The Turkey God

Nov 29

The Turkey God: From Forest Guardian to Feast Filler 🍗

Hello, history buffs and curious minds! This week, For the Love of History is taking us back to where it all began—the legendary Turkey God episode. Yep, we’re rewinding the clock to the very first episode of this podcast, first aired on April Fool’s Day, and trust me, the only fool here is anyone who hasn’t yet tuned in!

From Nervous Beginnings to Feathery Fame 🦃

Back in the day, our fearless host (then known under the alias "TK") was taking a leap of faith, unsure of where this journey would lead. Almost five years later, with a vibrant community of history lovers, this episode is proof that a wild idea and a little courage can lead to something extraordinary. And what better way to celebrate than revisiting the episode that started it all?

In this special re-release, TK reflects on the nerves, excitement, and humor of those early days. And for an extra dose of nostalgia (and hilarity), check out the reaction video on Patreon. Watching TK watch themselves from five years ago? Iconic.

The Wild Turkey: More Than Just a Dinner Dish 🍴

Now, onto the real star of the show—the wild turkey. Forget Thanksgiving clichés; in 300 BCE, the ancient Mayans revered this bird as a divine messenger between gods and humans. With their dazzling plumage, eye-like feather patterns, and sacred connection to maize (the ancient superfood), these birds were practically walking, clucking symbols of fertility and cosmic balance.

But the turkey wasn’t just a mailman for the gods. It was also the guest of honor (and ultimate sacrifice) in New Year rituals. No turkey sacrifice, no fertile crops. Simple as that. Talk about carrying the weight of a civilization on your tiny drumsticks.

Enter the Night Turkey: God or Menace? 🌌🦃

And then there’s Chalchiuhtotolin—the "Precious Night Turkey." A shapeshifting god tied to both pestilence and salvation, this celestial bird was no ordinary deity. Depending on its mood, it could either wreak havoc on entire villages or swoop in for some divine soul-saving. Fickle? Yes. Fascinating? Absolutely.

The podcast takes a deep dive into how this god, and its connection to the wild turkey, represented the duality of Mayan beliefs: life and death, fertility and famine, chaos and order. You never knew which side of Chalchiuhtotolin you’d get—a moody divine turkey indeed.

From Sacred Bird to Side Dish 😢

The episode concludes with a poignant reminder of how colonization dismantled Mayan culture and religion. What was once a revered god became a holiday centerpiece. But through this episode, the legacy of the turkey lives on—not just as a foodstuff but as a symbol of cultural resilience and fascinating history.

Whether you’re a turkey fan or just here for the history, this episode is a must-listen. Laugh, learn, and gain a whole new appreciation for this feathered icon. And next time you see a turkey, remember: it was once a divine creature capable of shaking cities and saving souls.

Check out the episode, and don’t forget to share it with your history-loving friends (or someone who could use a little feathered enlightenment). If you want even more turkey tales, head to Patreon for exclusive content, including TK’s reaction video to their baby-podcaster days.

Stay curious, stay empowered, and maybe Google “side profile of a bald eagle” while you’re at it. You won’t regret it. 🦅

📚Resources📚

Tehya Nakamura