This article contains major spoilers for the recently released book, The Elders' Quest. Please proceed at your own discretion. |
"Really? I hope that's true, because I want to come with you. I want to be a warrior just like you." |
— Waffle accepting Nightheart's invitation to visit ThunderClan in Thunder, page 300 |
Wafflepelt is a little[6] marbled gray-and-brown tabby tom[7] with green eyes.[8]
Wafflepelt is a ThunderClan warrior under Squirrelstar's leadership in the lake territories. Born a kittypet, Waffle was tossed into the river by his Twolegs as a kit, but his life was saved by the Cats of the Park. Waffle befriended the visiting Clan cats, Nightheart and Frostpaw, and decided to join RiverClan along with his friend, Wasp. However, due to Splashtail's control of RiverClan, the two were forced to stay in ThunderClan. Pledging his loyalty to ThunderClan, Waffle received the apprentice name Wafflepaw with Nightheart as his mentor. After completing his training, he earned the name Wafflepelt.
Quick Answers
How did Wafflepaw come to join the ThunderClan?
What is the backstory of Wafflepaw's original name as a kittypet?
What is Wafflepaw's warrior name?
History[]
In the A Starless Clan arc[]
Thunder[]
- "Weevil and Peg won't be strong enough to fight [rogues] off. We need to be able to defend our parkmates. Besides...You looked so cool when you were showing the kits. I want to look like that too."
- ―Waffle to Nightheart about becoming cool Thunder, page 253
- Waffle, Nightheart, and Rook work together to ambush a rat, but Waffle scares it away after being distracted by a bird. Nightheart asks Waffle to imagine he has a Clan to feed, but Waffle brings up their access to Twoleg food, and Rook snaps that cats cannot rely on Twolegs. She explains that Waffle's Twolegs threw him in the river when he was a kit, and she and Scruff had to tear him out of the bag. Waffle and Rook groom Frostpaw after she comes to terms with Splashtail's attempt to kill her, and Waffle explains that park cats share tongues to show others they are safe and welcome. Moreover, he assures Frostpaw that she is special and urges her not to listen to those who say otherwise. The group return to their hunt and Waffle quickly improves.
- Waffle asks Nightheart to teach him and Wasp the fighting techniques he showed Weevil and Peg, pointing out that they may encounter hostile rogues like in Riverstar's day, and Nightheart agrees. Later, Frostpaw mentions Waffle when she tells Nightheart that the park cats have taught her what to look for in a leader of RiverClan. Moreover, as Frostpaw prepares to speak to Riverstar about the truth he withheld from her, she reminds herself of Waffle's kind words.
- When Nightheart and Frostpaw announce they are returning home, Waffle and Wasp ask to join them. Nightheart worries that their absence will threaten the park's safety, but Scruff reassures him. Waffle tells them about the quickest way through Twolegplace and a safe way across the river, and upon their arrival at the lake, the group makes their way to the Gathering. Together, they eavesdrop on the news of Splashtail's ascension as leader of RiverClan. Waffle doubts the truth of Podlight's dream, noticing that the Riverstar he described does not sound like the Riverstar the park knows, and questions why Podlight would make it up.
Wind[]
- Squirrelstar: "And what about you, Waffle? Will you go with your friend?"
- Waffle: "No, Squirrelstar. I want to stay in ThunderClan, if you'll have me. I've grown to love my new home, and I've made friends among your cats."
- Wind, chapter 13
- After Splashtail banishes Frostpaw, Waffle and Wasp's eagerness to join RiverClan wavers. At Nightheart's request, Squirrelstar allows them to stay in ThunderClan as guests. Squirrelstar gives them one moon to decide if they will join and assigns Nightheart to hunt for them. Nightheart suggests they learn about ThunderClan's history, intriguing Waffle. Some days later, Nightheart takes Waffle and Wasp into the territory to hunt with Sunbeam and Finchlight. Waffle scents a squirrel and Nightheart thanks StarClan after catching it, teaching Waffle and Wasp this part of the the warrior code. Waffle wonders what RiverClan prey is like, and as the patrol returns to camp, the park cats chat about how they enjoyed the lesson.
- Soon after, Nightheart leads the toms to the elders' den for stories. Waffle learns about the Dark Forest, Tigerstar, the Great Battle, the old forest, the journey to Midnight, and the Great Journey. Nightheart tells Sunbeam that while Waffle and Wasp loved the stories, they are still desperate to see RiverClan. Later, Nightheart recalls that Waffle, Wasp, and Sunbeam were with him on a long, successful hunting patrol. When Squirrelstar summons Nightheart to accompany her to ShadowClan in order to speak with Frostpaw, Nightheart tells Waffle and Wasp that he will be gone a while. Waffle assures him that they will be fine and Nightheart greets them when he returns.
- On a dawn patrol, Nightheart recognizes that Waffle has begun to feel more at home in ThunderClan, as he has been sleeping well and visiting the elders at every opportunity. Noticing Nightheart's aloofness, Waffle presses if something is wrong, to which Nightheart admits that Sunbeam is missing. Waffle consoles him and remarks that warrior life seems very complicated. Nightheart retorts that as a park cat, there were still dangers, and Waffle begrudgingly agrees. Waffle suggests that Sunbeam may be back by the time they return to camp. However, they are interrupted by Crowfeather, who brings Sunbeam back from WindClan territory. When they arrive back in camp, Tigerstar demands a meeting with Squirrelstar. Nightheart begs Waffle to tell Sunbeam he has no choice but to go. During the meeting, Jayfeather catches Waffle and Wasp eavesdropping. Without flinching, Waffle explains that they heard this was about Frostpaw, calling her a true friend and no a liar. After the meeting, Squirrelstar lets Waffle and Wasp go without punishment, but urges them not to be caught sneaking around again.
- At the next Gathering, Waffle excitedly affirms his intention to join ThunderClan while Wasp announces he will return to the park. The next morning, Squirrelstar calls a Clan meeting to hold an apprentice ceremony for Graykit, Stemkit, Bristlekit, and Waffle, who is renamed Wafflepaw with Nightheart as his mentor. Wafflepaw and Nightheart join Graypaw, Bristlepaw, and their mentors, Bayshine and Finchlight, for their first training session. Wafflepaw wishes that Wasp were joining them, but Wasp assures Wafflepaw that he will make a great warrior. He correctly identifies a stale fox scent and responds that if it were fresh, he would return to camp to report to the Clan leader. Testing the apprentices' composure, the mentors launch a surprise attack. While the younger apprentices panic, Wafflepaw collapses with laughter and reports that they learned the power of surprise.
- When a storm approaches, Wafflepaw and his fellow apprentices stash prey from the fresh-kill pile within clefts of the cliff face. Afterward, they join Nightheart and Sunbeam in gathering bramble tendrils to secure the loose branches in the camp. Nightheart takes Wafflepaw and Bristlepaw and the group successfully collect enough to fortify the elders' den. In the aftermath of the storm, Sunbeam remarks that Wafflepaw is doing well as he directs the other apprentices to clean debris from the camp. Nightheart asks him where Wasp is and Wafflepaw admits that he left the day prior to try to join RiverClan, having asked Wafflepaw to come too. Nightheart questions if Wafflepaw had tresspassed on RiverClan territory, to which Wafflepaw is slightly indignant, affirming that he is loyal to ThunderClan. Nightheart apologizes for being away when Wafflepaw needed him. Terrified for Wasp, Nightheart reasons that if he is lucky, RiverClan will just throw him out. When Squirrelstar learns, she believes there is no way to rescue him, forgiving Wafflepaw but denying his request to search for Wasp.
- To take his mind off of Wasp, Nightheart asks Wafflepaw to join the other apprentices for a training session. While training, they spot Sneezecloud and Gorseclaw leaving ThunderClan and assume they had brought Wasp. Rushing back to camp, Wafflepaw asks if Wasp is all right and is distraught by his wounds. Squirrelstar tells Wafflepaw it is time to say goodbye. Wasp explains that it was his decision to leave, but Wafflepaw urges that he stay a few days to recover. Once Wasp's wounds are cleared, Wafflepaw gathers alongside the rest of the Clan to bid him farewell.
Star[]
- Wafflepaw goes on a morning hunting patrol with Nightheart, Flipclaw, Myrtlebloom, and Eaglewing. Nightheart reflects that he had neglected Wafflepaw during the Clan's efforts to defeat Splashtail, and he resolves to be a better mentor. His apprentice eagerly asks if they can patrol again soon, and Nightheart agrees. Wafflepaw scampers off to join the other apprentices.
In the Changing Skies arc[]
The Elders' Quest[]
- He is now a warrior named Wafflepelt.
Character pixels[]
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. |
Official art[]
Please do not edit this gallery |
Ceremonies[]
Wafflepaw's apprentice ceremony | ||||||||
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Personality and traits[]
- Waffle: "This is so exciting."
- Wasp: "It sounds dangerous."
- Thunder, page 329
- Wafflepelt is an honest, smart,[9] playful,[11] caring, brave, curious, and eager cat.[12] He is quick on his paws, highly attentive,[13] and is fascinated by Clan life,[14] quickly becoming popular in ThunderClan due to his enthusiasm.[15] Wafflepelt excels as a member of ThunderClan, finding satisfaction in difficult work[17] and staying tactful in times of conflict.[19]
Relationships[]
Rook, Scruff, and the Cats of the Park[]
- «Waffle blinked fondly at [Rook], and Nightheart suddenly realized that the bonds between these easygoing park cats were deeper than they first appeared.»
- —Nightheart's recognition of the park cats' bonds Thunder, page 246
Wasp[]
- "I'm going to miss you so much. I wish you would stay and be a ThunderClan apprentice like me."
- ―Wafflepaw solemnly appealing to Wasp Wind, chapter 21
Nightheart[]
- "That's a great answer. Go on like that, and it won't be long before you earn your warrior name."
- ―Nightheart praising Wafflepaw Wind, chapter 14
- Wafflepaw was glad that Nightheart, the first warrior he met, was made his mentor.[15] At the park, Waffle was amazed by Nightheart's coolness and aspired to be like him. His admiration was not one-sided; even before leaving the park Nightheart was impressed by how quickly Waffle learned and almost forgot he was not a Clan cat.[13] When Waffle and Wasp sheltered in ThunderClan, Nightheart realized he had grown fond of them and hoped they would stay.[24] He was disappointed at Waffle's continued talk of RiverClan and slyly brought him to the elders to hear stories of ThunderClan.[25] Soon, he and Waffle grew closer, so much so that Waffle correctly identified that Nightheart was feeling depressed, and Nightheart was willing to confide in him.[18] When Nightheart began Wafflepaw's training, he felt warm with pride in his apprentice and took care to plan for one-on-one time without the younger apprentices.[15] Moreover, Nightheart placed great emphasis being a good mentor, blaming himself for being away when Wafflepaw needed him. Likewise, Wafflepaw felt crushed with guilt for concealing Wasp's plan to go to RiverClan from him. Nightheart advocated for Wafflepaw when he begged to be allowed to search for Wasp, offering to go alongside him.[28]
Frostdawn[]
- "You're a really special cat, Frostpaw. Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you're not."
- ―Waffle comforting Frostpaw Thunder, page 249
- Wafflepelt and Frostdawn share a dear friendship, with Wafflepelt considering her a true friend[18] and Frostdawn praising him as honest and smart.[9] Waffle met Frostpaw during a difficult time in her life, as she arrived at the park soon after her near-death at the paws of Splashtail. Frostpaw accepted Waffle's offer to learn meditation, but stayed isolated from him and the others for several days. When she returned, Waffle was hesitant until she expressed interest in playing with them. From them on, Frostpaw spent more time with Waffle, and he introduced her to Weevil and Peg.[30] When Frostpaw confided in her friends about Splashtail, Waffle groomed her to ease her pain[13] and Frostpaw remembered his kind words to steady herself before facing the truth of her mother's betrayal.[9] Though Waffle intended to join Frostpaw's Clan, RiverClan's ill treatment of her at the Gathering led him to reconsider. Frostpaw encouraged Waffle that ThunderClan would treat him and Wasp well and Waffle bade her goodbye, assuring her that Riverstar would take care of her. His trust in her and interest in her well-being led Wafflepaw to eavesdrop on a meeting between Squirrelstar and Tigerstar despite the risk of punishment, during which he stood up for her as no liar.[18]
Appearances[]
- Thunder (First appearance)
- Wind
- Star
- Ivypool's Heart (Allegiance only)
- The Elders' Quest (Allegiance only)
Trivia[]
Interesting facts[]
- On March 7, 2023, fans were invited to submit apprentice name suggestions for a new character to be featured in this book.[31] The final choices were Bubblepaw, Basilpaw, Biscuitpaw, Jinxpaw, Pumpkinpaw, Luckypaw, Copperpaw, Picklepaw, Bagelpaw, Wafflepaw, Pepperpaw, Cricketpaw, Buddypaw, Scooterpaw, Sophiepaw, Beanspaw, Figpaw, Sproutpaw, Pixiepaw, and Mollypaw,[32] and Wafflepaw was the winner.[33][34]
- Wafflepelt's real life inspiration comes from Basil Kat's real life cat named Waffles. He is a brown tabby tom with green eyes, and here is his official reference.[35]
Mistakes[]
Quotes[]
- Nightheart: "[Hunting's] the most important thing a warrior learns."
- Waffle: "In that case, I'm going to practice hunting every day."
- Thunder, pages 245-246
- Nightheart: "Have you been to the river?"
- Waffle: "Of course. I don't just sleep all day."
- Thunder, page 302
- Waffle: "Nightheart, what's the matter? You've been depressed all morning. It isn't like you."
- Nightheart: "Okay, Waffle. I'll tell you—but for StarClan's sake, don't let Squirrelstar or Ivypool know. Sunbeam is missing."
- Wind, chapter 11
External links[]
- Wafflepaw's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- A Starless Clan kittypet name fan vote on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Revealed: Official details from Wind, A Starless Clan #5 on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
- Exclusive: Wind chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- New Release: Wind on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
- Exclusive! Ivypool's Heart chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
- Exclusive! Star chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
- Exclusive! The Elders' Quest chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
Fan content[]
- Thunder: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
- Wind: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Star: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
- Some amazing Wafflepaw artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Revealed in Wind, page 194
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 225
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Revealed in Thunder, page 246
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 222
- ↑ Revealed in The Elders' Quest, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Star, page 235
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Revealed in Thunder, page 214
- ↑ Wafflepaw's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 19
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 234
- ↑ When Frostpaw first saw Waffle, he was playing with a sprig of moss. Later, he joined a game of find-the-shell.[7][10]
- ↑ Wafflepaw's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Revealed in Thunder, chapter 17
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 224
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Revealed in Wind, chapter 14
- ↑ Revealed in Wind, chapter 17
- ↑ Nightheart noted the gleam of satisfaction in Wafflepaw's eyes as he reinforced the camp for a storm[16]
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Revealed in Wind, chapter 11
- ↑ Waffle remained tactfully quiet when Crowfeather appeared to bring Sunbeam home[18]
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 300
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 221
- ↑ Revealed in Wind, chapter 22
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 226
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Revealed in Wind, chapter 2
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Revealed in Wind, chapter 5
- ↑ Revealed in Wind, chapter 8
- ↑ Revealed in Wind, chapter 9
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 Revealed in Wind, chapter 20
- ↑ Revealed in Wind, chapter 21
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, chapter 16
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors Instagram (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on We asked you to nominate your pet to be featured in Thunder, and here is the shortlist of real names. Vote for your favorite! poll on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors Instagram (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in the results for We asked you to nominate your pet to be featured in Thunder, and here is the shortlist of real names. Vote for your favorite! poll on the Warriors official website (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Basil Kat's Instagram (backup link) (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 242
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page 302
- ↑ Revealed in Wind, page 205
ThunderClan cats | |
---|---|
Leader | Squirrelstar |
Deputy | Ivypool |
Medicine cats | Jayfeather • Alderheart |
Warriors | Whitewing • Birchfall • Mousewhisker • Poppyfrost • Cinderheart • Lionblaze • Bumblestripe • Blossomfall • Cherryfall • Molewhisker • Lilyheart • Dewnose • Stormcloud • Fernsong • Sorrelstripe • Hollytuft • Sparkpelt • Honeyfur • Leafshade • Twigbranch • Finleap (Goldenpaw) • Eaglewing • Plumstone • Shellfur • Spotfur • Flipclaw (Shinepaw) • Thriftear • Bayshine • Nightheart • Finchlight • Fernstripe • Sunbeam (Moonpaw) • Wafflepelt • Bristleclaw • Stemtail • Graywhisker |
Apprentices | Goldenpaw • Shinepaw • Moonpaw |
Queens | Daisy • Myrtlebloom |
Kits | Sunkit • Oakkit • Hazelkit |
Elders | Brackenfur • Brightheart • Cloudtail • Thornclaw • Brambleclaw |
Cats of the Park residents | |
---|---|
Members | Bee • Chalk • Firefly • Lark • Marlow • Molly • Peg • Rook • Scruff • Weevil |
Former members | Arc • Dart • Finch • Flutter • Grub • Hopper • Magda • Midge • Moth • Owl • Ripple • Rust • Scooby • Shine • Sparrow • Squirrel • Stoat • Waffle • Wasp |