Morianton was a Jaredite king noted for his role midway through the Jaredite lineage, descending from Riplakish and preceding his son Kim in rulership (Ether 1:22). His reign is marked by an initial gathering of an army of outcasts with which he engaged in extended conflict, eventually gaining control over many cities and asserting his kingship over all the land (Ether 10:9-12). Morianton’s policies deviated from those of his predecessor Riplakish, as he relieved the people from oppressive burdens, gaining their favor and anointing as king. Although he implemented just measures for his subjects, his personal life was marred by his “many whoredoms,” leading to his estrangement from the presence of the Lord (Ether 10:11).
Under Morianton’s rule, the country experienced an era of prosperity, wherein the people became exceedingly rich, and there was an expansion of cities as well as an increase in wealth, including gold, silver, grain, flocks, and herds (Ether 10:12). Despite the material success that his leadership brought to his people, Morianton’s reign ended with a personal moral failure that had spiritual consequences. He lived to a great age, after which his son Kim assumed the throne, though without the same favor from the Lord that Morianton initially had (Ether 10:13). The narrative of his rule serves as a reminder of the dichotomy that can exist between public success and private virtue.