Sparktooth takes a second look at Tigerclaw’s original plan from the first book, Into the Wild.


Hey, hey, hey, bloggers! Today Sparktooth proudly presents another article! I was rereading some scenes in Into the Wild for my article about Longtail; and I read the part where we discover Redtail was dead. Since Iโve read almost all of the series, I knew it was the beginning of Tigerclawโs scheme to become leader, and he would eventually rise to the deadly Tigerstar. But I began to think of the flaws he had in his plan. What were the major mistakes Tigerstar made while using the worst of his ambition to become leader?
*Spoiler Alert* Read at your own risk. Also Iโm gonna be calling Tigerstar โTigerclawโ in this article; because Iโm gonna be talking about his plan when he killed Redtail so he could be deputy, and eventually leader.
Tigerclaw shouldโve known better than to think heโd be Bluestarโs top pick for the role of deputy. I think we all know Bluestar thought of him as a fearless, courageous warrior, but not the right one to lead ThunderClan. And Iโm pretty sure Tigerclaw knew that, too. So had to seem like the top warrior in the Clan to catch Bluestarโs attention.
โโHow did this happen, Tigerclaw?โ Bluestar demanded from her position on the Highrock. Tigerclaw let the scruff of Redtailโs neck fall from his mouth. He looked steadily at Bluestar. โHe died with honor, struck down by Oakheart. I couldnโt save him, but I managed to take Oakheartโs life while he was still gloating over his victory.โ Tigerclawโs voice was strong and deep. โRedtailโs death was not in vain, for I doubt weโll see RiverClan hunters in our territory again.โโ -Into the Wild, pg. 43.
I have to admit, Tigerclaw had some pretty smart moves in his plan. The way his dialogue is worded in this scene makes him sound very noble. But thereโs also a way he said it that made his story sound the smallest bit โfarfetched.โ Hereโs how: We all know about Bluestarโs relationship with Oakheart. Tigerclaw didnโt; but he did know that Bluestar knew Oakheart longer than he did. Bluestar couldโve believed he was stretching the truth when he said โwhile he was still gloating over his victory.โ But she decided it wasnโt worth mentioning, or that it didnโt matter, but it had to be something like that. All I know is that she knew Oakheart a little better than that. Not to mention in the Warrior Code, it states โVictory does not require death.โ Tigerclaw killing Oakheart in revenge mightโve made Bluestar feel a little doubtful making him her deputy, too. If I was Tigerclaw, I wouldโve changed the story so it sounded like this:
โHe died with honor, struck down with Oakheart. They were writhing on the ground fiercely, and crashed into Sunningrocks, sending rocks showering over them. I couldnโt save him, but I managed to dig up his body from under the rocks. Redtailโs death was not in vain, for I doubt weโll see RiverClan hunters in our territory again.โ
*Stunned silence.* See? Doesnโt that sound way better fit for a cat to be deputy? It would make sense in case if RiverClan mentioned finding Oakheartโs body under a heap of rocks. It sounds as though nobody killed anyone. If Tigerclaw worded it a little differently, he couldโve become deputy then and there. But itโs good he made mistakes, or else ThunderClanโs future would not look good.
One last thing before I conclude: Ravenpaw. He witnessed Redtailโs murder, and is Tigerclawโs apprentice. Tigerclaw scaring the apprentice into not telling was probably his only option besides killing him, and that would certainly be bad. But it was the way he scared Ravenpaw that made his actions too obvious. Firestar certainly noticed when he was an apprentice. When he took Ravenpaw to Barleyโs farm so he would be safe, Tigerclaw had a chance to hide what he did. But you know what, he just made it more obvious about his treachery.
โAs the rest of the Clan began to melt away back to their dens, Tigerclaw pushed past Fireheart. The ThunderClan deputy slowed as he past and hissed quietly into his ear, โDonโt think you can outwit me, kittypet. Be careful what you tell Bluestar.โ A cold shiver ran down Fireheartโs spine.โ -Into the Wild, pg. 271.
He couldโve just acted normal and maybe eventually Firestar wouldโve thought Ravenpaw had dreamed it or something. But like I said before, itโs good he made mistakes so Fireheart could rise to be Firestar, and Tigerclaw wouldn’t be Tigerstar of ThunderClan. Oh and in the Warrior Code, it said a warrior has to have trained at least one apprentice to become deputy. Tigerclaw wasnโt even finished training Ravenpaw yet! So of course he wouldnโt be Bluestarโs first choice.
So, what would you have done if you were Tigerclaw? Do you agree with the mistakes I pointed out? Thx again! ๐
Tigerclaw is apparently not as smart as people think! ๐
Walk Without The Stars