Mudclaw prepares to become WindClan's leader, he firmly believes WindClan must establish themselves to be respected by the other Clans, but Tallstar instead advocates for friendship, especially with ThunderClan and Firestar. Before his death, Tallstar names Onewhisker his deputy, much to Mudclaw's horror. Hawkfrost feeds into Mudclaw's doubts about Onewhisker's leadership and his distrust of Firestar to form a coup to overthrow Onewhisker. After his death, Tallstar greets Mudclaw in StarClan and apologizes for not informing him of his decision prior. Tallstar insists WindClan requires a different kind of leader for the future and allows Mudclaw to participate in Onewhisker's leadership ceremony.

Detailed description

Tallstar is a large, black-and-white tom with a very long, thin, black tail. He has a white muzzle, that has gray fur around it, short, thick fur, and amber eyes.

Character pixels

Kit Version Apprentice Version Warrior Version Loner Version Kittypet Version Rogue Version Deputy Version Leader Version StarClan Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Tallstar in Tallstar's Revenge Tallstar on the full cover of Tallstar's Revenge Tallstar on the reprinted cover of Tallstar's Revenge Tallstar in A Shadow in RiverClan Tallstar in Tallstar's Revenge Tallstar in Winds of Change Tallstar in Warrior's Return Tallstar in Secrets of the Clans Tallstar on the cover of Cats of the Clans Tallstar on the cover of Code of the Clans Tallstar in Code of the Clans Tallstar on the cover of Enter the Clans Tallstar in The Ultimate Guide Tallstar's Warriors official website fact sheet Tallstar's icon on the Warriors family tree

Ceremonies

Tallpaw's apprentice ceremony

Heatherstar: Tallpaw. I have thought long and hard about who should mentor you. Plumclaw: She'll choose Woollytail, surely? Heatherstar: I have chosen Dawnstripe. Come forward, Dawnstripe. Heatherstar: I decide the future of my warriors. Share your speed and courage with Tallpaw. Make him a warrior the whole of WindClan can be proud of. Everyone: Tallpaw! Reference: Tallstar's Revenge, pages 52-54

Talltail's warrior ceremony
Heatherstar: Tallpaw. Your father always meant to name you for your long tail, and so I give you your warrior name in honor of him. Talltail, one day you will be a greater warrior than even you can imagine. Sandgorse would be proud of you. Everyone: Talltail! Reference: Tallstar's Revenge, page 255

Tallstar's leader ceremony
Mole: Welcome, Talltail. With this life, I give you courage, Talltail. The courage to do what you believe to be right. Talltail: Where is he? Palebird: He is where he belongs. I give you the love of a mother for her kits. Finchkit: You will know me one day. I give you this life so that you may seize every opportunity that comes before you, like a rabbit waiting to be hunted. I give you the strength to act without fear or hesitation. Talltail: Thank you! Mothflight: With your fourth life I give you a sense of adventure so that you may embrace even the greatest challenge with determination. Heatherstar: I'm so proud of you and I know you will lead WindClan well. With this life I give you the power to judge wisely. You above all know how to see through the clouds that trouble our Clan, and you will always choose the best path forward. Talltail: Woollytail! Woollytail: It is good to see you again, Talltail. You know how the tunnelers have shaped WindClan's history. We may not tunnel anymore, but you must never let the skills that once protected and fed your Clan be forgotten. WindClan must never be afraid to seek out new places to shelter and to hunt. I give you this life for honoring old traditions on behalf of the future. Dawnstripe: With this life I give you patience. Training the young takes kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. They are small gifts, but they will be rewarded many times. Talltail: Thank you. For your kindness and patience and everything you taught me. It meant a lot. Shrewclaw: But loyalty isn't rooted in friendship. It is much stronger than that. It comes from being born and raised under the same sky, from walking the same path as our ancestors, and from sharing the warrior code. With this life I commit you to upholding the warrior code, whatever challenges you might face. This is the wisdom of our ancestors, all our traditions distilled. Trust the code to lead you along the right path. Sandgorse: I give you this life for forgiveness. No death need ever be avenged. Forgiveness brings peace far more surely than vengeance. I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way, Tallstar. Tallstar: I promise you all that I will lead WindClan with the fierce devotion of a father and the pure love of a mother. Nothing matters more to me than making WindClan strong so that future generations may live with dignity and peace. Every cat I have known—Every cat I have loved has taught me the meaning of friendship and the unbending power of the warrior code. Sandgorse: I couldn't be more proud of you, Tallstar. Go well, lead strongly, and protect WindClan from the storms that lie ahead. For they will come, no matter what StarClan does. And there will be a kit, kin of your dearest friend, who will need your help more than he knows. Watch over him, guide his paws, for he is important to all the Clans. […] I can say no more, but you will know this cat when you see him. Just remember, there is no need to be afraid of every flame. Fire can bring life, warmth, new growth, as well as death. Tallstar: I will remember. I will always remember.
Reference: Tallstar's Revenge, pages 494-503

Leader info

Leader info

Nine Lives Life Given by Gift How it was lost Mole Palebird Finchkit Mothflight Heatherstar Woollytail Dawnstripe Shrewclaw Sandgorse Courage to do what he believes to be right A mother's love The strength to act without fear or hesitation A sense of adventure The power to judge wisely Honoring old traditions Patience Commitment to upholding the warrior code Forgiveness Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unspecified causes in Starlight Deputies Name From To Deadfoot Mudclaw Onewhisker Bluestar's Prophecy Firestar's Quest Starlight The Darkest Hour Starlight Starlight Medicine cats Name From To Barkface Tallstar's Revenge Starlight

Personality and Relationships

Main article: Tallstar/PR

Tallstar is a wise and strong leader, respected by cats from all the Clans. For more of Tallstar's personality and relationships, click here!

Family

Main article: Tallstar/Family

Tallstar's parents are Palebird and Sandgorse, and his littermate is Finchkit. For more of Tallstar's family, click here!

Appearances

• Pinestar's Choice (Mentioned only)
• Tallstar's Revenge †
• Yellowfang's Secret
• Crookedstar's Promise
• Leopardstar's Honor
• Bluestar's Prophecy
• Redtail's Debt
• Into the Wild (First appearance; mentioned only)
• Fire and Ice
• Forest of Secrets
• Rising Storm
• Tigerclaw's Fury (Allegiance only)
• A Dangerous Path
• The Darkest Hour
• Blackfoot's Reckoning
• A Shadow in RiverClan
• Firestar's Quest
• Graystripe's Vow
• Mothwing's Secret (Allegiance only)
• Midnight
• Moonrise
• Dawn
• Starlight †
• Winds of Change †
• Twilight
• Sunset
• The Sight
• Outcast (Mentioned only)
• Eclipse (Mentioned only)
• Night Whispers (Mentioned only)
• Bramblestar's Storm (Mentioned only)
• Shattered Sky (Mentioned only)
• The Raging Storm
• Squirrelflight's Hope
• Darkness Within
• Secrets of the Clans (Retconned)
• Cats of the Clans
• Code of the Clans
• Battles of the Clans
• The Ultimate Guide

Trivia

Author statements

• Kate Cary has said Tallstar never took a mate or had kits, and also that his heart always belonged "to his Jake". Kate has also said that in her head she sees Tallstar and Jake as mates. However, inside the publisher's head, they are "Good Friends".
• Kate thinks Tallstar goes out of StarClan to visit Jake.

Interesting facts

• Tallstar was named for his long tail.

Mistakes

• Tallstar appears as WindClan's leader at a Gathering in Warrior's Return despite having died a few books before.
• He has been described as having a white tail-tip and paws.

Continuity

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

• In Secrets of the Clans, a 2007 field guide, it is revealed that Tallstar mentored Morningflower, then Morningpaw. Tallstar offers a brief introduction on WindClan, a Clan that has known great suffering, but always survives. He is listed in the Significant Leaders section for WindClan as one of the wisest and longest-lived WindClan leaders. He had an unusually close relationship with ThunderClan and their leader, Firestar. He watched over his Clan when they were driven out by Brokenstar, and was later the first to argue for leaving the forest when it came close to being completely destroyed. Tallstar, on his deathbed, changed Onewhisker to his deputy instead of Mudclaw, a wise decision in the long run.

Quotes

"A tabby can't change his stripes. Shrewpaw was born with a burr in his fur. I'll just have to put up with it."

―Tallpaw to Dawnstripe

"The warrior code must reach beyond borders, surely? Courage, honor, and loyalty don't end at a scent line."

―Talltail discussing the way the Warrior Code can be implemented outside of Clan territory with Barkpaw

"I'll help you kill him."

―Talltail helping Shrewclaw taking revenge on Cedarstar

"We all have our flaws, but we overcome them. And sometimes, it's our flaws that make us who we are."

―Talltail explaining why he wants to mentor Hopkit

See more...

"Perhaps it's my age that grants me this clarity...perhaps it's how close I've come to StarClan. But I can see our Clan's future. I see Onewhisker—no, Onestar—leading the cats of WindClan in harmony. With Firestar at his side. An equal. A friend. WindClan and ThunderClan working together, just as our two Clans have done on this journey."

―Tallstar envisioning the future

"I know you're hungry. But we'll be safer here than back in our old territory, or Twoleg woods. Look at this place! Even ShadowClan won't follow us here. There's no scent of dog, and these Twolegs can hardly stand."

―Tallstar to his Clan

"WindClan has traveled a long time. It's nearly a moon since ShadowClan drove us from our home. The weather is turning colder, and leaf-bare will be here soon. We have no choice but to stay."

―Tallstar to his Clan, WindClan

Tallstar: "We've been seeing a lot of you lately, Fireheart. Just because you once led us home doesn't give you the freedom to wander around our territory."

Fireheart: "So I've been warned. However, I must put the needs of my Clan first."

^{Rising Storm, page 311}

Tigerstar: "We have come to invite you to be joint leaders of a greater Clan, to be known as TigerClan."

Tallstar: "TigerClan was the name of one of the great Clans of ancient times. Tigerstar has no right to use it now. Nor does he have the right to change the number of Clans in the forest. We have lived as four Clans for innumerable seasons, following the warrior code laid down for us by StarClan. To throw aside our ancient ways would bring disaster. I'll die before I join my Clan to yours!"

^{The Darkest Hour, pages 136-137}

"He spent nine long lives fighting for his Clan, defending the borders, forging alliances that would grant his Clanmates one more moon of peace, and battling creatures within his territory that wanted to harm his kits."

―Rock describing Tallstar

External links

• Featured
• Author Composed
• Book Specific
• Character Specific
• Themes and Concepts
• Merchandise and Website
• Fan Content

• Tallstar's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Leaders Who Made Their Mark on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Tallstar's Decision on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• The leaders of The Prophecies Begin on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Warrior of the Week Gallery #103 - Tallstar on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #103) (backup link)
• Our Favorite Tallstar Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Destiny guides our paws... on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)

The Journey So Far: The Raging Storm on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)

Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (Allegiance only) (backup link)

Exclusive! Darkness Within: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)

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 (Mentioned only) (backup link)

Winds of Change on the Warriors official website {(Indirect mention only) (backup link)

Exclusive! Leopardstar's Honor: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (Allegiance only) (backup link)

A Legacy of Fire on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)

Mudclaw's Rebellion on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)

A Different Way of Doing Things on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)

Stand Together or Fall Divided on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)

Beyond Our Borders on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)

Too Much History on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)

So Much to Discover on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)

Reach Beyond Borders on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)

Wander the world on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)

The Forest Map: ThunderClan on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)

Which Warrior is Worthy? on the Warriors official website (Poll option) (backup link)

Cast your vote for the 2022 large plush! on the Warriors official website (Poll option) (backup link)

Warriors Leaders Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Top Five Leaders Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Nine Lives Ceremony Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Apprentices Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

LionClan Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Our Favorite Journeys Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Our Favorite Starlight Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Our Favorite Mudclaw Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Our favorite The Prophecies Begin scenes artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Our favorite artwork from 2021 on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Notes and references

Author references