If you could close your eyes and imagine a land where gods walk among mortals, where mountains whisper ancient secrets, and where the cycles of creation and destruction are woven into the fabric of life, you might begin to glimpse Xochitlan. This is not just a world of fantasy but a celebration of the vibrant cultures, histories, and mythologies of the Americas—a land born of dreams and shaped by stories.

Color Map of Xochitlan — ***Xochitlan***

The name **Xochitlan** is derived from Nahuatl, the language of the Mexica (Aztecs). It combines two elements:
**“Xochitl”** (flower) – Symbolizing beauty, growth, and the sacred nature of life. Flowers often represented offerings to the gods in Nahuatl culture, as well as a connection to poetry and the arts.
**“-tlan”** (place of) – A locative suffix that means “place” or “land of.”
Together, **Xochitlan** can be interpreted as *“The Land of Flowers”* or *“Place of Blooming.”*

Xochitlan: A World of Myth and Magic

Xochitlan is a sprawling, vibrant continent filled with towering kingdoms, lush jungles, and sacred deserts. Inspired by pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Maya, Huichol, Miwok and Yaqui peoples, it is a land where the divine and the mortal intersect. Here, the gods are not distant beings but active participants in the lives of the people, guiding them, challenging them, and sometimes even falling victim to the flaws of humanity.

The Gates of Kolib’al Koltun

Central to Xochitlan’s lore are the Gates of Kolib’al Koltun, portal to realms beyond the seas and into different plane of existence. These gates are both a physical and metaphysical barrier, sealing Xochitlan from the outside world. Ships may sail beyond them, but they will find nothing but endless ocean unless the gates are opened through a sacred and deadly ritual.

The Gates are more than just a boundary; they are a symbol of Xochitlan’s isolation and its connection to the divine. Legends tell of the catastrophic event that closed the gates and destroyed the island of Mistra, the bridge between Xochitlan and other continents. Since then, Xochitlan has thrived in its solitude, but whispers of opening the gates have sparked both hope and fear. What lies beyond could bring salvation or ruin.

The Cultures of Xochitlan

Xochitlan is home to diverse peoples, each with their traditions, myths, and ways of life. Some of its most notable cultures include:

Tlacael: Inspired by the Aztecs of Central Mexico
Tayaupa: Drawing from the Huichol and Cora peoples of Western Mexico
The Tzimol: With stories rooted in the Mayan tradition.
Kikaapoa: Who take their name from the Kickapoo of the Great Lakes region
Yalis: Seafaring nation inspired by the Kwakiutl of the Pacific Northwest

The Nahual and Divine Magic

Xochitlan is alive with magic, much of it tied to the gods and their creations. The Nahual, mystical shapeshifting beings, roam the land, serving as protectors, tricksters, or harbingers of divine will. Blood magic, sacred plants, and celestial alignments are woven into the lives of Xochitlan’s people, reminding them of their bond with the divine and the fragility of life.

Why Xochitlan?

Xochitlan is more than just a fantasy world for me; it is a labor of love, a way to honor the rich histories and mythologies of the Americas. A place where the literal voices in my head can live in paper. There is so much more I want to build here, so many more places to explore that for many years have lived in my mind.

Map of Narnalas and its neighbors. Circa 2005

This map of Xochitlan is not my first map, many others came before it, although none have ever been as well thought and researched. Maps started for me as a way to escape the unpleasant parts of life, the parts I rather forget. Overtime this escapism turned into a fun side quest, a chance to chart the different corners of my imagination. Inspired by the books I was reading, the movies of the times and an ever present need to escape reality. I began to hand write half-baked stories on journals pretending I was a wise sage, and we all know all fantasy stories need a map.

I have about a dozen maps in notebooks, sketchbooks and large sheets of old paper. Yet none have been ever publicly documented, I rarely took pictures of them or spoke about them with anyone else. I was too afraid of ridicule and being met with confused looks. Being the nerdy fantasy map kid wasn’t always a cool thing back in the day, but I am not even sure if it is today. Whatever the case may be, I no longer care what others think of my worlds, and that kids, is for sure one of the benefits of getting older.

The very first story I ever wrote down back in 2005

The Journey Ahead: Bringing Xochitlan to Life

Creating Xochitlan is a journey of exploration and imagination. This project isn’t just about writing stories—it’s about building a world. Over time, I will dive deeper into the lives of its people, map its kingdoms, illustrate the landscapes, and flesh out its characters with painting and prints. Each myth, drawing, and tale is a step closer to sharing this dream with you.

For years, Xochitlan has lived in my mind, this place of wonder and endless adventure. Now, I’m inviting you to join me as I bring it to life. Together, we will uncover its secrets, shape its myths, and celebrate its stories. As Xochitlan grows, I’ll share updates, sketches, and stories, inviting you to read and explore this world as it unfolds. Don’t miss a moment of the journey—subscribe to the blog for regular updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the making of Xochitlan. Let’s bring this dream to life together.

So, what is Xochitlan? It’s a place where the past and the fantastical collide, where stories are born, and where the journey hopefully never ends. Welcome to Xochitlan.

What is Xochitlán?