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"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] flame-colored[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.

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
Rowanclaw is a warrior of ShadowClan with his apprentice, Talonpaw. He participates on the journey to the lake. Once in their new home, he attacks Brambleclaw, a ThunderClan warrior, when he accidentally steps over the border. Tawnypelt, Brambleclaw's sister, rushes to defend him, and Rowanclaw spitefully questions her loyalty to ShadowClan. When Talonpaw dies from his injuries, Rowanclaw leads a patrol to fight against the vicious kittypets, Jacques and Susan. Rowanclaw participates in several border skirmishes against ThunderClan.

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
Rowanclaw receives another apprentice, Ivypaw. He is the proud father of Tawnypelt's kits, Tigerkit, Flamekit, and Dawnkit. He makes a point to Squirrelflight that his kits are Clan-born, hinting a jab at ThunderClan. He stands up for Tawnypelt's loyalty and supports her wishes to help the Tribe of Rushing Water by offering to dutifully watch their kits.

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
After the death of Russetfur, Rowanclaw is chosen as the next deputy of ShadowClan. He demonstrates a fond relationship with his kits and gently teases Tigerheart and Dawnpelt when they argue who would be the better deputy. Flametail complains to his father about Blackstar not listening to him, but Rowanclaw asks his son to trust their leader. When Flametail dies, Rowanclaw sides with Dawnpelt that Jayfeather was responsible for his death. He participates in the battle against the Dark Forest and watches over his leader as Blackstar loses a life.

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
As the leader of ShadowClan, Rowanstar struggles to gain control of the Clan's many apprentices who refuse to abide by the warrior code in the peaceful moons following the Great Battle. He falls ill to yellowcough, and after Crowfrost dies, he appoints Tigerheart as deputy. His leadership is constantly questioned by his warriors to the point when Darktail arrives, many of his Clanmates choose to follow the rogue instead of their Clan leader. Rowanstar, Tawnypelt, and Tigerheart flee to ThunderClan and help the other Clans drive out Darktail.
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 Clanmate's resentment for their late leader. She grows frustrated when Tigerstar doesn't 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[]

Alternate images[]

Official art[]

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:


Leader info[]


Personality[]

Rowanclaw used to be a confident and proud leader.[27] He was deeply loyal to ShadowClan, and had faith that ShadowClan was the strongest Clan.[28] 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.[source?] He lost all faith in himself, and even after the rogues were driven out, he didn't have the strength to rebuild his Clan without his deputy, Tigerheart.[29] Many of his Clanmates agreed, and saw Rowanstar as a weak and cowardly leader.[30] 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.[source?] 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.[31] When Tigerheart returned to ShadowClan, Rowanclaw appeared in StarClan and gave him a life.[32] Though many still see him as a feeble leader who couldn't 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.[33]

Relationships[]

Tawnypelt[]

Scorchfur: "So? What should we do?"
Rowanstar: "I must do what's right for the Clan."
Scorchfur: "Isn't it a bit late for that?"
Tawnypelt: "Rowanstar has always done what's best for this Clan!"
Scorchfur: "So we have Rowanstar to thank for the state we're in?"
Tawnypelt: "Do you think you could have done any better? You blame Rowanstar. But it was his Clanmates' disloyalty that killed them. If our apprentices grew arrogant, blame their mentors, not him. He cared about ShadowClan when none of you did. Rowanstar still wakes in the night, haunted by nightmares about the Clanmates he's lost."
—Tawnypelt defending Rowanstar Darkest Night, page 160
Rowanclaw loves his mate, and she loves him back.[34] She always supported him, even when every other ShadowClan cat thought he was weak.[33] She stuck by him when they had to take shelter in ThunderClan, and when he merged ShadowClan into SkyClan.[source?] She was devastated when he died, and believed that without him, ShadowClan could never be rebuilt.[35] 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!"
Rowanclaw: "Do I have rivals already?"
Dawnpelt: "We were just playing."
Rowanclaw: "I'm glad to have such ambitious kits. But I'd like to be deputy for a moon or two before you take over. Do you want to be deputy too?"
Flametail: "I'm happy to be a medicine cat."
Rowanclaw: "That's a relief. I don't think I could take on all three of you."
—Rowanclaw joking around with his kits 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.[36] When Tigerheart left, Rowanclaw couldn't lead his Clan anymore and gave up his leadership.[29] Rowanclaw then appeared in StarClan and gave Tigerheart a life, knowing that he was the right leader for ShadowClan.[32]

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
When Rowanstar learned ShadowClan had an entitlement to a cat who could be part of a prophecy, he was adamant that Violetkit should join his Clan. He prioritised the political influence she could provide over her well-being as an individual, ignoring her pleas not to be separated from her only family. Though he promised she'd be taken care of in ShadowClan[37] and occasionally asked how she was settling in, Violetkit was too uncomfortable to reply to him as she was still confused why he took her away, but she still desired to gain her leader's respect. After she met the Kin outside of the ShadowClan camp with Needlepaw, Rowanstar began mistrusting her, suspicious that she was being influenced by the rebellious apprentices. Because of this, he harshly scolded her, not wanting her to grow up having a similar attitude.[38] When the rebellious apprentices decided to join the Kin and Needlepaw wanted to take Violetkit, Rowanstar took this as confirmation that Vioketkit was one of them. Considering her more trouble then she was worth, he ordered her exile.[39]
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.[40] When Darktail's reign finally coming 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.[41]

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[]


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?"
Rowanpaw: "Um, yes! Absolutely."
—Rowanpaw to Tigerstar, after smelling a frog 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


"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."
Rowanstar: "I know. And I hope one day StarClan will forgive us. I do not expect you to."
Icewing: "We will never forgive!"
—Rowanstar about Darktail at a Gathering Darkest Night, pages 30-31


See more...
"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!"
Rowanstar: "It was Tigerheart's idea."
Scorchfur: "'It was Tigerheart's idea.' When was the last time you had an idea of your own?"
Rowanstar: "I'd like to see you try to lead a Clan! Perhaps you could use the skills you learned from Darktail."
Scorchfur: "At least he knew how to lead!"
Tawnypelt: "You betrayed your Clan. Now you insult your leader? Show him some respect!"
Scorchfur: "He's done nothing to earn it. If he'd chased Darktail off in the first place, none of us would have followed those rogues. Instead he let them hunt on our land, while our apprentices grew arrogant and reckless. He couldn't manage to stop any of it."
—Scorchfur about Rowanstar's leadership Darkest Night, pages 158-159


Scorchfur: "So? What should we do?"
Rowanstar: "I must do what's right for the Clan."
Scorchfur: "Isn't it a bit late for that?"
Tawnypelt: "Rowanstar has always done what's best for this Clan!"
Scorchfur: "So we have Rowanstar to thank for the state we're in?"
Tawnypelt: "Do you think you could have done any better? You blame Rowanstar. But it was his Clanmates' disloyalty that killed them. If our apprentices grew arrogant, blame their mentors, not him. He cared about ShadowClan when none of you did. Rowanstar still wakes in the night, haunted by nightmares about the Clanmates he's lost."
Scorchfur: "He's lucky. He has nine lives to dream about lost Clanmates. They only had one."
Puddleshine: "That's not fair! You can't let him say that. StarClan gave you those lives because they believed in you."
Scorchfur: "They believed in him once. Perhaps Rowanstar is the dark sky they're trying to warn us about."
Tawnypelt: "If anyone's the dark sky, it's you! You let the rogues take over the Clan. You let them drive Rowanstar away. Don't blame him for your treachery."
Scorchfur: "And why do you think we chose a rogue over Rowanstar? He was a weak leader then, and he's a weak leader now."
—Scorchfur about Rowanstar's leadership 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—"
Rowanstar: "Don't call me Rowanstar! I have no right to that name."
Alderheart: "But StarClan gave it to you!"
Rowanstar: "StarClan was wrong. From now on, I am Rowanclaw."
—Rowanstar denying his leader name 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."
Rowanclaw: "But I'm gone now. I'm dead, and I'm fine. I'm happy in StarClan. We'll be together there, but not for a long time."
Tawnypelt: "A very long time?"
Rowanclaw: "Many moons, and you'll be happy again, I promise. But the long life ahead of you means you'll have to adjust. Everything changes-you know that. Even your Clan."
Tawnypelt: "It's hard to forgive them for turning against you."
Rowanclaw: "I have. And they will forgive me, too. I wasn't the one they needed during the dark times. Tigerstar is a good leader. [...] You have to give him a chance. Remember what a brave, clever cat he's always been? With you and Dovewing supporting him, he can begin ShadowClan anew."
Tawnypelt: "I'm not sure I can. Maybe I should start over somewhere else. Stormfur is right: Things are simpler here. It's a good life, and I think they'd welcome me. [...] But my home is in ShadowClan."
Rowanclaw: "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."
—Tawnypelt speaking with Rowanclaw in her dreams Tawnypelt's Clan, chapter nine

External links[]

Notes and references[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 405
  2. Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 136
  3. Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 210
  4. Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, chapter 24
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Revealed in A Dangerous Path, allegiances
  6. Revealed in Darkest Night, chapter 21
  7. Revealed in River of Fire, chapter 17
  8. Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
  9. Rowanclaw's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
  10. 10.0 10.1 Revealed in Midnight, allegiances
  11. 11.0 11.1 Revealed in Night Whispers, allegiances
  12. 12.0 12.1 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 280
  13. Revealed in Blackfoot's Reckoning, chapter 1
  14. Revealed in Leopardstar's Honor, page 534
  15. Revealed in Leopardstar's Honor, page 530
  16. Revealed in Shattered Sky, allegiances
  17. Revealed in The Sight, allegiances
  18. Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 290
  19. Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 406
  20. Revealed in Tigerclaw's Fury, chapter 10
  21. Revealed in Onestar's Confession, page 391
  22. 22.0 22.1 Revealed in Eclipse, page 272
  23. Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
  24. Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 176
  25. Revealed in River of Fire, chapter 15
  26. Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 402
  27. Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, pages 39-40
  28. Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 3
  29. 29.0 29.1 Revealed in Darkest Night, page 67
  30. Revealed in Darkest Night, pages 160-161
  31. Revealed in River of Fire, page 227
  32. 32.0 32.1 Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, pages 402-406
  33. 33.0 33.1 Revealed in Darkest Night, page 160
  34. Revealed in Tawnypelt's Clan, chapter 1
  35. Revealed in Darkest Night, page 229
  36. Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 335
  37. Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, page 293
  38. Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 145
  39. Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 177
  40. Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 215
  41. Revealed in River of Fire, page 197
  1. Rowanclaw's kit name, Rowankit, has only ever been revealed on the Warrior Cats website.
  2. 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]



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