Is dancing before a ruler an ancient pattern?

Thomas R. Valletta

“There is one tale of intrigue in the book of Ether that presents very ancient and widespread (though but recently discovered) parallels. That is the story of Jared’s daughter … .

“Historically, the whole point of this story is that it is highly unoriginal. It is supposed to be… .

“The thing to note especially is that there actually seems to have been a succession rite of great antiquity that followed this pattern. … The episode of the dancing princess is at all times essentially a ritual, and the name of Salome (in reference to Herodias’ daughter) is perhaps no accident, for her story is anything but unique” (Nibley, Lehi in the Desert, 212).

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

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