| “ | Even if Ashfur can´t get us into the living Clans, he still might be able to make life here better for us. | „ |
| ~ Maggottail about siding with Ashfur. |
Maggottail is a minor antagonist in The Forgotten Warrior, the penultimate book from Omen of the Stars arc and a supporting anti-hero in A Light in the Mist, the final book of The Broken Code arc from Erin Hunter's Warriors book series.
He is one of the oldest residents of the Dark Forest who used to be in ShadowClan and aspired to become a leader when he was alive. Upon dying he descended to the Dark Forest, where years later he assisted in preparations for the Great Battle as one of the unofficial leaders. Seasons later Maggottail briefly worked for Ashfur in hopes of being able to live again, although eventually he decided to help the living cats after finding out about the latter's ulterior motives.
Biography[]
Omen of the Stars[]
The Forgotten Warrior[]
Maggottail first appears during the meeting of Dark Forest leaders, after which Ivypool asks Brokenstar to make her a warrior of the Dark Forest. Maggottail approaches Ivypool and taunts her for her size, but is shoved away by Brokenstar.
The Broken Code[]
A Light in the Mist[]
Maggottail, Redwillow and Sparrowfeather are met by Bristlefrost after her escape from Ashfur and his supporters. The three argue about Ashfur's plan to take over the living world, and Maggottail chastises Redwillow and Sparrowfeather for fretting about the Dark Forest slowly disappearing underneath thick fog and dark water. Suddenly they notice Bristlefrost spying on them and give chase. After catching up to her, the three attempt to enter her body just like Ashfur does with Bramblestar's, but to no avail. Maggottail then explains they've performed the ritual that Ashfur had instructed them to do—pull out three of their whiskers so Ashfur can bury them near the border with StarClan—so it should work. Bristlefrost realizes that they have been tricked and explains the truth.
Maggottail however doesn't believe her and accuses her of lying, still insisting on following Ashfur, though Bristlefrost manages to convince the three Dark Forest cats to help her so they can save the Dark Forest from disappearing. As they head towards the barrier with StarClan, Maggottail doubts Bristlefrost's words and still considers possessing her. However, Sparrowfeather starts an argument with him about following Ashfur and calls him out on following the speckled warrior only out of his past ambition. Upon reaching the barrier between the Dark Forest and StarClan, Maggottail doubts Bristlefrost's explanation that hope helps weaken it, but eventually gives in after the former persuades him by suggesting him a chance to rule the Dark Forest once Ashfur is gone. Upon Needletail's arrival from StarClan, the Dark Forest cats grow uneasy at her sight, but as Ashfur and his possessed prisoners arrive, Maggottail and his companions disobey the impostor's orders and remain by Bristlefrost's side. Realizing that they're outnumbered, Bristlefrost calls retreat and during it, Redwillow is destroyed upon falling into the dark water, much to Sparrowfeather and Maggottail's horror.
Some time later, Rootspring and Silverhawk arrive to help them, and Maggottail is surprised to see his fellow Dark Forest cat. After joining up with more StarClan cats and cats from the living world, the group moves on to confront Ashfur. Maggottail participates in the ensuing battle against the impostor and his army, and after the latter's defeat, Maggottail firmly decides to remain in the Dark Forest, disappearing.
Appearance[]
He is a ragged, gray tabby tom.
Trivia[]
- His spirit continuously fades in and out like a shadow.
