In Defense of Squirrelflight by Cherrydawn

Cherrydawn discusses Squirrelflight.

Introduced in the second Warriors arc, Squirrelflight became a hot-button topic almost immediately. Either you loved her or you hated her, found her funny or found her annoying. Her initial introduction was the beginning of what would become a long line of offenses committed against Squirrelflight. She was immediately defined by the toms who surrounded her rather than her own selfhood. Daughter of Firestar, apple of Ashfur’s eye, Bramblestar’s mate.

Looking at her now, though, she is so much more than that.

Moving through the series, starting with her introduction, Squirrelflight began the Great Journey as a companion of Brambleclaw. She was coarse, brash, loud, and opinionated. Readers’ opinions on her fluctuated from person to person, with some claiming that she was annoying and bratty. While the criticism is valid, I would venture to say that Squirrelflight, since the beginning, has been among the most interesting and dynamic characters in the series. Frequently, her headstrong attitude causes her to run muzzle-first into what she believes in. She is strong-willed, intelligent, and determined, and I can’t fault her for that.

Spoilers ahead for both the Power of Three arc and the novel ‘Squirrelflight’s Hope’!

The revelation that Hollyleaf, Jayfeather, and Lionblaze were Leafpool’s kits with Crowfeather the whole time was a shock to all readers. How could sweet, kind Leafpool have betrayed the warrior code with a cat from another clan? And how could Squirrelflight have lied about it? This reveal made public opinion on Squirrelflight shift tenfold. Now she was hated for lying to Brambleclaw and protecting her sister who broke the warrior code. Again, a valid criticism, but one I don’t particularly agree with. If anything, Squirrelflight’s decision to protect Leafpool and take in the kits was noble. She did not bend her values. Since the beginning, we have seen Squirrelflight frequently follow through with what she believes in. She values kindness and understanding. She values the safety and forgiveness of others. And she is loyal to a fault. While she loves her clan and has shown it time and time again, she loves her kin more and would do anything for them. Squirrelflight’s refusal to abandon her beliefs is something I find noble and admirable. She raised the three as her own with as much love and adoration as possible. They couldn’t ask for a better mother.

After the fact, Squirrelflight took the silence and shunning from her clan and kin with grace. She stayed silent and allowed herself to be judged.

It seems that she can’t quite catch a break, though. In her super edition, ‘Squirrelflight’s Hope’, the clans can’t seem to figure out what to do with Skyclan. Should they allow them to stay on the borrowed land, or should they be sent to find a new territory? When all other clans are trying to force the weary and tired Skyclan out, Squirrelflight advocates for listening to Skyclan. In an expedition to a potential territory with Leafstar, they discover a perfect, prey-rich territory. The only problem is that it’s already inhabited by a group of travelers known as the Sisters. The Sisters are peaceful, kind, and treat Leafstar and Squirrelflight with respect. When the other clans suggest fighting the Sisters and driving them out by force, which would harm the heavily pregnant Midnight, Squirrelflight refuses to allow it to happen. Even Bramblestar, who is supposed to listen to his deputy and respect her, becomes distant and harsh to her as she attempts to protect these cats. While it may be argued, again, that Squirrelflight is breaking the code and placing the health and safety above her clan, she is really once more demonstrating her unwavering kindness and understanding when it comes to others. She cares deeply for life and the preservation of community.

In my opinion, Squirrelflight is one of the most admirable cats in the entire series.

Above all, Squirrelflight is often misunderstood and disliked for upholding her values and refusing to back down.

I’ll leave you with this–what would you do to preserve your ideals?