Quetzalcoatl. Kolkan. The Feathered Serpent. No matter what name you use, this legendary figure has been at the heart of Mesoamerican mythology for centuries. But was it just a myth—or something more?

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the history, mystery, and symbolism of the Feathered Serpent. This isn’t just some ancient god that people used to worship—its story has been shaped, twisted, and used for political control over generations. The line between history and mythology? Yeah, it’s pretty blurry.

And I’ve got the perfect guest to help me unpack it all—Steven Moore, an adventurer and author whose travels and research bring this legend to life. Together, we’ll explore how the Feathered Serpent has influenced everything from cultural identity to adventure storytelling today.

So what do you think? Was Quetzalcoatl a misunderstood deity? A tool for rulers to maintain power? Or something even stranger? Let’s find out.

Takeaways:

• The Feathered Serpent, known as Quetzalcoatl, embodies a rich tapestry of myth and legend across Mesoamerican cultures.
• Quetzalcoatl's symbolism transcends individual civilizations, acting as a powerful unifying figure among them.
• The notion of cultural assimilation suggests that earlier deities were adapted by conquering cultures for political control.
• The importance of firsthand experiences in writing is emphasized as it fosters authenticity and depth in storytelling.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of The Adventure Story Podcast. 🏆🎙

Mentioned in this episode:

What if we’re looking for Atlantis in the wrong place?

When an archaeologist dies protecting an impossible secret, her final message sends Eden Black racing into the Sahara — to track down an ancient crystal encoded with the knowledge of a lost civilization — a power that once turned a paradise into a wasteland.