Pinestar

"I have been honored to serve you this long. The rest of my life will be spent as a kittypet, where I have no battles to fight, no lives depending on me for food and safety."

— Pinestar announcing that he's leaving ThunderClan in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 308

Pinestar
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.
Affiliations
Current:	StarClan
Past:	Kittypet ThunderClan
Names
Kit:	Unknown
Apprentice:	Pinepaw
Warrior:	Pineheart
Deputy:	Pineheart
Leader:	Pinestar
Kittypet:	Pine
StarClan resident:	Pinestar
Kin
Mother:	Sweetbriar
Father:	Oakstar
Half-sister:	Frecklewish
Half-brother:	Birchface
Former mate:	Leopardfoot
Daughters:	Nightkit, Mistkit
Son:	Tigerstar
Education
Mentor:	Mistpelt
Deputy position
Preceded by:	Doefeather
Succeeded by:	Mumblefoot
Leader position
Preceded by:	Doestar
Succeeded by:	Sunstar
Book appearances
Living	Pinestar's Choice, Goosefeather's Curse, Tallstar's Revenge, Yellowfang's Secret, Crookedstar's Promise, Bluestar's Prophecy, Leopardstar's Honor, Code of the Clans
Living	Pinestar's Choice, Goosefeather's Curse, Tallstar's Revenge, Yellowfang's Secret, Crookedstar's Promise, Bluestar's Prophecy, Leopardstar's Honor, Code of the Clans
Dead	Bluestar's Prophecy, The Ultimate Guide
Dead	Bluestar's Prophecy, The Ultimate Guide

Pinestar is a thick-furred and massive reddish-brown tom with green eyes. His muzzle is crisscrossed with scars, and his ear is torn.

Pinestar was a ThunderClan leader in the forest territories who stepped down from leadership to become a kittypet. He was born to Sweetbriar and Oakstar and had two half-siblings, Birchface and Frecklewish. As Pinepaw, he was mentored by Mistpelt and had a deep curiosity toward kittypets after being saved by Crystal. He became a warrior as Pineheart and later was made deputy under Doestar. Pineheart became leader after Doestar's death, earning the name of Pinestar. He became mates with Leopardfoot and had three kits, Tigerkit, Nightkit, and Mistkit. However, Nightkit and Mistkit died soon after birth, and Tigerkit was left very weak.

When StarClan began urging Pinestar to kill his own son, Pinestar coped by roaming the Twolegplace and confided in his two kittypet friends, Shanty and Jake. After Shanty's death, and when RiverClan disputes begin to rise, Pinestar decided to step down as leader, leaving ThunderClan to become a kittypet with Shanty's Twolegs as Pine. His actions resulted in an addition to the warrior code: a warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet. He later ascended to StarClan and gave Bluestar and Tigerstar one of their nine lives.

History

Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!

Super Editions

This section summarizes Pinestar's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!

"I won't risk a battle on so little evidence. But I'll warn all the Clans at the Gathering tomorrow that we are being extra vigilant ... If you see a WindClan patrol, warn them off. With words, not claws."

―Pinestar about WindClan scent ^{Bluestar's Prophecy, chapter 3}

In Bluestar's Prophecy, Pinestar is reluctant to seek battle with WindClan; however, he is persuaded to after an omen is interpreted by Goosefeather. To ease the growing tension, Pinestar makes Bluekit and Snowkit apprentices. However, their mother, Moonflower, is killed in the battle by the WindClan medicine cat Hawkheart, and he comforts the grieving Bluepaw. When Bluepaw meets Jake at the edge of Twolegplace, Pinestar reprimands her. Despite this, he is later seen by the young she-cat nearby the Twolegplace, meeting up with Jake, much to Bluepaw's confusion. He later takes the newly named Bluefur to the Moonstone. Though he becomes mates with Leopardfoot, Pinestar is noted by the Clan to not be significantly close to her or their kits, Nightkit, Mistkit, and Tigerkit. After missing a battle with RiverClan, Pinestar announces his yielding of leadership to become a kittypet which results in an addition to the warrior code, much to his clan's displeasure and passes his leadership onto Sunfall. Many moons later, he is present on Bluestar's leadership ceremony, where he gives her a life for compassion.

Novellas

This section summarizes Pinestar's significant Novellas appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!

"You can't save every one of your Clanmates from the dangers of the life you lead."

―Jake to Pinestar after Moonflower's death ^{Pinestar's Choice, page 169}

In Pinestar's Choice, Pinepaw is a new ThunderClan apprentice, and his father, Oakstar, aspires great things for his son after the death of Pinepaw's half siblings, Birchface and Frecklewish. Pinepaw encounters a fox, but is saved by a kittypet named Crystal. He repays the debt by deterring her and her kits from battle when ThunderClan attacks the Twolegplace. He becomes a warrior, Pineheart, and eventually deputy, then leader. He continues to stray into Twolegplace, meeting Crystal's son, Jake, and befriending him. StarClan beings visiting Pinestar in dreams, telling him that his son, Tigerkit, will destroy the forest, and urging him to kill the kit. While the kitting begins, Pinestar witnesses Shanty's death at the paws of a monster and loses a life in the process. He continues to roam the Twolegplace after his kits' birth, but is discovered by Lionpaw. Pinestar resolves to become a kittypet and is taken in by Shanty's old housefolk.

In Goosefeather's Curse, Pineheart is the deputy under Doestar, assisting in the search for the lost Swiftpaw. When Goosekit reveals that a dark brown warrior told him where to find her, Pineheart is dubious. Later, Squirrelwhisker's patrol goes missing, and Goosepaw shares his vision of their whereabouts with Pineheart. During leaf-bare, Pineheart works tirelessly to feed his Clan, but to little avail. He is brought to receive his nine lives after Doestar starves, though Goosefeather receives a vision of Pinestar abandoning the Clan.

Detailed description

Scars gained

The following is a chronological list of scars and/or major injuries that Pinestar has gained:

• Torn ear from the raid on WindClan in Bluestar's Prophecy.

Character pixels

Main images

The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. Kit Version Apprentice Version Warrior Version Deputy Version Leader Version Kittypet Version StarClan Version

Alternate images

The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. Alternative Leader Version Alternative Leader Version Alternative StarClan Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Pinestar on the cover of Pinestar's Choice Pinestar in The Ultimate Guide Pinestar in The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition Pinestar's icon on the Warriors family tree

Ceremonies

Pineheart's warrior ceremony
Oakstar: From this moment, you will be known as Pineheart, ThuderClan honors your courage in the invasion of Twolegplace, and your sense of strategy when under attack. May StarClan light your path always. I am so proud of you, my son. Everyone: Pineheart! Pineheart! Reference: Pinestar's Choice, chapter 3

Lives granted

The following is a list of gifts Pinestar has granted during nine lives ceremonies:

Lives granted
Gift Receiver Compassion Being aware of what goes on beyond Clan borders Bluestar Tigerstar

Leader Info

Leader info

Nine Lives Life Given by Gift How it was lost Doestar Oakstar Hollypelt Harepounce Stagleap Pearnose Hawkfoot Thunderstar Morningstar Survival Judgement Courage Loyalty Knowledge of war and peace Trusting wisdom for protection Strength of a nursing queen Making difficult choices Compassion for weaker cats Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Hit by a monster in Pinestar's Choice Unknown causes in Bluestar's Prophecy Deputies Name From To Mumblefoot Sunfall Pinestar's Choice Before Bluestar's Prophecy Before Bluestar's Prophecy Bluestar's Prophecy Medicine cats Name From To Goosefeather Featherwhisker Pinestar's Choice Bluestar's Prophecy Bluestar's Prophecy Bluestar's Prophecy

Personality

Pinestar is very disillusioned by the warrior code and Clan life in general. According to him, too much blood is shed over stupid quarrels. Despite being viewed to be cowardly and selfish, he has the courage to assume his desires and needs despite those odds. He internalizes his emotions, confiding only in his kittypet friends.

Relationships

Oakstar and Sweetbriar

Sweetbriar: "Well, what did you think? Was he good? Did he listen to you?"

Pinepaw: "Of course I did!"

^{Pinestar's Choice, chapter 1}

Pinestar loved his parents, and his parents were proud of him.

Leopardfoot and Tigerkit

Tigerkit: "Sweetpaw's dead."

Pinestar: "I...I know."

^{Pinestar's Choice, chapter 9}

Pinestar actually didn't have much in the way of a relationship with Leopardfoot, and it came as a surprise to him when his kits were born. The only one that survived, Tigerkit, unsettled him, because Doestar had recently told him that the kit had the power to destroy ThunderClan, but could learn to be good if Pinestar raised him well. After Tigerkit's birth, more StarClan cats warned of his destiny, and even told Pinestar to kill the kit, which Pinestar couldn't bring himself to do. He instead avoided his mate and only son, and Leopardfoot grew to resent him for it.

Shanty and Jake

«[Pinestar] couldn't let his Clanmates find out about his friends outside the territory. They would never understand that it was cats like Jake and Shanty who kept him calm and focused, who listened to fears he couldn't share with his warriors.»

—Pinestar about his kittypet friends ^{Pinestar's Choice, chapter 8}

During the troubling times of his leadership, Pinestar often visited Twolegplace to talk to his kittypet friends, as it was the only time where he felt peace. He and Shanty are especially good friends, and Pinestar often relies on her for advice and comfort. But one day, while Pinestar was visiting Twolegplace for advice, Shanty was hit and killed by a Twoleg monster. The monster also took one of Pinestar's lives, and Pinestar is heartbroken after the death of one of his closest friends. Still mourning the loss of his friend and having troubled thoughts, Pinestar wonders what good he could do for Shanty's Twolegs. He believes that he could do more good for these Twolegs than he could ThunderClan, so he makes the choice to leave and live with Shanty's Twolegs, and now calls himself Pine. Jake believes that Shanty would like and approve of Pine's choice to leave ThunderClan.

Family

Main article: Pinestar/Family

Pinestar's parents are Oakstar and Sweetbriar, and his half-siblings are Birchface and Frecklewish. His former mate is Leopardfoot, and Tigerstar, Mistkit and Nightkit are their children. For more of Pinestar's family, click here!

Appearances

• Moth Flight's Vision (Vision or Dream)
• Pinestar's Choice
• Goosefeather's Curse
• Tallstar's Revenge
• Yellowfang's Secret
• Crookedstar's Promise
• Bluestar's Prophecy † (First appearance)
• Leopardstar's Honor (Allegiance only)
• Tigerclaw's Fury (Mentioned only)
• Shadow (Mentioned only)
• Code of the Clans
• The Ultimate Guide
• The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition

Trivia

Interesting facts

• Pinestar's kittypet name was not the name he had when he was in ThunderClan.
  • His name was later confirmed to be 'Pine' in Pinestar's Choice.
• Pinestar is the first known leader to step down from his own leadership, the second being Rowanclaw.
• Pinestar is from one of the few single-kit litters in the series.

Author statements

• Vicky has revealed that Pinestar and Poppydawn are cousins.

Mistakes

• Pinestar has been mistakenly described as tawny, fox-red, ginger, and red.
• Pinestar is shown as ThunderClan's leader long after having become a kittypet.

Continuity

The following information is from sources considered non-canon or retconned.

• On Vicky's Facebook, Pinestar is a descendant of Gorseclaw and has SkyClan blood.

Quotes

Pineheart: "I never thought this would happen so soon. I don't know if I will be half the leader she was."

Goosefeather: "Doestar will watch over you from StarClan. You'll be fine."

^{Goosefeather's Curse, chapter 10}

"Pinestar's a wily old cat. He's up to something, but no cat's crossed his borders. He's just stirring up trouble for his own reasons."

―Shellheart ^{Crookedstar's Promise, page 243}

"I remember my first battle. Sweetbriar insisted I eat a shrew, but I hid it when her back was turned and then told her it was delicious."

―Pinestar to Bluepaw ^{Bluestar's Prophecy, page 104}

See more

"The four Clans will be enemies until the end. And yet we all want the same things: prey to hunt, a safe territory to raise our kits, and peace to share dreams with our ancestors. Why must we hate one another over such simple desires?"

―Pinestar to Bluefur ^{Bluestar's Prophecy, page 244}

"The warrior code exists for a reason. ThunderClan cats don't eat fish, don't catch fish, don't swim, don't have anything to do with the river at all."

―Pinestar to White-eye and Dappletail ^{Code of the Clans, page 29}

Poppydawn: "About time, too...If his kits had died in the night, they'd have gone to StarClan without ever meeting their father."

Swiftbreeze: "Poor Leopardfoot. She kept asking for him. What must she think?"

^{Bluestar's Prophecy, page 273}

"Cats of ThunderClan, I can no longer be your leader. From now on, I will leave the Clan and live with housefolk in Twolegplace. I have been honored to serve you this long. The rest of my life will be spent as a kittypet, where I have no battles to fight, no lives depending on me for food and safety."

―Pinestar to his Clan ^{Bluestar's Prophecy, chapter 23}

"Do we really want a leader who no longer wishes to lead?"

―Lionpaw to ThunderClan about Pinestar's choice to leave ^{Bluestar's Prophecy, page 308}

Sunfall: "You won’t be able to come back to the forest, you know."

Pinestar: "Oh, I can imagine the names they’ll call me. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the leaders suggests an addition to the warrior code, that all true warriors scorn the easy life of a kittypet. But you’ll make ThunderClan as strong as it ever was, Sunfall. My last act as leader is to entrust my Clan to you, and I do so with confidence."

^{Bluestar's Prophecy, chapter 23}

Leopardfoot: "Pinestar, what about your kits? Won't you stay to watch them grow up?"

Pinestar: "They'll be fine with you, Leopardfoot. I'm not a father they could be proud of, but I will always be proud of them. Especially you, little warrior. Be strong, my precious son. Serve your Clan well."

^{Bluestar's Prophecy, pages 310-311}

"With this life I give you compassion. Judge as much with your heart as with your mind."

―Pinestar giving Bluefur a life ^{Bluestar's Prophecy, page 500}

Tigerclaw: "Pinestar!"

Pinestar: "Yes, although that is not the name I had when I died."

^{The Ultimate Guide, pages 92-93}

"I should go home. My...my housefolk are expecting me. Oh, and my name isn't Pinestar anymore. It's Pine. Just Pine."

―Pine just after becoming a kittypet ^{Pinestar's Choice, chapter 10}

External links

• A Legacy of Fire on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
• Guess That Warrior! on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Protect and defend on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
• The Forest Map: ThunderClan on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
• Exclusive! Leopardstar's Honor: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
• What makes a villain? on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)

Fan content

• Warrior of the Week Gallery #19 - Pinestar on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #19) (backup link)
• Controversial Clan Leaders Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• More Code of the Clans artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Tigerstar's family artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)