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"There will be three cats, kin of your kin, with the power of the stars in their paws. They will find a fourth, and the battle between light and darkness will be won. A new leader will rise from the shadows of his death, and the Clans will survive beyond the memories of his memories. This is how it always has been, and how it always will be."
— An ending and a beginning in The Last Hope, page 329

The battle against the Dark Forest, or the Great Battle,[50] when the four Clans, StarClan, and the Tribe of Endless Hunting united to defeat the Dark Forest in The Last Hope.[51]

Summary[]

Premise[]

"The time has come to fight our greatest enemy. We can fight alone, or we can stand together. We're stronger side by side, as we were for the Great Journey. Uniting against the Dark Forest is our only hope."
―Firestar to the other Clan leaders The Last Hope, page 229
Many moons ago, Firestar was given a prophecy by Skywatcher that foretold three members of his kin would have the power of the stars in their paws.[52] The prophecy predates StarClan,[53] and Firestar waited for the Three to be born, originally believing it to be Squirrelflight, Leafpool, and Cloudtail.[54] However, when Squirrelflight's kits are born, Firestar began to assume it had something to do with them.[55] The eventually Three turn out to be Jayfeather, who is able to read minds and walk freely in anyone's dreams,[56] Lionblaze, with superior fighting skills and the inability to be physically injured,[57], and Dovewing, with powerful senses to detect things far away.[58] Neither the Three nor their ancestors are aware of what the prophecy means.[53][54] Even they are not enough, and the Tribe of Endless Hunting tells the Three to find the fourth cat.[59]
Meanwhile, the Dark Forest steadily grows stronger, preparing to destroy the Clans. They begin recruiting living cats by tempting them with promises of growing stronger and helping their Clan.[60][61] Hawkfrost recruits Ivypaw, Dovepaw's sister, and manipulates her jealousy over her sister's special treatment.[62] Ivypool eventually becomes a spy for the Three,[63] and she eventually earns Hawkfrost's trust after killing Antpelt's spirit.[64] The Dark Forest continues to recruit living warriors amass.[65] After spending many moons training Clan cats to prepare for the big battle to come, the Dark Forest has finally risen to the challenge. They reveal their plans to their trainees to destroy the Clans. Beetlewhisker attempts to leave, but is killed, sending a message to the other doubtful trainees.[66] The time has come for the battle to begin, and for the Dark Forest to take revenge on the Clans.[67]

Overview[]

"Fight like rogues if you have to. We're fighting for everything that matters. Whatever happens, no cat will forget that the Clans fought with their hearts and then with their claws."
―Firestar to his warriors The Last Hope, page 259
The Clans vow to work together as one during the upcoming battle by sending patrols to each others camps.[68] Dovewing uses her power to detect the imminent invasion, prompting Firestar to divide up his warriors to aid the other Clans. The Dark Forest attacks all four Clans at once,[67] and Ivypool manages to convince her fellow Dark Forest trainees to fight for the Clans.[69] After successfully driving them away from ThunderClan's camp, Firestar sends Lionblaze and Graystripe to aid ShadowClan after Blackstar loses a life.[51] The Dark Forest rogues are ruthless, even going as far to maim elders and kits.[51][70]
As the Dark Forest warriors taunt ShadowClan while waiting for reinforcements, Lionblaze and Graystripe help ShadowClan recovery in the brief reprise. Soon more Dark Forest spirits arrive and the Clan cats are aided by Midnight the badger and the spirits of the Ancients who lived at the lake.[70] In WindClan's camp, Hawkfrost and Thistleclaw are prepared to lead another assault on the camp when Ivypool and the Dark Forest trainees stop them. Hawkfrost is prepared to kill Ivypool for being a traitor but Hollyleaf saves her life, taking a fatal blow in the process.[69] Hollyleaf succumbs to her injuries in ThunderClan's camp.[71]
The Dark Forest spirits launch another attack on ThunderClan's camp, killing Mousefur and Ferncloud. Lionblaze and Graystripe arrive with the Ancients and Midnight to help, and eventually spirits from StarClan also appear. Spottedleaf is killed trying to protect Sandstorm, and Hawkfrost's and Brokenstar's spirits are also murdered, fading away forever.[71] Finally, after years of preparing for this very moment, Tigerstar and Firestar engage in their destined fight. Firestar kills Tigerstar before dying from his own wounds, and the battle ends with ThunderClan celebrating Firestar's legacy.[72]

Deaths[]


Description[]

Uniting StarClan[]

"There is a terrible threat to you all! And to the Clans you once lived in. You know the Dark Forest is rising. You can see it in the dead leaves that litter your hunting grounds, and the clouds that block out your sun. You must face the truth. And the truth is worse than you ever imagined. The Dark Forest must be met and fought. You will not win by huddling together like families of mice. You must stand together or fall divided!"
―Jayfeather to StarClan The Last Hope, page 210
Jayfeather

Jayfeather used his power to reunite StarClan

After moons of being divided, Jayfeather informs the other medicine cats about the coming battle. Knowing he has to unite StarClan so the Clans can stand a chance, Jayfeather brings the others to StarClan instructs them to fetch their ancestors. Jayfeather gathers Whitestorm, Goosefeather, Frostfur, Sunstar, Bluestar, Tawnyspots, Swiftbreeze, Adderfang, Snowfur, Mosskit, and Yellowfang and attempts to convince them to reunite with the other StarClan cats. Bluestar asks Jayfeather to fetch Firestar from his dreams, as fire was once promised to save ThunderClan long ago. Jayfeather gathers Firestar from his dreams, realizing he is the fourth cat in the prophecy destined to save the Clans. Jayfeather shows StarClan the imminent threat of the Dark Forest destroying the Clans and successfully rallies StarClan to unite and defeat the coming evil. In the waking world, the medicine cats promise to bring their leaders to the island to unite the Clans.[78]

Uniting the Clans[]

Mistystar: "RiverClan will join ThunderClan in this battle."
Onestar: "WindClan will join the alliance."
Firestar: "(to Blackstar) We will do what we can to defend you, even if you choose not to join."
Blackstar: "My Clan will join. But there will be one condition. [...] On ShadowClan territory, ShadowClan is in charge of any warrior from any Clan. Even a Clan leader."
—The Clan leaders agreeing to unite The Last Hope, page 229
The medicine cats, the Clan leaders, and Lionblaze and Dovewing meet at the island the following sunhigh. Firestar informs the leaders about the coming fight with the Dark Forest and how Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Dovewing are prophesized to save the Clans. While the Clan leaders are doubtful, Dovewing uses her power to listen in on the Dark Forest, confirming they are indeed planning to destroy the Clans and are recruiting Clan warriors to help them. The others demand to know the identities of the traitors, but Dovewing refuses since they haven't betrayed their Clans yet until the battle begins. RiverClan, WindClan, and ShadowClan agree to stand with ThunderClan in the coming fight. They draw up battle plans: each Clan will send three warriors to the others' camps to help them defend the kits and elders, and each Clan will have two messengers to pass along news.[68]
In ThunderClan, Firestar announces to his Clanmates about the imminent fight. The Clan begins preparations with additional battle training, with Ivypool demonstrating some Dark Forest moves to her Clanmates so they can defend themselves.[68] Brambleclaw organizes Whitewing, Berrynose, and Hazeltail to WindClan, Sorreltail, Thornclaw, and Spiderleg to ShadowClan, and Foxleap, Rosepetal, and Toadstep to RiverClan. He also assigns Molepaw and Cherrypaw as ThunderClan's messengers.[79]

The battle begins[]

«This is it. The battle is here. May the powers of the stars truly be in my paws.»
—Dovewing's thoughts on the battle beginning The Last Hope, page 261
Dovewing

Dovewing used her power to detect when the Dark Forest would attack

Dovewing hears the Dark Forest preparing to attack and Firestar orders the three patrols to hurry to the other Clans. A storm breaks out and Dovewing has difficulty listening for where the Dark Forest is planning to attack first. Firestar orders his warriors to fight like rogues against the Dark Forest's viciousness. Outside of camp, Dovewing detects the Dark Forest attacking all four Clans at once. With a lash of his tail, Firestar orders his warriors to begin fighting back.[67] Dovewing and Cloudtail are ambushed by Darkstripe and Sparrowfeather. The two ThunderClan warriors are overwhelmed, and the rest of the Dark Forest warriors swarm ThunderClan's camp.[51] ThunderClan's warriors are joined by Snowbird, Smokefoot, and Oakfur from ShadowClan,[67] Troutstream, Pebblefoot, and Mintfur from RiverClan, and Owlwhisker, Whitetail, and Boulderfur from WindClan. Together with ThunderClan, they manage to temporary drive the Dark Forest spirits away from ThunderClan's camp. However, Dovewing hears another incoming patrol.[51]
In the temporary reprieve, Firestar orders Cloudtail, Pebblefoot, and Dustpelt to receive treatment for their injuries while Brambleclaw gives the all clear. Stoatpaw of ShadowClan barges into camp with news of Blackstar losing a life. Firestar orders Smokefoot's patrol to return to his Clan to help, sending Lionblaze and Graystripe to help.[51]

Helping ShadowClan[]

Redwillow: "I'm loyal to my new Clan! Your time is over. You're nothing but an elder growing old over and over. Why don't you just give up and die?"
Blackstar: "I am still leader of this Clan. And you have betrayed us all."
Shredtail: "You killed my loyal warrior!"
Blackstar: "I killed one traitor, and now I'm ready to kill another."
—Blackstar killing Redwillow The Last Hope, pages 280-281
Lionblaze

Lionblaze used his power to fiercely battle the Dark Forest

In ShadowClan, Emberfoot, Gorsetail, and Furzepelt from WindClan and Hollowflight, Robinwing, and Petalfur from RiverClan help defend the ShadowClan camp. The fighting has stopped momentarily while the Dark Forest cats wait for more reinforcements, both side facing off in the camp. While the warriors face off against their enemy, ShadowClan struggles to recuperate from the previous fight: Pinenose grieves her kit's death, Littlecloud struggles to treat the injured, and Blackstar contests to recover from losing a life. Graystripe organizes the elders to fetch more moss for Littlecloud while Lionblaze checks on Blackstar.[70]
However, Dark Forest reinforcements arrive and resume their attack. Kinkfur, Whitewater, and Tallpoppy help Littlecloud haul the injured and dead underneath the bramble camp wall. The Dark Forest spirits nearly overwhelm the Clan cats when spirits from the Tribe of Endless Hunting and Midnight the badger arrive to help. Shredtail confronts Ratscar for betraying the Dark Forest, but his littermate Snowbird defends her brother's actions. However, the Dark Forest trainee Redwillow instead revels in destroying his own Clan. He challenges Blackstar but is promptly killed for being a traitor by the ShadowClan leader. Lionblaze then kills Shredtail, and he and Graystripe then return to ThunderClan's camp.[70]

From darkness to light[]

"Fight loyally, and with courage. That is all your Clan asks of you."
―Ivypool to Applefur The Last Hope, page 291
Ivypool

Ivypool helped convince the Dark Forest trainees to help the Clans in the final battle

Ivypool, desperate to find her Clanmates that have trained in the Dark Forest beside her, heads away from ThunderClan camp with permission from Brambleclaw, and bumps into Tigerheart, another Dark Forest Trainee. The two argue about fighting for the Dark Forest with Ivypool questioning his loyalty to the Clans until Hawkfrost instructs her to meet him later for their raid on WindClan's camp. Ivypool finds Blossomfall, Birchfall, and Mousewhisker cowering underneath some gorse and she encourages them to fight for the Clans. They join Thistleclaw, Snowtuft, Breezepelt, and Applefur as reinforcements in WindClan's camp. Across the camp, Hawkfrost gives the signal for his patrol to attack and Thistleclaw orders his patrol to follow. However, Ivypool stops Applefur from joining in on the fight, convincing her to fight for her Clan. She attempts to stop Breezepelt, but the WindClan warrior is determined to fight for the Dark Forest.[69]
Thistleclaw, Hawkfrost, and Snowtuft discover Ivypool has been a spy and are prepared to kill her. Tigerheart arrives to defend Ivypool and Hollyleaf's timely arrival helps turn the tide in the fight. They drive them away, but suddenly Hawkfrost strikes Ivypool and Hollyleaf takes the blow, striking back with a blow that sends him flying. Hollyleaf collapses with blood pouring from her throat and Ivypool and Tigerheart work together to drag her home.[69]

Attack on ThunderClan[]

"It was never meant to be. I don't regret anything. Nothing at all."
―Crowfeather to Leafpool about their love and their kits The Last Hope, page 309
Back at ThunderClan's camp, Ivypool and Tigerheart arrive with Hollyleaf. Despite Leafpool's attempts, Hollyleaf's injuries are fatal and she states that she is relieved to be back in ThunderClan with her mother. Surrounded by her family, Hollyleaf succumbs to the loss of blood. Dovewing hears the Dark Forest cats arriving and Firestar orders his Clan to prepare. Birchfall, Blossomfall, and Mousewhisker abruptly skid into the camp with news of the Dark Forest's imminent arrival and swear their loyalty to ThunderClan. Thistleclaw leads the dark spirits into ThunderClan's camp, accusing the former trainees of foiling their plans at WindClan's camp.[71]
Firestar signals Cherrypaw, who is at the top of the cliffs, to fetch help. As ThunderClan's warriors fight for their lives, Lionblaze and Graystripe arrive with Midnight and the Ancient cats; Fallen Leaves grieves Hollyleaf's death and Half Moon and Jayfeather lovingly reunite. Crowfeather and Breezepelt also arrive and participate in the fight, but Breezepelt instead attacks Lionblaze, threatening to kill him like Hollyleaf. Crowfeather breaks up the fight and chases Breezepelt away for being a traitor. Leafpool apologizes to Crowfeather, but Crowfeather admits them being together was never meant to be, but he doesn't regret a thing, the closest thing to admitting Lionblaze as his own. He touches his muzzle to Hollyleaf's lifeless pelt.[71]

StarClan to the rescue[]

Firestar: "Spottedleaf! Please don't go. You promised you'd be there to welcome me."
Spottedleaf: "That was never going to happen, my love. I cannot journey with you anymore. I'm so sorry."
Firestar: "No! I still need you!"
—Firestar over Spottedleaf's death The Last Hope, page 315
StarClan cats arrive to help ThunderClan, with Graystripe greeting Whitestorm. Longtail fights at Mousefur's side, but their moment is short-lived as a Dark Forest warrior kills Mousefur. Cherrypaw and Molepaw burst into camp with the joyous news of the other Clans succeeding in driving off the Dark Forest rogues. Firestar orders Runningwind and Dustpelt to chase away the fleeing Dark Forest cats, and Lionheart offers to go with them. Dovewing, Bumblestripe, and Sandstorm race after them, but Sandstorm is ambushed by Mapleshade. Jealous of the life Sandstorm lived, Mapleshade threatens to kill Sandstorm but Spottedleaf intervenes. Spottedleaf desires to save Sandstorm since she made Firestar happy, but Mapleshade slices Spottedleaf's throat open. Firestar mourns Spottedleaf as she fades to oblivion.[71]
In ThunderClan's camp, only a few Dark Forest cats remain and they target the nursery. Ferncloud defends Brightheart's newborn kits against Brokenstar, but she is killed by the former ShadowClan leader. Before Firestar can attack him, Yellowfang kills Brokenstar with a swift bite to his neck. News of Brokenstar's death spreads amongst the remaining Dark Forest spirits and Thistleclaw calls for a retreat. Dustpelt returns and grieves his mate's death, blaming himself for not protecting her. Brambleclaw arrives with Hawkfrost in tow. Ivypool attacks him over Hollyleaf's death and Brambleclaw swiftly kills him. Tigerstar congratulates his son for killing Hawkfrost. He warns Firestar that the Dark Forest is endless and vows to kill all his Clanmates.[71]

The final showdown[]

"I'm not going to let you harm another one of my cats, not ever."
―Firestar to Tigerstar The Last Hope, page 322
Firestar

Firestar, as the fourth cat in the prophecy, defeated Tigerstar in the final battle

Firestar tells Tigerstar he is no leader because he forces the cats who follow him to fight his battles. Tigerstar coldly states real warriors love battles and that he has given them a chance to die for a cause. Firestar asks what the cost of so many lives is, and Tigerstar replies it was all for killing him. Firestar says he won't let Tigerstar harm a single pelt in any of the Clans. Tigerstar attacks, stating that he became nothing when Bluestar laid eyes on Firestar. Graystripe and Sandstorm try to help Firestar, but Whitestorm and Sorreltail intervene since it's Firestar's battle. The two longtime rivals fight viciously as the Clan watches in anticipation. Firestar states that since Tigerstar lived like a rogue, he will die like one. He sinks his teeth deep into Tigerstar's neck, and only when Tigerstar stops twitching does Firestar let go. Lightning suddenly strikes a beech tree beside Firestar, marking the moment Firestar dies from his wounds as fire consumes the tree branch.[72]
Firestar's death is mourned by his Clanmates, both living and dead. The StarClan cats who granted Firestar his nine lives gather around him, and Jayfeather lists the lives they gave. Bluestar tells Brambleclaw that if he has half the courage and loyalty of Firestar, he will be a great leader. Firestar's spirit rises from his body, and he is joined by Hollyleaf, Mousefur, and Ferncloud and the StarClan spirits disappear. ThunderClan welcomes Bramblestar as their new leader. He asks Squirrelflight to be his deputy. Dovewing notices Midnight and Rock watching them from the distance. They nod to Dovewing, and a silent thank you is passed.[72] The Three also lose their powers shortly after the battle,[42] no longer needing them to protect their Clan.[80]

Aftermath[]

Honoring the dead[]

Whitewing: "Can you remember all the names?"
Dewpaw: "I think so. This one is for Mousefur...She was an elder, but she fought so bravely! And this one is for Hollyleaf. She had been away for a while, but she came back in time to help us when the Dark Forest attacked. And this is for Foxleap...who died of his wounds afterward. This one is for Ferncloud. She was killed by Brokenstar when she was defending the kits in the nursery. And this is for Sorreltail. She hid her wounds because she wanted to take care of her kits, but she died just when we thought we had won. She was the bravest of all."
Whitewing: "And the big mark right at the top? Do you know who that stands for?"
Dewpaw: "That's our leader, Firestar. He was the best cat in the whole forest, and he gave up his last life to save us!"
—The apprentices learning about the Stick of the Fallen Bramblestar's Storm, pages 18-19
Stick of the Fallen

The Stick of the Fallen is used to remember ThunderClan's fallen during the Great Battle

In the aftermath of the battle, Sorreltail visits her kits in the nursery and succumbs to her wounds, wanting to be with her kits.[41] A few days after the battle, Foxleap also dies from his infected wounds.[42] The dead are buried near oak trees that are silver with age between the lakeshore and the camp.[81]
Each Clan creates a memorial to honor the dead: ThunderClan finds a large stick and claws six marks on it to honor their six fallen members,[82] WindClan creates a pile of stones on the top of the moor and a patrol visits daily, RiverClan creates a circle of ferns, and ShadowClan lists the names of their fallen nightly at the owl's first cry.[83] In ThunderClan, Bramblestar ensures each apprentice learns the history of the Stick of the Fallen.[82] Lionblaze and Cinderheart name their first litter after those who died in the Great Battle: Fernsong after Ferncloud, Sorrelstripe after Sorreltail, and Hollytuft after Hollyleaf.[84] Blackstar began listing off the names of the dead at each Gathering for six moons,[85][86] though this decision was met by criticism by the other Clans.[86] Following the Great Storm, Firestar encourages Bramblestar to find a way to honor the dead and recall how the Clans were united during the Great Battle. Bramblestar proposes the sixteenth law of the warrior code: each Clan has the right to be proud and independent, but in times of trouble they must forget their boundaries and fight side by side to protect the four.[83]

The Dark Forest trainees[]

"Know this, warriors. The Dark Forest will win if we do not forgive those cats who were once their allies. Forgiveness is far more powerful than hatred and suspicion. United, we are as strong as we ever were. Divided, we will fall. Remember that the Dark Forest is still out there, ready to prey on our dreams. Hostility and distrust among us will give them more force than they deserve."
―Bramblestar to his warriors Dovewing's Silence, page 61
Immediately following the Great Battle, the former Dark Forest trainees are shunned by their Clanmates, with Ivypool, Mousewhisker, Birchfall, Blossomfall, and Thornclaw being refused to help bury their fallen Clanmates.[81] Three days after the battle, the Clan leaders and the former Dark Forest trainees meet at the island to discuss the fate of the former trainees. After much debate, they decide the former trainees must swear a new oath of loyalty to their Clans.[44] While ThunderClan's members swear a new oath, some of their Clanmates expressed doubts.[42] Molepaw and Cherrypaw even lead the former trainees to a trapped and wounded fox in hopes of scaring them. Bramblestar uses this moment to honor them for their bravery, reminding his warriors that uniting as one will defeat the Dark Forest in the long run.[87] In WindClan, Onestar fully trusts the former trainees and even names Harespring his deputy after Ashfoot's death.[88] However, Breezepelt's loyalty is repeatedly questioned, and some of his Clanmates even accuse him of killing his own mother Nightcloud.[89] Breezepelt eventually earns his Clanmates' respect following the battle against the stoats.[90]

Firestar's legacy[]

"And I can understand that you wouldn't want the pressure—Alderheart and I struggled under it, too—but we can't control who we are. We can't control what our Clanmates think when they look at us, or how they chatter when one of us is...well, struggling. But it's a gift, really, having Firestar in our blood."
―Sparkpelt to her son Flamepaw about being kin to Firestar River (book), page 84
Nightheart (ASC)

Firestar's legacy still lives on, though comes with heavy expectations that Firestar's great-grandson Nightheart dislikes

Firestar is continued to be remembered as one of the greatest leaders in the forest.[82][91][92] His name is known by every Clan cat,[93] though sometimes not in positive ways.[94] His kin in ThunderClan continue to have special destinies: Bramblestar and Squirrelflight's daughter Sparkpelt resembles Firestar, and Graystripe once wondered why her warrior name wasn't Sparkfire in honor of him,[95] and Bramblestar and Squirrelflight's son Alderheart became a medicine cat and was visited by Firestar when he was a young apprentice.[91] When Lionblaze was named Squirrelflight's deputy, Thornclaw questioned the apparent nepotism within ThunderClan's leadership since every cat in a position of power was related to Firestar.[96] However, Flamepaw struggled under the heavy weight of being kin to Firestar,[97][98] and rejected his warrior name of Flameheart to free himself from Firestar's shadow.[99]

Out of universe[]

"An ending, and a beginning."
―Jayfeather The Last Hope, page 329
The Great Battle, and subsequently The Last Hope, marks the end of the story set up from the twelve books in Power of Three and Omen of the Stars, in addition to finishing Firestar's story from his first appearance in Into the Wild to his death in The Last Hope. Subsequentially following the release of The Last Hope, Vicky stepped down as the main voice/editor of the series, only then working on Bramblestar's Storm, The Sun Trail,[100] and then officially retiring from the series following Legends of the Clans in 2017.[101][102] With Vicky stepping down, the series gained a new editorial team who began production of Dawn of the Clans and onward.[blog 1] The series was also rebranded in 2015, complete with new reprinted covers illustrated by Owen Richardson and the first series being renamed to The Prophecies Begin.[103] For these reasons, the closing of Omen of the Stars is considered the "end of an era" within the fandom.[104]
In addition, the cause of Firestar's death is vague due to Dovewing originally seeing Firestar standing when lightning strikes the tree and starts a fire, but then he is dead on the ground a sentence later.[72] Kate Cary, who wrote the book, later stated on her blog that Firestar died from his wounds: "It wasn't the tree that killed Firestar. He died of his wounds. Dovewing only imagined she saw him get up and walk away. The lightening and the flaming branch just brought her back to reality."[blog 2] This unclear depiction has led to a back-and-forth within the fandom whether or not Firestar was killed by a tree.

Characters[]

Clan cats[]

Firestar[]

"The end of the stars draws near. Three must become four to battle the darkness that lasts forever." The ThunderClan leader with only one life left,[67] Firestar helped to bring the Clans together and devise a strategy plan for when the Dark Forest attacked.[105] He commanded his Clan, protecting the nursery above all else. He fought Tigerstar when he finally appeared, and defeated his old foe once and for all. He died of the wounds Tigerstar inflicted on him, lightning striking a tree the moment he gave his life for the Clans a final time.[72]

Lionblaze[]

"There will be three, kin of your kin, who hold the power of the stars in their paws." This was given to Firestar long before the birth of Lionblaze,[52] and as the grandson of Firestar, Lionblaze had the ability to not be able to be defeated in battle.[57][68] He fought hard against the savage Dark Forest warriors, saving ShadowClan with his leadership skills when the camp was overrun.[70] Lionblaze was lost without his powers after the battle but by then, he had grown fond of Cinderheart, and they became mates.[68][42]

Jayfeather[]

"There will be three, kin of your kin, who hold the power of the stars in their paws." Jayfeather could walk through memories and dreams, and he was the first of the Three to learn about the prophecy.[56] Not fighting in the battle himself, Jayfeather used his abilities to form the Tribe, and gained allies there in the Ancients who joined the battle.[106] Jayfeather also united StarClan when it was broken, and ultimately, united the Clans and the Tribe of Endless Hunting fight against the Dark Forest.[78]

Dovewing[]

"After the sharp-eyed Jay and the roaring Lion, peace will come on Dove's gentle wing." They all thought that the third cat was Hollyleaf,[107] Lionblaze's and Jayfeather's sister, but when she was presumed dead, both brothers knew that one of Whitewing's kits would be the next cat.[108] Dovewing had the ability to hear places and cats that aren't around her,[58] and she used that to gather information from the Dark Forest, and detect when enemy patrols were coming.[67] Dovewing felt lost without her powers after the battle, and struggled to recuperate for many moons after.[109]

Ivypool[]

As an apprentice, Ivypaw was jealous of the attention Dovepaw received, but she didn't know that Dovepaw had special powers. Hawkfrost sought out Ivypaw in her dreams and trained her to fight, and Ivypaw thrived. But she soon learned of Tigerstar's true ambitions, and Ivypaw tried to turn away, but Jayfeather and Lionblaze recruited her as a spy instead.[63] With the battle approaching, Ivypool shared battle tactics and tips with her Clan.[68] During the battle, Ivypool convinced Dark Forest trainees that they could fight for the Clans, probably saving the Clans from certain doom.[69] After the battle, she sided with the former Dark Forest trainees against the insults, and even though her loyalty was proven many times, she swore a new oath that proved her loyalty once again.[42]

Dark Forest cats[]

Tigerstar[]

Tigerstar, the archenemy of the Clans ever since he murdered ThunderClan's deputy, walked in the Dark Forest, a place for evil cats that do not belong in StarClan. He tried many times to manipulate and use other cats for his own ambitions.[60][61] Finally, with an army of deadly warriors, he striked, waiting until the last moment to finally face his real enemy: Firestar.[71] He finally has his revenge, but not before he is killed himself, gone from the Clans forever.[72]

Thistleclaw[]

Thistleclaw had an ambition to become deputy of ThunderClan,[110] but Bluestar became deputy instead.[111] Thistleclaw was Tigerstar's mentor, and taught him battle is everything, nurturing his ambitions.[110][112] Thistleclaw died fighting an entire RiverClan patrol.[113] He worked with his former apprentice, and trained cats deadly fighting techniques.[114] He didn't die a second time though, fleeing when Brokenstar was killed and defeated.[71]

Brokenstar[]

Brokenstar was the forbidden kit of Yellowfang, a ShadowClan medicine cat.[115] He was pressured as a kit for not having a mother, and his father only nurtured his ambitions and made him deputy of ShadowClan.[116] Brokenstar killed his father Raggedstar to become leader.[117][118] He then forced kits to fight as young as three moons, many dying at their first battle.[119][120] Yellowfang eventually fed him deathberries, killing him.[121] Brokenstar trained cats in the Dark Forest though, and led an attack against the ThunderClan camp.[122] For the second time, his mother killed him, removing him from hurting the Clans ever again.[71]

Mapleshade[]

Mapleshade was a ThunderClan she-cat who fell in love with a RiverClan cat and had his kits.[123] When ThunderClan discovered this, Mapleshade was banished and her kits drowned when she tried to take them across the river to RiverClan. Mapleshade's mate blamed her, and she found herself unwelcome in RiverClan too.[124] Mapleshade swore revenge on every cat who wronged her.[125] While she walked in the Dark Forest, she haunted and ruined Crookedstar's life, but was still not satisfied.[126] She worked with Tigerstar to create an army of killer warriors, and attacked Sandstorm, who had everything Mapleshade ever wanted. Spottedleaf defended her, and Mapleshade killed her. For that, Sandstorm chased Mapleshade back into the Dark Forest.[71]

Characters that took part in the battle[]

ThunderClan[]


ShadowClan[]


RiverClan[]


WindClan[]


Dark Forest[]


The Tribe of Endless Hunting[]


StarClan[]


Other[]

Midnight[33]

Quotes[]

«I am going to kill this cat. I may not be able to match your fox-hearted tactics, Shredtail, but I can fight like the best warrior that ever lived.»
—Lionblaze about fighting Shredtail The Last Hope, page 282


"You have to defend the Clan! Isn't death better than having Brokenstar as your leader?"
―Ivypool convincing Applefur to fight on the Clans' side The Last Hope, page 290


"I'm a warrior. I fight for the Clans. Dark Forest warriors don't belong here. This is Clan territory!"
―Tigerheart The Last Hope, page 292


Tigerstar: "Not yet. We will meet in battle. But not until you've watched every one of your Clan die."
Firestar: "The battle's over!"
Tigerstar: "The Dark Forest is endless. It has more warriors than you could ever imagine. The battle is just beginning."
Dovewing: "But Brokenstar and Hawkfrost are dead! Why would they fight now? They have no leader."
Tigerstar: "They have me."
Firestar: "You're no leader, Tigerstar. You never were."
Tigerstar: "I'm a better leader than you could ever be."
Firestar: "A leader puts his Clan first. Instead, your Clanmates are made to fight your battles, not theirs."
Tigerstar: "Real warriors love battle. I give them a chance to die for a cause."
Firestar: "And what have all your battles been for, Tigerstar? What cause is worth the lives of so many warriors?"
Tigerstar: "Defeating you, of course."
Firestar: "You haven't defeated me yet."
Tigerstar: "That's why I'm here."
Firestar: "The Dark Forest cats won't follow you. They know now they can't beat the Clans. They won't try again."
Tigerstar: "I don't need them. I only have to beat you. Then I can pick off your Clanmates one by one, moon after moon, till there's no one left."
Firestar: "I'm never going to let you harm another of my cats, not ever."
Tigerstar: "Then you're going to have to kill me."
Firestar: "Has it been worth it, Tigerstar? All the hate? All the death?"
Tigerstar: "Every moment. The moment Bluestar found you, I became nothing! I have waited all this time to have my revenge! When you're dead, I can rule the Clans or kill them."
Firestar: "I will not die until the forest is safe from you. You lived like a rogue. You can die like a rogue."
—Tigerstar and Firestar's final confrontation The Last Hope, pages 320-323

Trivia[]

Interesting facts[]

  • Both Brokenstar and Hawkfrost are killed during the battle[77][48] by the same cats that killed them the first time.[154][155]
  • Spottedleaf is killed the same way as she was killed the first time, just by a different cat.[36][156]
  • Despite training in the Dark Forest, Larkwing is named a warrior for her bravery in the battle.[142]

Author statements[]

  • The Great Battle was one of the hardest scenes for Kate to write.[blog 3]
  • Vicky revealed in the Confidential Notes at the end of The Last Hope that Ferncloud died in the battle due to fan complaints. Hollyleaf died in the battle to allow her to make the ultimate sacrifice in saving a Clanmate to show that she was still loyal to her Clan.[157]
  • Kate stated that Firestar was not killed by the burning tree, but instead died of his wounds from the battle. Dovewing only imagined she saw him get up and walk away, and the lightning striking the tree snapped her back into reality.[blog 2]

Mistakes[]

  • Cedarheart is shown in StarClan in The Last Hope,[158] but later on is shown helping Littlecloud in the final battle before the StarClan cats show up.[25]
  • The Place of No Stars is mistakenly called DarkClan[131] and the Dark Warriors.[35]
  • The Tribe of Endless Hunting is called the Ancients when they are in fact spirits from the Ancients.[37]
  • Midnight is mentioned to be chasing away Dark Forest warriors, but in the same paragraph she is fighting against some Dark Forest cats near the nursery.[37]
  • Vicky has stated that Ashfoot died from greencough.[159] However Bramblestar's Storm and Crowfeather's Trial state that she died in the battle against the Dark Forest.[43][45][75]
  • Shredtail is mistakenly referred to as one of ShadowClan's deceased cats in Bramblestar's Storm and Crowfeather's Trial.[160][161]

See also[]

External links[]

Notes and references[]

  1. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 42
  2. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 243
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 255
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 325
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 291
  6. 6.0 6.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 279
  7. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 329
  8. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 328
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 309
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 277
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 229
  12. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 253
  13. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 252
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 14.8 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 288
  15. 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 289
  16. 16.0 16.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 231
  17. Molepaw and Cherrypaw are the only known messengers, they represented ThunderClan. Stoatpaw is assumed to be one of the messengers for ShadowClan, for he brought the news to ThunderClan that ShadowClan was outnumbered.
  18. Except for Leafpool, who stayed behind with Jayfeather to treat the injured.
  19. 19.0 19.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 259
  20. 20.00 20.01 20.02 20.03 20.04 20.05 20.06 20.07 20.08 20.09 20.10 20.11 20.12 20.13 20.14 20.15 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 267
  21. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 256
  22. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 270
  23. 23.00 23.01 23.02 23.03 23.04 23.05 23.06 23.07 23.08 23.09 23.10 23.11 23.12 23.13 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 272
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 257
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 25.6 25.7 25.8 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 273
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 276
  27. 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 269
  28. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 283
  29. 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 29.6 29.7 29.8 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 306
  30. 30.00 30.01 30.02 30.03 30.04 30.05 30.06 30.07 30.08 30.09 30.10 30.11 30.12 30.13 30.14 30.15 30.16 Revealed in Mothwing's Secret, chapter 8
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 298
  32. 32.0 32.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 308
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 278
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 265
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 302
  36. 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 315
  37. 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4 37.5 37.6 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 316
  38. 38.0 38.1 38.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 324
  39. 39.0 39.1 39.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 295
  40. 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 40.5 40.6 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 310
  41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 Revealed in Dovewing's Silence, chapter 1
  42. 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 42.4 42.5 42.6 Revealed in Dovewing's Silence, chapter 5
  43. 43.0 43.1 43.2 43.3 43.4 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 471
  44. 44.0 44.1 44.2 Revealed in Dovewing's Silence, chapter 4
  45. 45.00 45.01 45.02 45.03 45.04 45.05 45.06 45.07 45.08 45.09 45.10 45.11 45.12 45.13 45.14 45.15 45.16 45.17 45.18 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 53
  46. 46.0 46.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 282
  47. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 317
  48. 48.0 48.1 48.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 319
  49. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 323
  50. Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 8
  51. 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 51.4 51.5 Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 23
  52. 52.0 52.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, chapter 25
  53. 53.0 53.1 Revealed in The Fourth Apprentice, page prologue
  54. 54.0 54.1 Revealed in Fading Echoes, chapter 7
  55. Revealed in The Sight, page prologue
  56. 56.0 56.1 Revealed in The Sight, chapter 25
  57. 57.0 57.1 Revealed in Outcast, chapter 28
  58. 58.0 58.1 Revealed in The Fourth Apprentice, chapter 5
  59. Revealed in Sign of the Moon, chapter 22
  60. 60.0 60.1 Revealed in Starlight, chapter 9
  61. 61.0 61.1 Revealed in Dark River, chapter 11
  62. Revealed in Fading Echoes, chapter 10
  63. 63.0 63.1 Revealed in Night Whispers, chapter 22
  64. Revealed in The Forgotten Warrior, chapter 19
  65. Revealed in The Forgotten Warrior, chapter 10
  66. Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 14
  67. 67.0 67.1 67.2 67.3 67.4 67.5 Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 22
  68. 68.0 68.1 68.2 68.3 68.4 68.5 Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 20
  69. 69.0 69.1 69.2 69.3 69.4 Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 25
  70. 70.0 70.1 70.2 70.3 70.4 Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 24
  71. 71.0 71.1 71.2 71.3 71.4 71.5 71.6 71.7 71.8 71.9 Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 26
  72. 72.0 72.1 72.2 72.3 72.4 72.5 Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 27
  73. Foxleap is not killed in the battle itself, but later dies of his infected wounds from the battle.
  74. 74.0 74.1 74.2 74.3 74.4 74.5 Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  75. 75.0 75.1 Revealed in Crowfeather's Trial, page 10
  76. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 280
  77. 77.0 77.1 77.2 77.3 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 318
  78. 78.0 78.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 18
  79. Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 21
  80. Revealed in Dovewing's Silence, chapter 10
  81. 81.0 81.1 Revealed in Dovewing's Silence, chapter 2
  82. 82.0 82.1 82.2 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, chapter 2
  83. 83.0 83.1 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, chapter 35
  84. Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm comic
  85. Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, chapter 1
  86. 86.0 86.1 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, chapter 5
  87. Revealed in Dovewing's Silence, chapter 9
  88. Revealed in Crowfeather's Trial, chapter 1
  89. Revealed in Crowfeather's Trial, chapter 10
  90. Revealed in Crowfeather's Trial, chapter 34
  91. 91.0 91.1 Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 6
  92. Revealed in A Light in the Mist, chapter 10
  93. Revealed in Darkest Night, chapter 12
  94. Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, chapter 3
  95. Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, chapter 7
  96. Revealed in Darkness Within, chapter 4
  97. Revealed in River, chapter 1
  98. Revealed in River, chapter 7
  99. Revealed in River, chapter 22
  100. Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  101. Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  102. Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
  103. Revealed on Edelweiss.com
  104. Revealed in a YouTube video from TennelleFlowers
  105. Revealed in The Last Hope, chapter 19
  106. Revealed in Sign of the Moon, chapter 19
  107. Revealed in Eclipse, chapter 1
  108. Revealed in Sunrise, chapter 28
  109. Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, chapter 27
  110. 110.0 110.1 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, chapter 31
  111. Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, chapter 42
  112. Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, chapter 32
  113. Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, chapter 44
  114. Revealed in Night Whispers, chapter 7
  115. Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, chapter 25
  116. Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, chapter 30
  117. Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, chapter 35
  118. Revealed in Into the Wild, chapter 24
  119. Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, chapter 36
  120. Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, chapter 37
  121. Revealed in Forest of Secrets, chapter 29
  122. Revealed in Night Whispers, chapter 25
  123. Revealed in Mapleshade's Vengeance, chapter 2
  124. Revealed in Mapleshade's Vengeance, chapter 4
  125. Revealed in Mapleshade's Vengeance, chapter 9
  126. Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, chapter 39
  127. 127.0 127.1 127.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 245
  128. 128.0 128.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 262
  129. 129.0 129.1 129.2 129.3 129.4 129.5 129.6 129.7 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 266
  130. 130.0 130.1 130.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 268
  131. 131.0 131.1 131.2 131.3 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 274
  132. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 294
  133. 133.0 133.1 133.2 133.3 133.4 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 297
  134. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 301
  135. 135.0 135.1 135.2 135.3 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 305
  136. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 239
  137. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 271
  138. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 275
  139. 139.0 139.1 139.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 290
  140. 140.00 140.01 140.02 140.03 140.04 140.05 140.06 140.07 140.08 140.09 140.10 140.11 140.12 Revealed in The Last Hope, allegiances
  141. 141.00 141.01 141.02 141.03 141.04 141.05 141.06 141.07 141.08 141.09 141.10 141.11 141.12 Revealed in Dovewing's Silence, allegiances
  142. 142.0 142.1 142.2 142.3 Revealed in Crowfeather's Trial, page 12
  143. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 263
  144. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 264
  145. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 293
  146. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 303
  147. 147.0 147.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 304
  148. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 311
  149. 149.0 149.1 149.2 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 312
  150. 150.0 150.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 313
  151. 151.0 151.1 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 314
  152. Revealed in The Place of No Stars, page 152
  153. 153.0 153.1 153.2 153.3 153.4 Revealed in The Last Hope, page 326
  154. Revealed in Sunset, page 299
  155. Revealed in Forest of Secrets, page 294
  156. Revealed in Into the Wild, page 266
  157. Revealed in The Curtain Falls: Choosing Which Cats Would Die
  158. Revealed in The Last Hope, page 179
  159. Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
  160. Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 52
  161. Revealed in Crowfeather's Trial, page 135

Author references

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