On Thistleclaw: Antagonist, or Plain Arrogant? by Ashenpaw

How responsible was Thistleclaw for what Tigerstar became?*Note: This art used does not belong to me.*

Thistleclaw is, at the surface, the primary antagonist of Bluestar’s Prophecy. Bluefur sees him as battle-hungry, arrogant cat, who will do nothing but lead ThunderClan into battle and bloodshed. With Bluefur being the protagonist, we were expected to follow her opinions, but I found her treatment of Thistleclaw VERY hasty on her part. Is Thistleclaw an antagonist, really? I’m here to analyze most of his appearances and make a decision based on how he acted.

First, StarClan’s view on Thistleclaw. An excerpt from page 78 of Enter the Clans follows: “But we can guess,” Owlstar murmured. “If Bluefur stays in the nursery with her kits, Thistleclaw will become deputy instead. He is an ambitious, violent cat, and we know it. He would lead his warriors to attack other Clans— the last thing this forest needs right now. Would you rather see more warriors coming to join us because of his bloody leadership?”
“So a kit’s life is the price to be paid for the warriors whom Thistleclaw MIGHT lead into death,” Moonflower growled. “I know the Bluefur believes Thistleclaw would be the wrong leader for ThunderClan. But how do we know being deputy wouldn’t make him a better cat?
“We don’t know,” Brambleberry meowed. “And neither does Bluefur. She must make her choices based on what she thinks might happen. i don’t agree with what she’s doing… I would never endanger innocent kits… but I can see why she’s doing it.” (Whew. Typed all that out by hand.)

So what can we gather from that? StarClan had no way of knowing Thistleclaw would do bad deeds, and no prophecy or omen that he would, either. So it’d be entirely possible that Thistleclaw would do NOTHING. Remember the other villains, and their omens? “Four will become two, lion and tiger will meet in battle, and blood will rule the forest.” “Before there is peace, blood will spill blood, and the lake will run red.” These prophecies CLEARLY meant a villain would rise, but Thistleclaw never got one. Also, Goosefeather didn’t react much either; is Thistleclaw was going to have a blood-soaked future, why wasn’t Goosefeather up and terrified by him like he was to Tigerkit(star)?

See Thistleclaw without Bluestar’s view, or from Snowfur’s: He is arrogant, and he likes to show his worth to other clans. He showed great ambition for his Clan, and always focused on keeping it safe.” Use that point of view, instead of Bluefur’s, when looking at the less fine points: rise of Scourge, page 31, Thistleclaw: I think the kittypet should be taught a lesson. One he’ll remember.” Thistleclaw didn’t, contrary to popular belief, say “ermegerd kill him”, nor did he even specify to attack. He simpy told his apprentice what do to do, and watched. While it was violent, and shouldn’t have happened, was Thistleclaw 100% responsible for turning Tigerpaw evil? No. Was Thistleclaw 100% responsible for turning Scourge into Scourge. NO.

Reread Bluestar’s Prophecy, without the special brand of Bluefur bias. You’ll see what I mean. And, for a parting word, my gift: Sunstar wasn’t going to make Thistleclaw deputy anyway. I hope you enjoyed my first article!