Thornclaw

"I'm not ashamed to say it. If we'd questioned our leader earlier, we might have avoided a lot of trouble."

— Thornclaw to Squirrelflight about ThunderClan's leadership in Graystripe's Vow, page 35

Thornclaw
Affiliations
Current:	Unknown
Past:	LionClan ThunderClan
Names
Kit:	Unknown
Apprentice:	Thornpaw
Warrior:	Thornclaw
Senior warrior:	Thornclaw
Kin
Mother:	Frostfur
Father:	Lionheart
Sisters:	Brightheart, Cinderpelt
Brother:	Brackenfur
Mate:	Blossomfall
Daughters:	Eaglewing, Plumstone
Sons:	Stemleaf, Shellfur
Education
Mentor:	Mousefur
Apprentices:	Sootfur, Shrewpaw, Poppyfrost, Briarlight
Book appearances
Living	The Prophecies Begin, Ravenpaw's Path, The New Prophecy, Power of Three, Omen of the Stars, A Vision of Shadows, Lost Stars, The Silent Thaw, Veil of Shadows, Super Editions, Novellas, Battles of the Clans
Living	The Prophecies Begin, Ravenpaw's Path, The New Prophecy, Power of Three, Omen of the Stars, A Vision of Shadows, Lost Stars, The Silent Thaw, Veil of Shadows, Super Editions, Novellas, Battles of the Clans

Thornclaw is a golden-brown tabby tom with pale blue eyes.

Thornclaw is a ThunderClan warrior who has served under Firestar's, Bramblestar's, the impostor's, and Squirrelflight's leaderships in the forest and the lake territories. He was born to Lionheart and Frostfur alongside Cinderpelt, Brackenfur, and Brightheart, and was apprenticed to Mousefur as Thornpaw. After becoming a warrior, Thornclaw mentored Sootfur, Shrewpaw, Poppyfrost, and Briarlight. As a senior warrior, Thornclaw was recruited by the Place of No Stars; however, he fought for the Clans during the Great Battle and was forgiven by his Clanmates. He became mates with Blossomfall, his fellow Dark Forest trainee, becoming the father of Eaglekit, Plumkit, Shellkit, and Stemkit. Following the impostor's defeat, Thornclaw is frustrated with the Clan's leadership and decides to leave the Clan to wander, unsure if he wants to remain in ThunderClan.

History

Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!

The Prophecies Begin

"Thornclaw, the newest warrior of ThunderClan, [was] looking tense and eager at the prospect of his first battle."

—Firestar's thoughts about Thornclaw

He and his littermates are abducted by Clawface of ShadowClan, but rescued by ShadowClan elders and a ThunderClan patrol. He later goes into apprenticeship, his mentor being Mousefur. During this time, he grows frustrated that Cloudpaw gets to become a warrior before him, despite him being older. However, he disagrees with Swiftpaw's plan to try and find out what was taking ThunderClan's prey, and is devastated when Brightpaw is maimed and Swiftpaw is killed by dogs. He and Cloudtail try to console his sister as often as possible. When Firestar becomes leader, Thornpaw is the very first cat he makes a warrior. Thornclaw later participates in the battle against BloodClan.

The New Prophecy

"Thornclaw's nostrils flared minutely as he let out a patient sigh, and Brambleclaw admired his self-control. If Squirrelpaw had spoken to him like that, he would have been tempted to rake his claws over her ear."

—Brambleclaw's thoughts on Thornclaw

Thornclaw's apprentice, Shrewpaw, is killed on the Thunderpath trying to catch a pheasant for his starving Clan during the destruction of the forest. Thornclaw makes the Great Journey with the rest of his Clan, leaving his mother, Frostfur, behind with many other elders. He voices his displeasure with ShadowClan trying to move borders and takes part in a battle as one of Onewhisker's loyalists during Mudclaw's rebellion. His sister, Cinderpelt, is killed when badgers attack, protecting Brackenfur's newborn kits.

Power of Three

"Ashfur was killed by a WindClan cat! It's the only possible answer."

—Thornclaw

Now mentoring his niece, Poppypaw, Thornclaw objects to Millie keeping her kittypet name. He falls sick to greencough during the epidemic that ravages ThunderClan, but recovers. When Ashfur is killed, Thornclaw says that there is a need to stir up trouble because a ThunderClan warrior is dead and tries to make plans to attack WindClan for revenge, but is shut down almost immediately by Firestar.

Omen of the Stars

"Enough! The battle is won, the clearing is ours. Do you concede or shall we fight for it again?"

—Thornclaw taunting Blackstar

He becomes the mentor to Briarpaw, who unfortunately gets her spine crushed by a falling tree. Thornclaw often visits her in the medicine cats' den and is happy when she gains a warrior name, Briarlight. He later takes part in the battle of the ShadowClan border, leading ThunderClan with Brackenfur to outflank ShadowClan and reclaim ThunderClan's old strip of clearing. Lionblaze discovers him to be training in the Place of No Stars, but despite this, Thornclaw fights for the Clans during the Great Battle, leading a battle patrol to assist ShadowClan.

A Vision of Shadows

"He might be a senior warrior, but this is his first litter of kits, and it made him as nervous as an apprentice on his first hunt."

—Leafpool about Thornclaw

Thornclaw has become mates with Blossomfall, who bears his kits, Stemkit, Plumkit, Shellkit, and Eaglekit. He participates in the fight to drive out the Kin and disagrees with SkyClan staying at the lake and Tree's role as mediator. His kits later become apprentices.

The Broken Code

"I admit I don't always understand StarClan, but they'll explain themselves sooner or later, you can count on it. […] You're young, and of course you worry about these sorts of decisions. But after what I experienced in the Dark Forest—well, I'm willing to do what's necessary, and now I'm sure things will settle down. StarClan will be back soon, you'll see."

—Thornclaw reassuring Bristlefrost about StarClan's absence

His littermates, Brackenfur and Brightheart, have now retired to the elders' den and Thornclaw is now ThunderClan's eldest warrior. His kits are now warriors with the names Stemleaf, Plumstone, Shellfur, and Eaglewing. He is stunned with several of Bramblestar's new rules to the warrior code and disagrees with the punishing of the codebreakers. He reassures Bristlefrost that StarClan will return sooner or later when the latter is worried, reciting his time in the Dark Forest.

Super Editions

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

"Yes, he's very keen. It's time he had an apprentice. Sootpaw will do fine with him."

—Longtail about Thornclaw taking over Sootpaw's training

In Firestar's Quest, after Longtail's eyes are injured, Firestar believes Thornclaw should take over Sootpaw's training after seeing how well the two work together on a dawn patrol. He brings it up with Longtail, who agrees and he believes Thornclaw will be fine mentor.

"I didn't leave the camp to listen to more petty squabbles. I left to think about what I want to do next. I left the Clan so that I could be alone. Maybe I'll see you all again if I decide to return to the Clan. Or maybe we'll meet in Flipclaw's imaginary territory. But I'm not going to stay here and waste my time arguing. I'm off."

—Thornclaw to Graystripe and the others

In Graystripe's Vow, following the impostor's defeat, Thornclaw adamantly challenges ThunderClan's leadership under Squirrelflight and Lionblaze and cites continual nepotism in the leadership lineage. Thornclaw believes if they had challenged the impostor earlier, then the Clan wouldn't be dysfunctional. He decides to go on a wander along with Graystripe, Snaptooth, Flipclaw, and Flywhisker and abruptly leaves the group to go on his own to reflect if he wants to stay in ThunderClan.

Novellas

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

"No ThunderClan cat finished the battle fighting for the Dark Forest. When they learned the truth about their new allies, they showed nothing but loyalty to the Clans. There is little to forgive, in my opinion."

—Bramblestar about Thornclaw and the other trainees

In Dovewing's Silence, Thornclaw and the other Dark Forest trainees are resented by the other Clans, though they fought for them during the battle. He, along with the other trainees, take a new oath of loyalty to their Clan, and are forgiven.

Character pixels

Main images

Please do not edit this gallery Kit Version Apprentice Version Warrior Version

Alternate images

Please do not edit this gallery Alternate Kit Version Alternate Apprentice Version Alternate Apprentice Version Alternate Warrior Version Alternate Warrior Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Thornclaw in The Lost Warrior Thornclaw in Graystripe's Adventure Thornclaw's icon on the Warriors family tree

Ceremonies

Thornpaw's apprentice ceremony
Bluestar: Mousefur, you have told me that you are ready to take on an apprentice. You will be mentor to Thornpaw. Mousefur, you have shown yourself a brave and intelligent warrior. See that you pass on your courage and wisdom to your new apprentice. Reference: Forest of Secrets, page 63

Thornclaw's warrior ceremony

Firestar: I, Firestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Thornpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life? Thornpaw: I do. Firestar: Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Thornpaw, from this moment you will be known as Thornclaw. StarClan honors your loyalty and your intelligence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan. Everyone: Thornclaw! Thornclaw! Reference: The Darkest Hour, pages 105-106

Family

Main article: Thornclaw/Family

Thornclaw's parents are Lionheart and Frostfur and his littermates are Cinderpelt, Brackenfur, and Brightheart. His mate is Blossomfall, and Stemleaf, Eaglewing, Plumstone, and Shellfur are their children. For more of Thornclaw's family, click here!

Appearances

• Redtail's Debt
• Into the Wild (First appearance)
• Fire and Ice (Indirect mention only)
• Forest of Secrets
• Rising Storm
• Tigerclaw's Fury
• A Dangerous Path
• The Darkest Hour
• Firestar's Quest
• Graystripe's Vow (Then)
• Mothwing's Secret (Allegiance only)
• Midnight
• Moonrise
• Dawn
• The Lost Warrior
• Starlight
• Twilight
• Sunset
• Leafpool's Wish
• The Sight
• Dark River
• Outcast (Allegiance only)
• Eclipse
• Long Shadows
• Sunrise
• Hollyleaf's Story (Allegiance only)
• The Fourth Apprentice
• Mistystar's Omen (Allegiance only)
• Fading Echoes
• Night Whispers
• Sign of the Moon
• The Forgotten Warrior
• The Last Hope
• Dovewing's Silence
• Crowfeather's Trial
• Bramblestar's Storm
• The Apprentice's Quest
• Thunder and Shadow
• Shattered Sky
• Darkest Night
• Tigerheart's Shadow (Allegiance only)
• River of Fire
• Tawnypelt's Clan (Allegiance only)
• The Raging Storm
• Squirrelflight's Hope
• Lost Stars
• The Silent Thaw
• Veil of Shadows
• Graystripe's Vow (Now)
• Battles of the Clans (Mentioned only)
• The Clans Decide

Trivia

Interesting facts

• He is the very first cat Firestar made a warrior.

Author statements

• Vicky doesn't think that he and Brackenfur are identical twins.

Mistakes

• He has mistakenly been called dark, a dark tabby, ginger, depicted as a solid-colored cat, and called light brown.
• He is shown speaking to Blackstar at the end of Fading Echoes; however, in Night Whispers, which starts as Thornclaw is speaking, Brambleclaw is speaking instead.
• Despite not earning his warrior name until The Darkest Hour, Thornclaw is shown as a warrior in Tigerclaw's Fury, which is set before then.

Quotes

"I didn't see Thornpaw show much respect for that squirrel he dragged back to camp yesterday. He said it was so dopey, a kit could have caught it."

—Cloudpaw about Thornpaw's lack of respect for prey

Cinderpelt: "Here, press on this."

Thornpaw: "Me?"

^{Rising Storm, page 195}

"What did you find out? When do we attack?"

—Thornclaw suspecting that a WindClan cat killed Ashfur

See more

"You left not long after Ashfur was killed."

—Thornclaw accusing Hollyleaf of Ashfur's death

Alderheart: "You should have seen Thornclaw last night. We had a hard time keeping him calm while Blossomfall was giving birth."

Leafpool: "True. He might be a senior warrior, but this is his first litter of kits, and it made him as nervous as an apprentice on his first hunt."

^{Shattered Sky, page 47}

"'Clouds from the mountains…' I think the message is clear. These cats bring trouble. We must send them away."

—Thornclaw about Jayfeather's omen and the Sisters

"Who cares what they want? Did they care what we wanted when they held you captive? Who knows what they'd have done to you if we hadn't turned up and threatened to shred them!"

—Thornclaw about the Sisters

Thornclaw: "Haven't the hunting patrols left yet?"

Lionblaze: "We're waiting for Squirrelflight."

^{The Silent Thaw, page 18}

"Surely a cat must do more than break the code to be exiled."

—Thornclaw disagreeing with Squirrelflight's exile

Thornclaw: "...the only reason you're the one making decisions is because you're Squirrelflight's kin."

Lionblaze: "Take that back!"

^{Graystripe's Vow, page 33}

External links

• Warrior of the Week Gallery #27 - Thornclaw on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #27) (backup link)
• The Act of Giving Thanks on the Warriors official website (Mentioned only) (backup link)
• A Lost Tradition on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
• Outpacing other 'Paws (and Mentors) on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
• Stand Together or Fall Divided on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
• Morningstar's Folly - When Peace Isn't the Answer on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
• Exclusive! Veil of Shadows: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (Allegiance only) (backup link)
• Asking a Great Deal on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
• Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Protect and defend on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
• Exclusive! Darkness Within: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Missing the old days on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)
• Where it all began on the Warriors official website (Indirect mention only) (backup link)