Celestial legacy-building through marriage

[_floatingboy]

Hi all,

I'm researching a paper right now that is centered on medieval marriage practices in the Iberian peninsula, focusing on the concept of building one's honor and legacy through strategic marriage. As with virtually all things we do, this practice no doubt has roots in much earlier times. I'm looking for literature that discusses links between the medieval practice to much earlier, perhaps Judaic practices (seeing as how western Europe was Arian/Catholic, and therefore in the overall Jewish tradition).

So, why post here? Well, while reading El Poema de Mio Cid (13th century epic poem from Spain) and the discussion of arranged marriage for the sake of increasing honor therein, I thought about Joseph Smith and the kinds of things he told women and their families about being married to a prophet and thereby increasing their salvation (paraphrasing, of course...I don't have exact wording in front of me). This was actually the impetus for my decision to write about the topic.

So, I'd like to know, can anyone refer me to some (hopefully scholarly) literature about the topic? Especially having to do with how Joseph Smith gained this conception of marriage as a legacy? I know he was very, very interested in Abraham and restoring all things Old Testament, so to speak, so I wonder to what point and exactly how this influenced his views on marriage.

PLEASE, do not hop on this thread just to complain about "old Joe's" marriage habits. That's been done. This is not about ranting. I'm interested to know if anyone has researched this area or can point me to good, pertinent literature, either specifically about Joseph Smith or about ancient concepts of marriage.

Thanks in advance!

[_harmony]

What class would this topic be appropriate for?

[_floatingboy]

Oh, good question. It's actually for my medieval Spanish literature class. So it's not about Mormonism or Joseph Smith. But since that's what inspired me and is a parallel to the topic I want to explore, I thought I might mention it on here.

[_harmony]

How far back are you planning to go?

[_floatingboy]

Well, it would be perfectly reasonable to cite sources like either the Old Testament itself or commentary about, not to mention other concurrent sources. Is that what you're asking?