Five best and worst mentor-apprentice relationships part 1 by Fallowpaw

Fallowpaw takes a look at the best and worst mentor-apprentice pairs from the series.

Hi! So, today we’re going to talk about the special connection mentors and apprentices share. But while some of these relationships are friendships for life, others don’t go as well. I will make a part for each series, so today, we’re going to dive into TPB! If you haven’t fully read that arc, you might come across spoilers.

Okay, first are the five worst mentor-apprentice relationships:

5. Cloudtail and Firestar

Not the best friends. Cloudtail didn’t listen to his mentor AT ALL. When Firestar told his nephew to choose between becoming a kittypet and being a Clan cat, he simply refused to! And I can’t blame Firestar for not being the kindest to Cloudtail when he did such things. Overall, they argued often and didn’t get along, though it got better later when Cloudtail became more mature.

4. Brackenfur and Graystripe

Graystripe kinda neglected poor Brackenfur. He simply got all his training from Firestar, because his mentor was out flirting with a RiverClan cat. Like, Graystripe was a really bad mentor if he just dumped his apprentice to go break the Warrior Code, WHICH HE WAS SUPPOSED TO TEACH HIM. Yeah, I don’t like Graystripe and this is one of the reasons. He just didn’t care about Brackenfur enough to mentor him properly.

3. Bramblestar and Firestar

This one was okay near the end, but in the beginning, it was not. Firestar only became Bramblestar’s mentor to be able to keep an eye on him, and judged him because of his father, which he can’t help. I just don’t appreciate Firestar being suspicious of him while he did nothing wrong. He should’ve trusted his apprentice more.

2. Ferncloud and Darkstripe

We didn’t see much of their relationship in the books, but I’m pretty sure it was really bad. Just like Graystripe, Darkstripe neglected his apprentice, but not for something as innocent as a crush: he went to meet TIGERCLAW. If Ferncloud had followed him (which she luckily never did) he might’ve tried to kill her in the same brutal way he tried to kill Sorrelkit! Ferncloud was in grave danger by being his apprentice, so it was a very bad relationship.

And now for the very worst of all of them…

1. Ravenpaw and Tigerclaw

You probably saw this one coming. Tigerclaw mentally AND physically abused Ravenpaw by constantly criticizing him, embarrassing him, and even telling him to ‘suffer silently’. What is that for stupid mouse-dung?! Tigerclaw was also clawing Ravenpaw when he was injured and yelling at him to wake up, and even plotted to kill his poor apprentice when he found out he knew about his secret! Tigerclaw was a very abusive mentor and I wish Ravenpaw had gotten someone better.

Now let’s get on to the five best ones:

5. Graystripe and Lionheart

I think they were a great pairing! Bluestar chose well here! On one hand, you have silly Graypaw, and on the other, serious Lionheart, and their personalities complement well! Lionheart can tell Graystripe when it’s time to be serious in a nice way, and Graystripe can make his mentor warm up a bit. Lionheart is also really supportive of his apprentice and always compliments him. Really a good match.

4. Firestar and Bluestar

Ever since Firestar joined the Clan as a kittypet, Bluestar has been like a mother to him. Caring, but also strict, and a great mentor. She wasn’t too harsh on Firestar but still made sure he did his best, and they also had a great bond after he became a warrior. She shared her deepest secrets with him and trusted him through and through, and their friendship lasted for a very long time.

3. Cinderpelt and Firestar

Another great pairing! At first, Firestar already said he liked Cinderpelt’s enthusiasm and hoped he could mentor her. And so he did, eventually! But Cinderpaw had her accident on the thundepath, and had to become a medicine cat. Though Firestar still helped her with her exercises, and later she was one of his best friends in the Clan! He was a good and supportive mentor to her, and I liked their friendship in the rest of the series. By the way, I don’t believe Cinderpelt had a crush on him, I think she just said that to comfort Alderheart.

2. Snowkit and Brackenfur

Yes, Snowkit never became an apprentice. But it was mentioned that if he did, Brackenfur would become his mentor. I just thought it was really sweet that Brackenfur wanted to help him become a warrior when all the rest of the Clan gave up on him. I wish Snowkit didn’t die, he could be a really interesting character and I bet Brackenfur would’ve been an amazing mentor to him.

And now the best of the best…

1. Cinderpelt and Yellowfang

I love these two. Yellowfang found a path for Cinderpelt that wasn’t rotting in the elders’ den for eternity, and I loved that. Yes, she gave her apprentice rather tough love, but it was clear how much they cherished each other. They were very different, but deeply cared about each other and formed a strong bond. And Yellowfang was also able to build up Cinderpelt’s courage! Who comforted her after she blamed herself for Silverstream’s death? Yellowfang. She told her that kind of things happen, and she was still a great medicine cat, and I just thought their relationship was really sweet.

So, that was it! I hope you enjoyed this article! Feel free to share your opinions in the comments! Bye everyone! Fallowpaw OUT