| "I understand how you feel. Your eyes have always betrayed your heart. But these are my kits, and I will die to protect them if I have to. I'm afraid for them, Fireheart. The Clan will never forgive Tigerclaw—nor should they. But Bramblekit and Tawnykit have done nothing wrong, and I will not let them be punished because of Tigerclaw." |
| — Goldenflower to Fireheart, vowing to protect her kits in Rising Storm, page 20 |
Goldenflower is a sleek,[2] pale ginger[8] tabby[12] she-cat.[8] She has a small nick in one ear,[13] and yellow eyes.[14]
Goldenflower was a ThunderClan elder who served as a warrior under Sunstar's, Bluestar's and Firestar's leaderships in the forest territories. She was born as Goldenkit to Speckletail and Smallear along with her brother Lionkit. She became an apprentice by the name of Goldenpaw with Dappletail as her mentor. She earned her warrior name, Goldenflower and gave birth to Patchpelt's kits, Lynxkit and Swiftpaw. A few seasons later, she gave birth to Tigerclaw's kits, Bramblekit and Tawnykit. She moved into the elders' den and participated on the Great Journey with all the other Clans. She died peacefully of old age at the new territory. She ascended to StarClan, and later gave Bramblestar a life for a mother's love.
History[]
In The Prophecies Begin arc[]
Into the Wild[]
- When Ravenpaw passes out after bringing the news that Redtail is dead, Goldenflower rushes over to him and licks his cheek in comfort, ordering someone to go and get the ThunderClan medicine cat, Spottedleaf. When ShadowClan attacks the ThunderClan camp, Goldenflower fights fiercely, clawing at a huge gray ShadowClan tom. After the battle, she helps to rebuild the camp, and she fortifies the nursery walls along with Frostfur.
Fire and Ice[]
- Goldenflower is Tigerclaw's mate and moves to the nursery, now carrying his kits. Swiftpaw, her other son, has finally become an apprentice, having reached six moons. Fireheart notes that there is not the same glint of determination in Swiftpaw's eyes compared to other apprentices, but Goldenflower's son is still given Longtail as a mentor regardless.
- When Bluestar is sick with greencough, Goldenflower watches over her in the leader's den, gently licking Bluestar's head to cool it, like a mother nursing her kit. Goldenflower's son, Swiftpaw, is ill with a cold. When Fireheart brings his nephew, Cloudkit, to the ThunderClan camp, Goldenflower remarks that he is too small and weak to survive leaf-bare. Cloudkit indeed catches a chill, but survives after Brindleface has Yellowfang give him herbs.
Forest of Secrets[]
- Goldenflower is now heavily pregnant, and she pushes a ball of soiled moss out from the nursery. Fireheart greets her and remarks that it will soon be newleaf, just in time for her kits. She later gives birth to Bramblekit and Tawnykit. When Silverstream dies after her kitting, Bluestar asks Goldenflower to nurse the kits, Featherkit and Stormkit, telling her about Silverstream's death. Although the other queens fiercely protest and the entire Clan is generally hostile, Goldenflower softens and agrees to nurse them, remarking that she has plenty of milk. She cares for them with the same love and affection as for her own kits, although she is exhausted and strained, and Fireheart admires her kindness. When Crookedstar demands that Featherkit and Stormkit must be returned to RiverClan, Goldenflower is very disappointed. Bramblekit and Tawnykit comfort her when ThunderClan gives up the kits.
Rising Storm[]
- Goldenflower's kits grow, and they leave the nursery for the first time; their mother shows them around the camp and introduces them to the elders. After Tigerclaw's treachery, several Clan cats are suspicious of the two kits, and Fireheart cannot help but notice the similarity between Bramblekit and his father. However, Goldenflower notices and is very protective of her kits, making sure they are treated well by every cat. She does not plan to tell them who their father was, just that he was a brave and powerful warrior.
- When the weather turns hot and dry, the warriors assist Goldenflower and Willowpelt by bringing them moss soaked in water so they could lick the water from that, as they could not leave their kits to make the long journey to the river. Goldenflower is wary of the uneasiness Fireheart feels around Bramblekit and understands why Fireheart feels that way but asks him to not hold Tigerclaw's actions against the innocent kit. She is lost for words when Fireheart rescues Bramblekit during the fire that rages through the forest.
A Dangerous Path[]
- Goldenflower scolds Bramblekit when he plays too roughly with Speckletail's kit, Snowkit. Fireheart is still suspicious of Bramblekit because of his resemblance to Tigerclaw, who is appointed as ShadowClan's leader, Tigerstar—but Bramblekit respects Fireheart since he saved him from the fire. Goldenflower suggests that it should be Fireheart who tells them who their father is, but Fireheart decides not to tell them yet.
- Goldenflower later brings out her kits in the forest for the first time, and Bramblekit manages to catch a mouse. Later, Bramblekit and Tawnykit become apprentices. Bramblekit, now Bramblepaw, receives Fireheart for his mentor, and Brackenfur mentors Tawnypaw. Goldenflower returns to her warrior duties. Soon afterwards, Fireheart keeps the promise he made to Goldenflower and tells Bramblepaw and Tawnypaw about Tigerstar's actions. Her eldest son, Swiftpaw, is later mauled and killed by a dog pack near Snakerocks, while trying to find the source of the missing prey. His companion, Brightpaw, loses half of her face and ear.
The Darkest Hour[]
- Goldenflower takes Fireheart's side when Darkstripe says that he will not accept a kittypet as a leader. She still cares about her kits and is very protective of them, even though they are apprentices now. The Clan cats are increasingly hostile against Bramblepaw and Tawnypaw, especially after Tigerstar's recent deeds, and Tawnypaw runs away to join ShadowClan. Goldenflower becomes frantic and blames Firestar for it, saying that he never trusted Bramblepaw and Tawnypaw, and always saw their father in them. Firestar admits to himself that she is right, while Sandstorm calms Goldenflower down. She participates in the final fight against BloodClan.
In The New Prophecy arc[]
Midnight[]
- Goldenflower is the eldest ThunderClan queen. Although she has no kits of her own to nurse, she decides to stay in the nursery to help take care of Ferncloud's kits, instead of becoming a warrior once more, as her hearing and eyesight are no longer sharp enough to keep up with the hunting patrols.
Dawn[]
Starlight[]
- Goldenflower is now an elder. When the cats finally arrive at the lake, Goldenflower is very tired and leans on Brambleclaw's shoulder as they go down the slope towards the water. She is often supporting Longtail, a blind warrior, guiding him with her tail and describing their new surroundings to him. When ThunderClan arrives at their new home in the stone hollow, she comforts her son, Brambleclaw, who is exhausted and in poor spirits after the journey to the camp.
- She moves into the elders' den, together with Longtail, and later they are joined by Mousefur. It is mentioned that she enjoys trying out new spots for the elders' den in the new camp. She is only slightly troubled by the stomach ache some of the elders get from drinking tainted water given to them by RiverClan medicine cat Mothwing; she says that her belly ached a bit, but she vomited and felt better.
Twilight[]
- Goldenflower continues to look after Longtail, guiding and helping him. She participates at the first Gathering held on the island, and she talks with elders from the other Clans. When the badgers attack the ThunderClan camp, she climbs the Highledge together with Mousefur and Longtail, as it is more sheltered than the elders' den.
Sunset[]
- After the fight with the badgers, Goldenflower climbs down from the Highledge. She has a deep scratch down one side, and she guides Longtail with her tail across his shoulders. She, along with the other two elders, carries Cinderpelt to her final resting place. Later, Goldenflower limps, complaining of cracked pads, so Leafpool makes a poultice of yarrow for her.
In the Super Editions[]
Crookedstar's Promise[]
- At a Gathering, she is noted to be one of ThunderClan's newest warriors. While a group of warriors talk, Goldenflower stares at Bluefur, who looks like she is deep in conversation with Oakheart. Concerned for her Clanmate, she excuses herself from the group, saying that she is going to check on Bluefur to make sure that she is okay.
Bluestar's Prophecy[]
- "Good! My first battle scar and I haven't even been in a battle yet!"
- ―Goldenpaw after her training with Bluepaw Bluestar's Prophecy, page 182
- She is soon given her apprentice name, Goldenpaw, and Dappletail becomes her mentor. She attends her first Gathering shortly after the battle with WindClan, and she looks around nervously before Dappletail comforts her. She is shy when her apprenticeship is announced before all of the other Clans. Goldenpaw later helps Swiftbreeze, Stormtail, and Dappletail clear away snow from the camp's entrance.
- In a training session, Goldenpaw is reluctant to attack Bluepaw, but as soon as Bluepaw says that she is a ShadowClan warrior attacking the nursery, Goldenpaw attacks. She is so vicious that Bluepaw attacks her too harshly, accidentally scratching the tip of her ear. Bluepaw apologizes, but Goldenpaw remains eager to train. When she gets back to the clearing, Speckletail fusses over her ear and gets mad at Bluepaw, but Goldenpaw brushes it off, proudly saying she has her first battle scar.
- During the battle with RiverClan over Sunningrocks, she is part of the patrol that waits at the top of the ravine to protect the camp. Later, she teasingly scolds her brother for showing off his hunting skills. She goes to a training session with Dappletail prior to her assessment and later patrols the ShadowClan border with Dappletail and Speckletail. When Dappletail gets a seed in her eye and goes to visit Featherwhisker, Goldenpaw is taught tree climbing by Thrushpelt. She is excited when he lets her climb very high, and says that Dappletail would not have let her do the same. Bluefur, who is watching, promises she will not tell Dappletail.
- Goldenpaw soon receives her warrior name, Goldenflower, along with Lionpaw, who becomes Lionheart. At her first Gathering as a warrior, she is heard saying that Oakheart doesn't have any brains. She and Lionheart sit up straight when their new rank is announced. Goldenflower goes out on a hunting patrol with Bluefur, Thrushpelt, and Lionheart. She is also part of the patrol that visits the RiverClan camp to take back Sunningrocks.
- Goldenflower later eats a meal with Lionheart, Whitestorm, and Bluefur. She leads a patrol of Bluefur, Thrushpelt, and Patchpelt to check the Twoleg border. She jokes lightly about scaring kittypets. When she suggests they split up, she checks the Treecutplace with Patchpelt. Goldenflower returns from an unsuccessful hunting patrol with Lionheart and Whitestorm, and comments that the prey was too well hidden.
Graystripe's Vow[]
- Coming Soon
Bramblestar's Storm[]
- Bramblestar thinks that he and Tawnypelt share the same blood as they are kits of Tigerstar and Goldenflower.
In the Novellas[]
Redtail's Debt[]
- Sunstar mentions that she and her brother, Lionheart, would be staying behind to defend ThunderClan camp when they confront RiverClan. She is later mentioned by Redtail when he looks around ThunderClan's camp, seeing her and Frostfur's kits chase one another around the camp while their mothers watched carefully from the nursery.
In the Field Guides[]
The Ultimate Guide[]
- During his leadership ceremony, Brambleclaw notices Goldenflower among StarClan's ranks. After Firestar gives him a life, Goldenflower takes his place, smelling of milk, warmth, and safety. Brambleclaw asks her if she is present, and she confirms that it is her, adding that she is proud of him, and honored to give him a life. Goldenflower then leans against Brambleclaw, and recalls his time in the nursery, mewling at her belly. Goldenflower gives Brambleclaw a life for understanding a mother's love, but notes that he knows how to love as a father, and informs him to keep that knowledge, feel its power, and use it to keep his Clan safe. After the life is given, Bluestar takes Goldenflower's place and Brambleclaw feels a pang of sorrow as Goldenflower walks back to the ranks of StarClan. In Tawnypelt's section, Tawnypelt is noted to be Goldenflower's daughter.
Detailed description[]
Scars gained[]
The following is a chronological list of scars and/or major injuries that Goldenflower has gained:
- Nick in ear caused by Bluepaw on accident during a training session in Bluestar's Prophecy.[15]
Character pixels[]
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.  Kit Version  Apprentice Version  Warrior Version  Queen Version  Alternative Queen Version  Elder Version  StarClan Version |
Official art[]
|
Please do not edit this gallery  Goldenflower's icon on the Warriors family tree |
Ceremonies[]
Lives granted[]
The following is a list of gifts Goldenflower has granted during nine lives ceremonies:
| Lives granted | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
Relationships[]
Brambleclaw and Tawnypelt[]
- "...these are my kits, and I will die to protect them if I have to. I'm afraid for them, Fireheart. The Clan will never forgive Tigerclaw—nor should they. But Bramblekit and Tawnykit have done nothing wrong, and I will not let them be punished because of Tigerclaw."
- ―Goldenflower to Fireheart, vowing to protect her kits
Tigerstar[]
- Coming Soon
Firestar[]
- More Coming Soon
Family[]
- Main article: Goldenflower/Family
- Goldenflower's parents are Smallear and Speckletail. With Patchpelt, Goldenflower had Lynxkit and Swiftpaw, and Brambleclaw and Tawnypelt with Tigerstar. For more of Goldenflower's family, click here!
Appearances[]
- Crookedstar's Promise
- Bluestar's Prophecy
- Leopardstar's Honor (Allegiance only)
- Spottedleaf's Heart (Allegiance only)
- Redtail's Debt
- Onestar's Confession (Allegiance only)
- Into the Wild (First appearance)
- Fire and Ice
- Forest of Secrets
- Rising Storm
- Tigerclaw's Fury (Allegiance only)
- A Dangerous Path
- The Darkest Hour
- Blackfoot's Reckoning (Allegiance only)
- Firestar's Quest (Allegiance only)
- Graystripe's Vow
- Mothwing's Secret (Allegiance only)
- Midnight
- Moonrise (Allegiance only)
- Dawn (Allegiance only)
- Starlight
- Twilight
- Sunset
- Leafpool's Wish (Allegiance only)
- Bramblestar's Storm (Mentioned only)
- Secrets of the Clans (Retconned)
- The Ultimate Guide
Trivia[]
Author statements[]
- The authors have said Goldenflower truly did love Tigerstar.[23]
- Vicky says that she thinks Tigerstar admired Goldenflower and that she would make a good mother to his children.[24] She also stated that she thinks Tigerclaw never truly loved Goldenflower,[25] and thinks it might have been more of a Spiderleg and Daisy relationship.[26]
- In addition, it's been revealed that Sasha was Tigerstar's true love, not Goldenflower.[4]
- Vicky has said that Smallear and Speckletail may have been mates once,[27] and that Smallear may have fathered Lionheart and Goldenflower.[28]
- Vicky also suspected that Patchpelt might be the father of her son Swiftpaw,[30] which was later proven true on the Warriors website family tree.[31]
![[29]](#cite_note-familytreeSmallear.family.png-29){kind=link}
![[31]](#cite_note-familytreeGoldenflower.family.png-31){kind=link}
Mistakes[]
- Goldenflower is mistakenly listed as an elder in Firestar's Quest.[32] In the allegiances for Leafpool's Wish[33] and Twilight,[34] her description states she is the oldest nursing queen despite being an elder, similar to when she was listed as a queen previously.[35]
- She is also mistakenly listed as an elder in Graystripe's Vow.[36]
- She is mistakenly said to have pale amber fur,[37] and also to be the color of ripe barley.[16]
- She has mistakenly described with amber eyes.[38][39]
Continuity[]
The following information is from sources considered non-canon or retconned.
- In Secrets of the Clans, a 2007 field guide, Goldenflower speaks on what it means to be an elder.[40]
- Goldenflower's kit, Lynxkit, was originally introduced on Vicky's Facebook. Lynxkit was identified as one of the kits in Into the Wild who died of weakness.[41]
- Smallear being the father of Goldenflower's siblings, Snowkit and Mistlekit, was originally revealed on Vicky's Facebook.[42]
Quotes[]
- "I'm going to ask Sunstar if Thrushpelt can be my mentor forever! Dappletail would never have let me climb this high!"
- ―Goldenpaw training with Thrushpelt Bluestar's Prophecy, page 218
- "Yes, my son, it is. I am so proud of you, my love. And so honored to give you this life. [...] I give you a life for understanding the love of a mother. But then, you have already known what it is to love as a father. Keep that knowledge, feel its power, and use it to keep all your Clanmates safe."
- ―Goldenflower as she gives Brambleclaw a life The Ultimate Guide, page 52
External links[]
- Honoring the Mother Cats on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Warrior of the Week #81 - Goldenflower on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #81) (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Revealed in The Ultimate Guide, page 50
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 48
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 210
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Revealed in Erin Hunter Chat 6
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 144
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 360
- ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, page 337
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Revealed in Into the Wild, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Starlight, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 154
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 335
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 181
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 182
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, page 20
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, chapter 12
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Revealed in The Ultimate Guide, page 52
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, chapter 2
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, chapter 24
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Revealed in A Dangerous Path, chapter 4
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Revealed in Rising Storm, chapter 7
- ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, chapter 21
- ↑ Revealed in Starlight, chapter 9
- ↑ Revealed in Erin Hunter Chat 3
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Leafpool's Wish, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Twilight, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Midnight, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Graystripe's Vow, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, page 19
- ↑ Revealed in Spottedleaf's Heart, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Redtail's Debt, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
