"Your heart is in ShadowClan, too. Our Clan is changing, but not all change is bad. Give yourself some time, and give Tigerstar a chance. I love you so much, Tawnypelt. I always will. But it's time to let me go." |
— Rowanclaw speaking to Tawnypelt in her dreams in Tawnypelt's Clan, chapter 9 |
Rowanclaw is a lithe,[20] muscular,[21] dark ginger[22] tabby[23] tom[22] with amber eyes.[24]
Rowanclaw was a ShadowClan leader in the lake territories. He was born as Rowankit in the forest territories to Darkflower and Scorchwind alongside his siblings Cedarheart and Lavenderkit. He was apprenticed to Jaggedtooth as Rowanpaw, and after becoming a warrior, Rowanclaw mentored Talonpaw and Ivytail, in which the former was killed by two vicious kittypets. Soon, he and Tawnypelt became mates, and they had three kits, Tigerkit, Flamekit, and Dawnkit. He succeeded Russetfur as deputy, and following a major storm, and the death of Blackstar, he became Rowanstar with Crowfrost as his deputy. When apprentices began to rebel against him, his Clan chose to follow Darktail instead of him, and he, Tawnypelt, and Tigerheart, his new deputy, took refuge in ThunderClan.
After the Kin's defeat, Rowanstar struggled to retain his leadership after Darktail's reign, and following Tigerheart's disappearance, he chose Tawnypelt as his deputy. Realizing he could not properly lead his Clan, Rowanstar disbanded ShadowClan, merging the Clan with SkyClan under Leafstar. Rowanstar renounced his leadership by renaming himself Rowanclaw and returned his remaining nine lives to StarClan. Rowanclaw sacrificed himself to save Yarrowleaf's kits, Flaxkit and Hopkit, against Sleekwhisker and Nettle. As he died, he promised Tawnypelt that ShadowClan would be reborn with Tigerheart returning as their leader. After his death, Rowanclaw ascended to StarClan and gave Tigerstar one of his nine lives.
Quick Answers
Why was Rowanstar deemed a weak leader?
Who were Rowanclaw's parents and siblings?
Who were Rowanclaw's mate and kits?
How did Rowanclaw's apprentice Talonpaw die?
History[]
Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!
The New Prophecy[]
- "What a surprise, it's the half-Clan warrior! We all know you'd rather defend your brother than your Clan."
- ―Rowanclaw to Tawnypelt Starlight, page 190
Power of Three[]
- "It's nonsense to say that Tawnypelt isn't loyal. I haven't forgotten all the Tribe cats did for us, even if you have. They deserve our help."
- ―Rowanclaw to Blackstar Outcast, page 131
Omen of the Stars[]
- "I'm glad to have such ambitious kits. But I'd like to be deputy for a moon or two before you take over."
- ―Rowanclaw to his kits, Tigerheart and Dawnpelt Night Whispers, page 62
A Vision of Shadows[]
- "I have been struggling to hold ShadowClan together. I had hoped, with a strong deputy like Tigerheart, that we could overcome the betrayals that have split the Clan over the past moons. But Tigerheart has left us. I could not hold the faith of my Clan before the rogues split us in two. I do not have the strength to repair the wounds that have been inflicted since then. I can no longer lead ShadowClan."
- ―Rowanstar renouncing his leadership Darkest Night, chapter 20
- Rowanstar's leadership continues to crumble as ShadowClan struggles to rebuild from the Kin. With many of ShadowClan's cats dead or missing and Tigerheart vanishing, Rowanstar offers his few remaining cats to SkyClan and surrenders his leadership. He renames himself Rowanclaw and spends a majority of his time with Tawnypelt, refusing to lead ShadowClan ever again. When Sleekwhisker and Nettle hold Tawnypelt and Yarrowleaf's kits hostage, Rowanclaw sacrifices himself to save his remaining Clanmates. As he dies, he promises Tawnypelt that Tigerheart will return.
Super Editions[]
This section summarizes Rowanclaw's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- In Bramblestar's Storm, Rowanclaw struggles to support Blackstar, who has grown frail since the Great Battle, his age showing. He gently informs Blackstar that the Clans must move on and nothing remains forever. Blackstar dies during the Great Storm, and Rowanclaw succeeds him as Rowanstar. The new leader appoints Crowfrost as deputy, and tries to lead his Clan during a rough time. Bramblestar journeys to ShadowClan to welcome the new leader. Rowanstar hesitates to allow ThunderClan to assist ShadowClan with kittypets and later, badgers. However, the bond between Tawnypelt and Bramblestar convinces Rowanstar to let them help.
- In Tigerheart's Shadow, in the rebuilding of ShadowClan, Tigerheart struggles between supporting his father as deputy and doing what is best for his Clan. Puddleshine and Tigerheart receive several omens about Rowanstar's failing leadership. At first, Tigerheart believes he is undermining his father's leadership, which encourages him to leave to find Dovewing. However, StarClan was hinting that Tigerheart is the rightful leader of ShadowClan and not Rowanstar. When Tigerheart receives his nine lives, Rowanclaw grants his son a life for strength and resurrects him.
Novellas[]
This section summarizes Rowanclaw's significant Novellas appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- In Tawnypelt's Clan, after the death of Rowanclaw, Tawnypelt struggles to identify with the current ShadowClan after losing much of her kin and Clanmates from Darktail's reign. She is still furious over her Clanmates' resentment for their late leader. She grows frustrated when Tigerstar does not listen to her as deputy, constantly reflecting how Rowanclaw always took the time to let her speak. While visiting the Tribe of Rushing Water, Rowanclaw appears to Tawnypelt in her dreams. He lovingly encourages her to adjust to the changes in ShadowClan and assures her they will be reunited one day.
Character pixels[]
Main images[]
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. |
Alternate images[]
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 |
Killed victims[]
This list shows the victims Rowanclaw has killed:
Ceremonies[]
Lives granted[]
The following is a list of gifts Rowanclaw has granted during nine lives ceremonies:
Lives granted | ||||
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Leader info[]
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Personality[]
- Rowanclaw used to be a confident and proud leader.[29] He was deeply loyal to ShadowClan, and had faith that ShadowClan was the strongest Clan.[30] However, after Darktail's Kin arrived at the lake, he quickly lost control of many of the cats in his Clan, who went to join the pack of rogues.[31] He lost all faith in himself, and even after the rogues were driven out, he did not have the strength to rebuild his Clan without his deputy, Tigerheart.[32] Many of his Clanmates agreed, and saw Rowanstar as a weak and cowardly leader.[33] Rowanstar eventually gave up his leader name and nine lives, going back to his warrior name of Rowanclaw, and merged the remains of his Clan into SkyClan.[34][35] Cats were still unhappy with this, and when Yarrowleaf's kits were stolen by Nettle, they agreed that Rowanclaw should sacrifice himself to save the kits, which he did.[36] When Tigerheart returned to ShadowClan, Rowanclaw appeared in StarClan and gave him a life.[37] Though many still see him as a feeble leader who could not hold his Clan together, Rowanclaw was loyal to ShadowClan to the end, and his close family members know that he would do anything for his beloved Clan.[38]
Relationships[]
Tawnypelt[]
- Scorchfur: "So? What should we do?"
- Rowanstar: "I must do what's right for the Clan."
- Darkest Night, page 160
- Rowanclaw loves his mate, and she loves him back.[39] She always supported him, even when every other ShadowClan cat thought he was weak.[38] She stuck by him when they had to take shelter in ThunderClan, and when he merged ShadowClan into SkyClan.[34] She was devastated when he died, and believed that without him, ShadowClan could never be rebuilt.[40] But as she watched his beloved ShadowClan reorganize, she knew that Rowanclaw was happy in StarClan as he watched Tigerheart demonstrate the leadership that ShadowClan needed to thrive.[source?]
Tigerstar, Dawnpelt, and Flametail[]
- Tigerheart: "One day I'll be deputy, and then you won't be allowed to tease me."
- Dawnpelt: "No, you won't! I'll be deputy!"
- Night Whispers, pages 52-53
- Rowanclaw had a good relationship with all three of his children, and is very proud of them.[source?] When Flametail drowned in the lake and Dawnpelt accused Jayfeather of murder, Rowanclaw sided with Dawnpelt.[source?] When Crowfrost died of yellowcough, Rowanclaw made Tigerheart his deputy, and relied on him greatly for leadership.[41] When Tigerheart left, Rowanclaw could not lead his Clan anymore and gave up his leadership.[32] Rowanclaw then appeared in StarClan and gave Tigerheart a life, knowing that he was the right leader for ShadowClan.[37]
Violetshine[]
- "Take her! You did ShadowClan no favors by finding her. There's been nothing but trouble since she arrived. We're better off without her."
- ―Rowanstar to Needlepaw about exiling Violetkit Thunder and Shadow, page 177
- Later, Violetpaw attempts to rejoin ShadowClan, but Rowanstar was worried she was a spy for the Kin, though he saw another chance to use her as a political pawn, allowing her to return as he hoped it would tempt the other apprentices back.[45] When Darktail's reign finally came to end, Rowanclaw became too wrapped up in larger issues to keep up any contact with Violetshine. No longer under his authority in SkyClan, Violetshine had the confidence to think critically of him, conflicted on if he should be pitied or not. However, she gained a new respect for him when he sacrificed himself to save Yarrowleaf's kits, though Violetshine briefly pondered why Rowanclaw never fought so hard for her as a kit.[46]
Family[]
- Main article: Rowanclaw/Family
- Rowanclaw's parents are Scorchwind and Darkflower and his siblings are Cedarheart and Lavenderkit. His mate is Tawnypelt, and Tigerstar, Dawnpelt, and Flametail are their children. For more of Rowanclaw's family, click here!
Appearances[]
- Onestar's Confession
- Tigerclaw's Fury
- Into the Woods
- A Dangerous Path (First appearance; allegiance only)
- The Darkest Hour (Allegiance only)
- Blackfoot's Reckoning
- Graystripe's Vow
- Mothwing's Secret (Allegiance only)
- Midnight (Allegiance only)
- Moonrise (Allegiance only)
- Dawn (Allegiance only)
- Starlight
- Winds of Change
- Twilight
- Sunset
- Leafpool's Wish (Allegiance only)
- The Sight (Allegiance only)
- Dark River
- Outcast
- Eclipse
- Long Shadows (Allegiance only)
- Sunrise
- Hollyleaf's Story (Allegiance only)
- The Fourth Apprentice
- Mistystar's Omen (Allegiance only)
- Fading Echoes
- Night Whispers
- Sign of the Moon (Allegiance only)
- 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 †
- River of Fire †
- Tawnypelt's Clan
- Spotfur's Rebellion (Mentioned only)
- The Raging Storm
- Darkness Within (Mentioned only)
- Sky (Mentioned only)
- Shadow (Mentioned only)
- Thunder (Mentioned only)
- Star (Mentioned only)
- The Elders' Quest
- Battles of the Clans
- The Ultimate Guide (Mentioned only)
- The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition
- The Clans Decide
Trivia[]
- Main article: Rowanclaw/Trivia
- Did you know that Rowanclaw is the second known leader to step down from leadership? For more trivia about Rowanclaw, click here!
Quotes[]
- Rowanpaw: "Huh? Oh.... Right. Frogs are.... uh... Nasty."
- Tigerstar: "And yet prey is prey, distasteful or not. Isn't that right?"
- Into the Woods, page 24
- "If you ask me, all the cats who went to see that badger have forgotten which Clan they belong to."
- ―Rowanclaw to Brambleclaw and Tawnypelt Starlight, page 191
- "I don't know about this. Leafpaw is Firestar's daughter, isn't she? Kind of convenient that she's the one who found the Moonpool, right?"
- ―Rowanclaw during the secret meeting Winds of Change, page 150
- Squirrelflight: "Let's not talk about fighting now. Three kits are a blessing to any Clan."
- Leafpool: "I noticed Tawnypelt was expecting last time I saw her."
- Dark River, pages 22-23
- "You are young and foolish. You don't understand the pain and loss that battle brings. I have been too soft with you. With all of you. I've let small rules be broken. Don't think I don't smell the prey blood on your breath when you return from hunting. What you catch is for the fresh-kill pile, not your own belly. From now on, the warrior code will be followed. StarClan is watching us. Respect for our ancestors will guide our paws."
- ―Rowanstar to the rebelling apprentices Thunder and Shadow, page 175
- Rowanstar: "You judge us, but you don't realize how much we have suffered. If we made a mistake, then we have paid for it with our own blood."
- Mistystar: "Our blood too! Your Clan chose its own path, Rowanstar. Our suffering was forced on us by your Clan's actions. We lost Clanmates because of you. Shadepelt, Foxnose, Petalfur, and Heronwing were killed fighting the rogues."
- Darkest Night, pages 30-31
- "You can't go! Look what happened to the Clans when WindClan closed its borders. We must work together."
- ―Rowanstar to Mistystar about closing RiverClan's borders Darkest Night, page 33
- "StarClan sent a prophecy about SkyClan. We would be foolish to ignore it."
- ―Rowanstar at a Gathering Darkest Night, page 34
- Rowanstar: "Leafstar did promise us friendship."
- Scorchfur: "And you believed her!"
- Darkest Night, pages 158-159
- Scorchfur: "So? What should we do?"
- Rowanstar: "I must do what's right for the Clan."
- Darkest Night, pages 160-161
- Rowanstar: "Don't look to me for leadership! I failed my Clan. I failed my kin. I'm not worthy of being their leader."
- Alderheart: "Rowanstar. you can try. You can—"
- Darkest Night, pages 301-302
- "I know I was a weak leader [...] I let Darktail and his Kin destroy my Clan, and I alone should bear their suffering. I deserve everything you can do to me."
- ―Rowanclaw to Nettle River of Fire, page 225
- "No, this is for the best. It was my fault that ShadowClan was destroyed. But don't worry. Tigerheart will return. I've seen him in my dreams [...] Goodbye, Tawnypelt."
- ―Rowanclaw to Tawnypelt as he dies River of Fire, page 228
- Rowanclaw: "You've been such a loyal mate to me. All our lives together, and even after I left you to join StarClan. I'll always love you."
- Tawnypelt: "I love you, too."
- Tawnypelt's Clan, chapter nine
External links[]
- Rowanclaw's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- A Vision of Shadows characters - a visual guide on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Warrior of the Week Gallery #57 - Rowanclaw on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #57) (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 405
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 136
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 210
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, chapter 24
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Revealed in A Dangerous Path, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Darkest Night, chapter 21
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Revealed in River of Fire, chapter 17
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Rowanclaw's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Revealed in Midnight, allegiances
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Revealed in Night Whispers, allegiances
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 280
- ↑ Revealed in Blackfoot's Reckoning, chapter 1
- ↑ Revealed in Leopardstar's Honor, page 534
- ↑ Revealed in Leopardstar's Honor, page 530
- ↑ Revealed in Shattered Sky, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in The Sight, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 290
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 406
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 10
- ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 93
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Revealed in Eclipse, page 272
- ↑ Revealed in Winds of Change, page 147
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 176
- ↑ Revealed in River of Fire, chapter 15
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 402
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, chapter 21
- ↑ Revealed in River of Fire, chapter 20
- ↑ Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, pages 39-40
- ↑ Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 3
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, chapter 10
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Revealed in Darkest Night, page 67
- ↑ Revealed in Darkest Night, pages 160-161
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 Revealed in Darkest Night, chapter 20
- ↑ Revealed in Darkest Night, chapter 23
- ↑ Revealed in River of Fire, page 227
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, pages 402-406
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 Revealed in Darkest Night, page 160
- ↑ Revealed in Tawnypelt's Clan, chapter 1
- ↑ Revealed in Darkest Night, page 229
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 335
- ↑ Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, page 293
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 145
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 177
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 215
- ↑ Revealed in River of Fire, page 197
- ↑ Rowanclaw's kit name, Rowankit, has only ever been revealed on the Warrior Cats website.
- ↑ Since Rowanclaw participates in the battle against BloodClan,[13] and all of ShadowClan's participants came from RiverClan,[14] Leopardstar refers to the ShadowClan cats as refugees since they are not an official part of RiverClan following TigerClan's disbandment.[15]