Riverstar

***Spoiler warning:** Plot and/or ending details follow.*

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

## Affiliations

### Past:

 Cats of the Park
 Loner
 Kittypet
 River Ripple's camp
 RiverClan

## Book appearances

### Living

*Riverstar's Home*, *Thunder Rising*, *The First Battle*, *The Blazing Star*, *A Forest Divided*, *Path of Stars*, *Moth Flight's Vision*, *Thunderstar's Echo*, *Shadowstar's Life*

### Dead

*Long Shadows*, *Leopardstar's Honor*

**Riverstar**, also known as **River** or **River Ripple**, is a stocky silver tom with sleek, long, thick fur, and green eyes.

**Riverstar** was the first leader of RiverClan in the forest territories. **Ripple** lived with the Cats of the Park until Twolegs destroyed their home. He was swept away towards the forest territories, where he renamed himself **River Ripple** in honor of the river who saved his life. River Ripple lived as a loner near the river, and befriended Night and Mist, who taught him how to swim and fish. He was briefly captured by Twolegs and lived as a kittypet. Feeling the call of the river, River Ripple returned to the river and encountered the encountered the groups from the mountains. He befriended them, but remained distant. However, he was inspired by their culture and loyalty towards each other, and River Ripple eventually formed his own group of loners next to the river. His group was originally informal, but he was officially called to be leader after the spirit cats appeared at the four trees.

River Ripple's group accepted all visitors. His group was renamed RiverClan, and he later gained his nine lives with the name of **Riverstar**. He appointed his long-time friend, Night, as deputy, and Dappled Pelt became his medicine cat. When his former mentor Arc arrived from the Cats of the Park with news of Slash's terror, Riverstar journeyed there with Arc and Drizzle. After defeating Slash, Riverstar became mates with Finch. She followed him back to RiverClan and gave birth to their kits, Arc Shadow, Ripple Shine, and Dusk Smoke. Following his death, Riverstar ascended to StarClan. Many seasons later, Riverstar appeared at Leopardstar's nine lives ceremony, giving her a life for acceptance. Riverstar was remembered as a good-natured and wise cat, and his Clan became the first to formerly implement the mentor-and-apprentice training program.

## History

*Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!*

### *Dawn of the Clans*

"*They're not buried beneath the earth; they are running with the stars.*"
―River Ripple talking to Gray Wing *The Blazing Star (book)*, page 24

As a young cat, Ripple lived with the Cats of the Park, spending his days relaxing and meditating. He is guided by his mentor, Arc, who teaches him how to hunt. When Twolegs invade and capture the cats, Ripple is separated and falls into the river. He is swept away downstream until he reaches the forest. He thanks the river for saving his life, and renames himself River Ripple.
River Ripple lives near the river for many moons, enjoying his independent and care-free lifestyle, until the mountain cats appear. He first meets Gray Wing, Wind, Gorse, and Rainswept Flower. They find the silver tom nice and friendly, but odd. The mountain cats don't think much of River Ripple until he rescues Clear Sky's group from a fire. After the Great Battle, River Ripple appears at the end. Thunder asks why he didn't help them, but River Ripple has no interest in meddling with their affairs. When the spirit cats of the fallen visit the leaders, Clear Sky questions River Ripple's involvement since he is just a loner. Storm refutes this, explaining River Ripple had plenty of experience and lived in the forest before the mountain cats arrived.
He creates his own camp near the river and welcomes any cat who wanted to join. He participates in the battles against One Eye and Slash, though prefers to keep his distance and not get involved if necessary. However, he always welcomes any cat into his camp and is more than willing to offer his wisdom. His group is later renamed RiverClan.
### *Super Editions*

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

"*You're so busy letting the river decide your fate, you've forgotten that you can decide for yourself. [...] StarClan gave you nine lives. Night changed her whole way of life because of you. Cats turned their backs on their own Clans to choose yours. They have faith in you. Why don't you have faith in yourself?*"
―Arc to Riverstar about going home to RiverClan *Riverstar's Home*, page 422

In ***Riverstar's Home***, Ripple is swept away from his home downriver after Twolegs destroy the park. Washing up near a strange forest, he renames himself River Ripple after the river. While the two loners Night and Mist teach River Ripple how to hunt and swim, he longs for the closeness of his former parkmates and his lover, Flutter. After spending the cold moons as a kittypet, River Ripple returns to the river when his Twolegs bring home a dog, and he meets the mountain cats. While still distant, River Ripple is curious by their loyalty and closeness in their groups, though is confused by their insistence on claiming territory and not sharing. River Ripple decides to form his own informal group of loners with Night and Mist, and they welcome passing loners. However, the group has no loyalty towards each other, and the others come and go as they please. Spirit cats summon River Ripple to the four trees where a devastating battle occurs. They urge him to be the stepping stones to help them cross over, and soon the spirit cats materialize. River Ripple is called to be a leader for his official group. Despite Night's concerns, River Ripple welcomes all cats to his group. Later, the groups are named to Clans, and River Ripple's is called RiverClan. He soon earns his nine lives, but he is distraught to see his beloved Flutter in StarClan. She grants him his final life, and he is renamed Riverstar.
Seasons later, Arc abruptly arrives to the forest territories with a plea to help: Slash and his rogues have driven out the park cats from their new home. Riverstar feels torn between protecting his new Clan and his loyalty towards Arc and the park cats, but he eventually agrees to help. Riverstar, Arc, and Drizzle travel upstream to the Cats of the Park, and Riverstar loses his first life saving Drizzle from the river. At the park cats' forest home, Riverstar's battle plan to defeat Slash fails when he loses his second life to Snail, but his revival scares Slash's rogues away. Riverstar falls in love with Finch, one of the park cats, and is hesitant to leave her. Upon Drizzle and Arc's insistence, Riverstar eventually agrees to go home using a log to travel down river. Back in RiverCan, Finch gives birth to their kits: Arc Shadow, Ripple Shine, and Dusk Smoke. He also formalizes apprentice-and-mentor training partnerships and promotes Drizzle and Pine Needle to warriors. In Riverstar's two moon absence, SkyClan has taken over part of their territory. Riverstar leads his warriors into battle against SkyClan and successfully defend their territory.

"*StarClan brought peace. They see things we cannot. Do you think you know better than they do?*"
―River Ripple to Willow Tail *Moth Flight's Vision*, page 349

In ***Moth Flight's Vision***, River Ripple encourages Moth Flight to speak at the Gathering when she arrives with a message from the spirit cats. He accepts Dappled Pelt as RiverClan's medicine cat and allows Moth Flight and Micah to stay and learn. River Ripple teaches them how to save a drowning cat when Drizzle falls into the river. He receives his nine lives to become Riverstar.

## Ceremonies

### Lives granted

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

## Personality

Riverstar is a laid-back, thoughtful, and friendly cat. He can be a calming presence to those around him, and is very accepting to cats who want to join his group. Although he is seen as odd to some other cats for eating fish and swimming, the cats of RiverClan are proud of their abilities and heritage.[source?]
## Relationships

### Arc

Arc was Ripple's mentor when they were living in the park, and they shared a bond. When the park started being destroyed around them, they stayed together and escaped. However, Ripple was separated from Arc, and he felt lost without his mentor. But he made a new life for himself when the river carried him to safety, and renamed himself River Ripple in thanks.

*More Coming Soon*
## Kin

### Members

**Mate:**

Finch: Status unknown
**Daughter:**

Ripple Shine: Status unknown
**Sons:**

Dusk Smoke: Status unknown
Arc Shadow: Status unknown

## Appearances

* *Riverstar's Home*
* *Thunder Rising*
* *The First Battle*
* *The Blazing Star*
* *A Forest Divided*
* *Path of Stars*
* *Moth Flight's Vision*
* *Thunderstar's Echo*
* *Shadowstar's Life*
* *Leopardstar's Honor*
* *Long Shadows*
* *Secrets of the Clans* Template:1str
* *Code of the Clans* Template:Mo
* *The Ultimate Guide*

## Trivia

### Interesting facts

* When he was born at the Park, Riverstar was named Ripple for the movement of the river water.
* Riverstar was the winner of a *Super Edition* contest and his *Super Edition*, which was released in 2023.

### Author statements

* Kate has expressed an interest in writing more about Riverstar, saying "there's something mysterious and secretive and he's a lovely character."
* Kate imagines Riverstar as pale gray with some mottling on his fur. However, she thinks Cherith may imagine him differently.

### Mistakes

* In an Erin Hunter Chat, Vicky revealed that Thunder, Shadow, River, Sky, and Wind did not take "-star" on the end of their names, because the tradition had not yet been established in their time.
	+ This, however, contradicts information in *Secrets of the Clans*, which shows the founders of the Clans to have the "-star" suffix. Also, this information is supported by *Moth Flight's Vision*, which shows that all leaders did, in fact, take "-star" as the suffix of their name.
* Riverstar has mistakenly been called "River Rippled" twice.
* Riverstar has mistakenly been described with amber eyes, and was said to have rippling tabby stripes. He is also depicted with stripes on the Warrior Cats website and on the cover of *Riverstar's Home*.
* He was mistakenly called a rogue and a warrior.

### Continuity

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

* In *Secrets of the Clans*, a 2007 field guide, River is the founder and the first leader of RiverClan, working with Thunder, Wind, and Shadow to develop the warrior code. He is the cat who created a mentoring program for training the apprentices. He is known to be generous and warm-hearted with his own Clan, but not interested in the other Clans' troubles, even skipping Gatherings when possible.

## Quotes

«*The sun and earth have protected me all my life. Just like the river has taken care of me, over and over again. It gave me a soft landing when I fell from the wall. It carried me away from the danger that was destroying the Park. It saved me from those fierce creatures, it fed me, and now it has brought me to what could be a wonderful new home. Maybe it will help me to get to the bank, if I can just* trust *it.*»
—Ripple's thoughts on the river *Thunder Rising*, bonus scene, page 22

"*I'm not the young Cat of the Park anymore. Not really. I'm something else now, something more - a Cat of the River. And I should honor my protector.*"
―Ripple about himself *Thunder Rising*, bonus scene, page 22

"*Life is like the river. It flows on, never stopping. [...] Accept what you can't change. The river is far stronger than you. Don't resist the current. Don't swim against it. Use its power to lift you and guide you.*"
―River Ripple to Tall Shadow *Riverstar's Home*, page 159

"*I'll do anything I have to. That kittypet has caused nothing but grief. He deserves some grief of his own.*"
―River Ripple about Tom *The First Battle*, page 198

"*A river divides us from them. You will be the stepping stone that allows us to cross.*"
―A spirit cat to River Ripple *Riverstar's Home*, page 180

***See more***

"*Who would I have helped? This battle was not mine. Why did you leave the mountains? Did you need something to fight over so badly? Before you came, we hunted and slept and lay in the sun. We fought over prey, but no cat ever killed another. You brought death here.*"
―River Ripple to Clear Sky *The First Battle*, page 275

"*You think of River Ripple as just a rogue. But he is more than that. He has an old soul. He walked this land before the mountain cats arrived. He has seen more of life than you think--and what he hasn't seen, he has the power to imagine.*"
―Turtle Tail to the cats about River Ripple *The First Battle*, page 281

"*They must see that peace and sharing and honor are good for the group, and that what's good for the group is good for the individual. We find trust in trusting, and learn kindness by being kind.*"
―River Ripple *Path of Stars*, page 205

«*He'd though StarClan had been asking him to choose between being the park cat he once was and the warrior he'd become. But that hadn't been the choice at all. The choice had been something deeper. He had to be true—not to his past, or to his future, but to himself. It wasn't the river he'd been following all this time, but the flow of his own heart, and he must follow it now, even if the meant swimming against the current.*»
—Riverstar's thoughts about Arc's arrival *Riverstar's Home*, page 320

"*There are younger cats than us in StarClan. Why bring us back from the very beginning?*"
―River at a discussion about Sol *Long Shadows*, page 2

*End of spoiler warning*
## External links

* Template:Profile (backup link)
* History of the Clans on the *Warriors* official website Template:Mo
* Stand Together or Fall Divided on the *Warriors* official website Template:Imo
* As long as the moon is full... on the *Warriors* official website Template:Imo
* The Forest Map: RiverClan on the *Warriors* official website Template:Mo
* 2021 Super Edition character vote on the *Warriors* official website Template:Screenshot Template:PollWinner
* Results for 2021 Super Edition character vote on the *Warriors* official website
* The forest map: WindClan on the *Warriors* official website Template:Mo
* Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: *Super Edition #16* on the *Warriors* official website
* Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: *A Starless Clan #4* on the *Warriors* official website
* Exclusive! *Riverstar's Home*: Excerpt on the *Warriors* official website

## Notes and references

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Revealed in *Long Shadows*, page 2
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Revealed in *Thunder Rising: Bonus Scene*, page 6
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 161
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 60
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Revealed in *The Blazing Star*, allegiances
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Revealed in *Moth Flight's Vision*, allegiances
7. ↑ Revealed in *Thunder Rising: Bonus Scene*, page 1
8. ↑ Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 198
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Revealed in *Moth Flight's Vision*, page 454
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Revealed in *Leopardstar's Honor*, page 421
11. ↑ Revealed in *Thunder Rising: Bonus Scene*, page 4
12. ↑ Revealed in *Path of Stars*, page 126
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Revealed in *Thunder Rising*, allegiances
14. ↑ Revealed in *The First Battle*, page 88
15. ↑ Revealed in *The Blazing Star*, page 116
16. ↑ Revealed in *Long Shadows*, page 1
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 292
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 293
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 294
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 295
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 297
22. ↑ Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 335
23. ↑ Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 386
24. ↑ Revealed in *Thunder Rising: Bonus Scene*
25. ↑ Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 407
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 490
27. ↑ 2021 Super Edition character vote on the *Warriors* official website
28. ↑ Choose a cover - *Super Edition* 2022 on the *Warriors* official website Template:Screenshot
29. ↑ Revealed in Erin Hunter Chat 6
30. ↑ Revealed in *Secrets of the Clans*, page 54
31. ↑ Revealed in *A Forest Divided*, page 209
32. ↑ Revealed in *Moth Flight's Vision*, page 214
33. ↑ Revealed in *Thunderstar's Echo*, allegiances
34. ↑ Template:Profile (backup link)
35. ↑ Revealed on the cover of *Riverstar's Home*
36. ↑ Revealed in *The Ultimate Guide*, page 187
37. ↑ Revealed in *Riverstar's Home*, page 465
38. ↑ Revealed in *Secrets of the Clans*
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