"In the meantime, I have to stay here. I'm ShadowClan's only medicine cat now...and if there's one thing we need with all this bloodshed, it's a medicine cat. So I'm not going to fight my leader. I'm going to stay here and take care of sick and injured ShadowClan cats. That's what I need to do. That's what Yellowfang would want me to do." |
— Runningnose to Nightpelt about his duty to ShadowClan in Exile from ShadowClan, page 128 |
Runningnose is a small gray-and-white tom[2] with patchy,[17] grizzled,[1] and ungroomed fur.[18] He has a gray muzzle,[19] and rheumy,[18] amber eyes.[20]
Runningnose was a ShadowClan elder who served under Raggedstar's, Brokenstar's, Nightstar's, Tigerstar's, and Blackstar's leaderships in the forest territories. He was born as Runningkit to Lizardstripe and Mudclaw alongside his littermates, Tanglekit and Deerkit, and had Brokenkit as a foster brother. He took an interest in medicine and became Yellowfang's apprentice as Runningpaw, where he served his Clan loyally and compassionately. Later, he received his full name, Runningnose, and was heartbroken when his former mentor was exiled by Brokenstar.
Once Brokenstar was exiled, Nightpelt took over ShadowClan, and the two kept a secret that Nightstar was not granted nine lives. During the sickness pandemic, Runningnose struggled to heal his Clan, and he was not able to save Nightstar nor Cinderfur. He was later forced to take up the titles of leader, medicine cat, and deputy, until StarClan sent him a sign; however, after an omen appeared, Tigerclaw became ShadowClan's new leader, yet Runningnose felt guilty for even allowing it to happen. He gained an apprentice, Littlecloud, and soon after, he retired as an elder. Runningnose ascended to StarClan, where he spent most of his time with Raggedstar.
History[]
Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!
The Prophecies Begin[]
- "Not of rain, but of a great new dawn that awaits our Clan. In that ray of light, our warrior ancestors showed me the future, and it will be glorious!"
- ―Runningnose discussing the future of ShadowClan Rising Storm, page 5
- Runningnose arrives at the Gathering to inform the other Clans that ShadowClan had survived the sickness and that Nightstar and Cinderfur had died. When asked who the new ShadowClan leader was, Tigerstar, the exiled ThunderClan deputy, arrives, and Runningnose fidgets uncomfortably when Tigerstar mentions how Runningnose received a message from StarClan. At this time, Fireheart also reveals that Runningnose's former mentor, Yellowfang, passed away, though Runningnose is too grief stricken to reply.
- Littlecloud, a former warrior, becomes his apprentice, and Fireheart joins Cinderpelt at Fourtrees to speak with Runningnose. He explains how life in ShadowClan had been reinvigorated since Tigerstar took command, and that StarClan refused to give Nightstar his nine lives, but was a noble leader nonetheless. He later journeys with Blackfoot to receive his nine lives after the battle against BloodClan.
The New Prophecy[]
- "Go swiftly to StarClan, my friend. We will look after your Clanmates."
- ―Runningnose mourning Mudfur Dawn, page 224
Power of Three[]
- Raggedstar: "Sol's time in ShadowClan must come to an end. He is like the darkness that covered the sun."
- Runningnose: "He seems to have taken over your Clan, but he will pass and be forgotten in the brightness that follows. Brightness that will shine on ShadowClan for countless moons."
- Long Shadows, pages 119-120
Super Editions[]
This section summarizes Runningnose's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- "I made a vow to serve ShadowClan and that will outlast any leader."
- ―Runningnose to Yellowfang Yellowfang's Secret, page 479
- In Yellowfang's Secret, he is born to Mudclaw and Lizardstripe alongside his littermates, Tanglekit and Deerkit. Brokenkit becomes his foster brother, and Runningkit and his siblings tease Brokenkit because of his unknown heritage. Yellowfang scolds them, and Runningkit is the only one who stops and looks ashamed. He becomes Yellowfang's apprentice and is noted to be cheerful and patient despite not being able to cure his cold. She names him Runningnose as a reminder that medicine cats cannot cure everything. Later on, Yellowfang is accused of murdering Marigoldkit and Mintkit, and Runningnose comes to the defense of his mentor, along with Rowanberry, Nutwhisker, and Newtspeck. Ultimately however, Yellowfang is exiled, but Runningnose tells her that he will do everything to prove she is innocent.
Novellas[]
This section summarizes Runningnose's significant Novellas appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!
- "Look around you. ShadowClan is not on the brink of destruction! Your Clan is full of strong, able warriors. You know in your heart which one will make the best leader. You alone know the signs that StarClan might send. Your ancestors trust you enough to be their voice in ShadowClan. You can help them choose the next leader."
- ―Tigerclaw encouraging Runningnose to trust himself Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 10
- As the Gathering draws closer, Runningnose once again confides with Tigerclaw, this time fretting about not having an official leader or deputy. Tigerclaw reassures him that StarClan has not forgotten them, and ShadowClan has been thriving at the moment. When asked if Runningnose should fake a sign from StarClan about choosing the next leader, Tigerclaw insists the medicine cat should listen to his head and listen for StarClan's guidance. The day before the Gathering, Runningnose notices a claw covered in shadows resembling tiger stripes and declares that it as a sign from StarClan that Tigerclaw should be leader. Tigerclaw accepts and later realizes that Jaggedtooth faked the sign.
Character pixels[]
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 |
Ceremonies[]
Runningpaw's medicine cat apprentice ceremony | ||||||||||||||
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Runningnose's medicine cat ceremony | ||||||||
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Kin[]
Members[]
Father:
Mother:
- Lizardstripe:[22] Living (As of Redtail's Debt)
Sister:
- Tangleburr:[22] Living (As of Tigerclaw's Fury)
Brother:
Foster brother:
- Brokenstar:[23] Deceased, no residence
Trees[]
Genetic[]
Mudclaw ♂ | Lizardstripe ♀ | ||||||||||||||||||||
Deerfoot ♂ | Runningnose ♂ | Tangleburr ♀ | |||||||||||||||||||
= Tom
= She-cat
= Gender unknown
Foster[]
Lizardstripe ♀ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deerfoot ♂ | Runningnose ♂ | Tangleburr ♀ | Brokenstar ♂ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
= Tom
= She-cat
= Gender unknown
Appearances[]
- Moth Flight's Vision (Vision or Dream)
- Yellowfang's Secret
- Leopardstar's Honor
- Onestar's Confession (Allegiance only)
- Exile from ShadowClan
- Into the Wild (First appearance)
- Fire and Ice
- Forest of Secrets
- Rising Storm
- Tigerclaw's Fury
- Into the Woods
- A Dangerous Path
- The Darkest Hour
- Blackfoot's Reckoning
- Firestar's Quest (Allegiance only)
- Graystripe's Vow (Allegiance only)
- Midnight (Allegiance only)
- Moonrise (Allegiance only)
- Dawn
- Starlight (Allegiance only)
- Eclipse †
- Long Shadows
- Fading Echoes (Mentioned only)
- Night Whispers
- Thunder and Shadow (Mentioned only)
- Cats of the Clans
- The Ultimate Guide
- The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition
Trivia[]
Interesting facts[]
- Runningnose was given his name as a reminder that medicine cats cannot cure everything.[24]
- While Nightstar was sick, Runningnose played the roles of both deputy and medicine cat,[6] and stood in as temporary leader until StarClan decided to appoint a new leader.[7]
- Although Runningnose mentions he has no expertise in battle training,[25] it is mentioned in Night Whispers that all ShadowClan medicine cats are trained to fight like warriors.[26]
- He and Sneezecloud are the only currently known cats named after their sicknesses.[27]
Author statements[]
- Cherith imagines Runningnose's prediction of a glorious future for ShadowClan was fulfilled when Tigerstar became leader.[28]
- Victoria Holmes presumes that Runningnose died of a cold.[29]
Mistakes[]
- He has been mistakenly shown with additional black patches[30] and was depicted without white.[31]
- In The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition, Runningnose is listed with brown fur and blue eyes,[32] and depicted as a tabby.[33]
Quotes[]
- "Runningpaw, from this moment you will be known as Runningnose. Your name will be a reminder that medicine cats cannot cure everything - but we always need to have faith enough to try. StarClan honors your intelligence and your dedication. Now come, touch your muzzle to the Moonstone, and may all your dreams be good ones."
- ―Yellowfang giving Runningnose his full name Yellowfang's Secret, page 403
- "I couldn't hope for a more patient and loyal medicine cat to have beside me."
- ―Yellowfang thinking about Runningnose Yellowfang's Secret, page 465
- Runningnose: "I'm so sorry! I'll prove it was a fox! You'll be back soon! Come to the next half-moon Gathering!"
- Yellowfang: "Runningnose, you have been a dear and loyal friend, but I cannot stay here. Not as long as Brokenstar rules. This is not the ShadowClan I pledged to serve. They are lucky to have you. May StarClan light your path. Always."
- Yellowfang's Secret, page 492
- "Believe me, Nightpelt, I know. But as sorry as I am to say it—there's nothing we can do. Brokenstar doesn't listen to any cat who disagrees with him. And what makes it worse is that the most powerful warriors—like your brother, Clawface—support him. Yellowfang does speak up against Brokenstar, but...I fear it won't end well. You've got to understand, Nightpelt. In the end, medicine cats advise their leader, yes. But the leader makes the decisions."
- ―Runningnose to Nightpelt about Brokenstar Exile from ShadowClan, page 37
- "I can't see why they appointed him when he can't even cure his own cold!"
- ―Graypaw about Runningnose Into the Wild, page 144
- "Runningnose was with [Nightstar] all night. He won't leave Nightstar's side. He let a kit die at its mother's belly without even a poppy seed to ease its journey to StarClan! We are afraid that he'll let us die too. Please help us!"
- ―Littlecloud about Runningnose during a plague Rising Storm, page 93
- "Out of the corner of his eye, Fireheart noticed Runningnose shifting uncomfortably. For some reason, he looked unhappy at the mention of the omen."
- ―Narrator about Runningnose A Dangerous Path, page 9
- "Fireheart noticed Runningnose sitting erect and gazing upward, his eyes clouded with sorrow. He had been Yellowfang's apprentice when she was ShadowClan's medicine cat, before Brokentail drove her out."
- ―Narrator about Runningnose A Dangerous Path, page 12
- "No, Fireheart. I'm not asking you to betray your Clan's secrets. Whatever happened in ThunderClan, I'm certain of one thing. StarClan did send Tigerstar to us."
- ―Runningnose to Fireheart about Tigerstar's leadership A Dangerous Path, page 57
- "Wherever Nightstar is, I hope he is at peace. The most important thing to do now is to keep the rest of the Clan safe. My Clanmates are terrified of being leaderless. There is no deputy to take over from Nightstar, and StarClan has sent us no sign of what should happen next. How can I blame these cats if they feel that their ancestors have abandoned them? What if we never recover from what Brokenstar did to us? The wounds run so deep, and nothing I can do will heal them."
- ―Runningnose to Tigerclaw Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 7
- "Even as we mourn Nightstar, life must continue. The worst of the sickness has passed, we must make ourselves strong once more."
- ―Runningnose to ShadowClan Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 7
- "What kind of medicine cat can't cure his own cold?"
- ―Jayfeather's thoughts about Runningnose Eclipse, page 142
- Runningnose: "How are things? Is the prey running well?"
- Littlecloud: "Prey's running fine."
- Eclipse, pages 142-144
- "I have spoken to Littlecloud in dreams. He keeps faith, but few cats will listen to him, and now Blackstar has forbidden him to speak of StarClan. He is not allowed to leave camp to share tongues with us at the Moonpool."
- ―Runningnose to the grief-stricken ShadowClan Long Shadows, page 65
- "Runningnose must have regretted the day he asked to become Yellowfang's apprentice. As Brokenstar's medicine cat, he was forced to interpret omens that promised nothing but success in battle for his bloodthirsty leader, and then tried to stop the life blood of the Clan from sinking into the ground as apprentices were taken from the nursery. Even after Brokenstar was captured by ThunderClan, Runningnose had more secrets to keep: this time, the fact that StarClan would not grant Nightstar his nine lives. His conscience must have weighed heavier than stone."
- ―Rock about Runningnose Cats of the Clans, page 42
External links[]
- The Warrior Code: An Outdated Relic? on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
- Reading the Omens on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
- When Omens Are False on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
- Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
- The cold north wind: a look at Nightstar's life and leadership on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
- Exclusive! Onestar's Confession: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
- Warrior names on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
- Guess that cat - wings and stars on the Warriors official website (backup link)
Fan content[]
- Winners of the New Year's resolution fan challenge on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Nine Lives Ceremony Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Our favorite Runningnose artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Curated collection of The Prophecies Begin medicine cats on the Warriors official website (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Revealed in Eclipse, page 142
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Revealed in Into the Wild, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 287
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 134
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 333
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Revealed in Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 4
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Revealed in Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 7
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, pages 355-356
- ↑ Revealed in Leopardstar's Honor, page 534
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 355
- ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 55
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 492
- ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 6
- ↑ Revealed in Fire and Ice, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, page 1
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Revealed in The Ultimate Guide, page 89
- ↑ Revealed in The Ultimate Guide, page 88
- ↑ Revealed in The Ultimate Guide, page 65
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 69
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, pages 341-342
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 70
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 403
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 8
- ↑ Revealed in Night Whispers, page 64
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 66
- ↑ Revealed in Erin Hunter Chat 3
- ↑ Revealed in Erin Hunter Chat 5
- ↑ Revealed in Into the Woods, page 66
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret comic
- ↑ Revealed in The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition, page 69
- ↑ Revealed in The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition, page 68