Hello! Sorry for going radio silent for a bit :'D When you see '[next]' use the right arrow key, spacebar, or click to go to the next image. [next] Meadow has recently said something on their profile that I think is theory worthy: what is Cobweb's real name? All the hints they really gave us is that "real name(s) (are) very subjective :)", but I think this gives us plenty of information, if you think a little. [next] It is rather obvious that Cobweb made up their name on the spot, and that their real name will be some sort of plot point, but no one has ever really touched on this topic. I completely understand why, as there are infinite possibilities for what anyone could call themself, especially in the Warrior Cats universe. However, what if Cobweb /is/ their real name? I know that this is a crazy theory, especially given all the context clues throughout the story that points to it being fake, but maybe even if it wasn't 'real' at first, it will grow to become their name. [next] Cobweb is trans, and from my understanding, those who aren't comfortable with their original gender often get a new name and get rid of their past name, or deadname. [next] I know that transphobia doesn't exist in the EA universe, but OJ may still be calling Cobweb their deadname either out of habit or because Cobweb hasn't yet spoken up about their discomfort from the name. [next] Another point to make is that different groups have different naming conventions in the EA universe, seen most clearly (so far) by Skyclan. [next] Cobweb shows a clear distaste and teenage angst towards OJ, and perhaps the group as a whole. They may choose a new name to separate themself from their past life once they (presumably) get together with Haze. [next] The last thing I have to note is the audience. Names are very important, and once one is given to a person or object, its very hard to call them a different name. People get attached to both the character and their name in a piece of media, so much that changing the name can feel wrong and dishonest to the character. Cobweb is called in all chapters, refs, and canon material "Cobweb", and if/when Meadow finally reveals her true name, it may feel weird that it is different than what the fans have associated to the character. A contrary example to this is OJ, or ???. In all canon material, chapter descriptions, and refs, she is referred to as ???, except for this one cameo application where she is called Orange Juice. In fact, the name Orange Juice or OJ was never coined by Meadow, but instead by the fans who originally reacted to Chapter 27 when she was introduced. (I will note I'm not 100% sure of this fact, this is just what I've done with my little research. I wasn't reading EA when chapter 27 came out, so I don't know for sure.) Even though the fans may still feel weird when ???'s real name is released because of how common it is to hear her called OJ, Meadow has done very little to contribute to this effect, which is why I think Cobweb being called Cobweb in all related material is purposeful. [next] This doesn't add much to my theory, but the fact that both Cobweb and the Wolf don't have a set name could build upon the theory that they are the same. Meadow said that to have a name one has to be named, and it could be possible that, if Cobweb did in fact come from an animal shelter, she was never given a proper name. I know I've spent this entire theory trying to prove that her real name is Cobweb, but that could have not fully chosen/got that name before dying and turning into the wolf. This is more of just a wild thought, though, with little to no info to back it up. Art, story, and characters by @MeadowfootToPH
