Tallstar

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

"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

Pixel
Official art

The pixel artwork represents an interpretation of the character based upon canon material.

Affiliations

Current:

StarClan^[1]

Past:

WindClan^[2]

Kittypet^[3]

Loner^[4]

Rogue^[5]

LionClan^[6]

Biographical information

Age:

Approx. 132 moons (11 years)^[7] at death^[8]

Names

Kit:

Tallkit^[7]

Apprentice:

Tallpaw^[9]

Warrior:

Talltail^[10]

Deputy:

Talltail^[11]

Leader:

Tallstar^[12]

Loner:

Talltail^[13]

Rogue:

Talltail^[5]

Kittypet:

Talltail^[3]

StarClan resident:

Tallstar^[1]

Kin

Education

Mentor:

Dawnstripe^[14]

Apprentice:

Deadfoot^[15]

Leader position

Preceded by:

Heatherstar^[16]

Succeeded by:

Onestar^[17]

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

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^[18] and amber eyes.^[19]

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 ^{Rising Storm, page 311}

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 ^{Starlight, pages 118-119}

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 ^{Tallstar's Revenge, page 444}

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

Coming Soon

Detailed description

Tallstar is a large,^[19] black-and-white tom with a very long,^[18] thin,^[20] black tail. He has a white muzzle,^[7] that has gray fur around it,^[21] short,^[22] thick fur,^[23] and amber eyes.^[19]

Character pixels

The pixel artwork is an interpretation based upon canon material.

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery

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

Nine Lives

Life Given by	Gift	How it was lost
Mole^[24] Palebird^[24] Finchkit^[25] Mothflight^[26] Heatherstar^[26] Woollytail^[26] Dawnstripe^[27] Shrewclaw^[28] Sandgorse^[12]	Courage to do what he believes to be right^[24] A mother's love^[24] The strength to act without fear or hesitation^[25] A sense of adventure^[26] The power to judge wisely^[26] Honoring old traditions^[26] Patience^[27] Commitment to upholding the warrior code^[28] Forgiveness^[12]	Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unspecified causes in Starlight^[8]

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

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

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,^[29] and also that his heart always belonged "to his Jake".^{[blog 1]} 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".^{[blog 2]}^{[blog 3]}
Kate thinks Tallstar goes out of StarClan to visit Jake.^{[blog 4]}

Interesting facts

Tallstar was named for his long tail.^[30]

Mistakes

Tallstar appears as WindClan's leader at a Gathering in Warrior's Return despite having died a few books before.^[31]
He has been described as having a white tail-tip and paws.^[7]

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.^[32] 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.^[33]

Quotes

"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 ^{Fire and Ice, page 3}

"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 ^{Fire and Ice, page 4}

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."

Tallstar: "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 at a Gathering ^{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!"

Tigerstar: "Tallstar, I understand. These are important matters, and an older cat like yourself will need time to see that what I'm suggesting is for the good of all our Clans."

Tallstar: "I'm not so old that I've lost my wits, you piece of fox dung!"

—Tallstar refusing to join TigerClan ^{The Darkest Hour, pages 136-137}

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 ^{Tallstar's Revenge, page 507}

"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 ^{Cats of the Clans, page 46}

"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 ^{Tallstar's Revenge, page 87}

"I'll help you kill him."

―Talltail helping Shrewclaw taking revenge on Cedarstar ^{Tallstar's Revenge, page 480}

"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 ^{Tallstar's Revenge, page 487}

End of spoiler warning