Seth was a figure from the latter period of Jaredite history, documented in the Book of Mormon within the Book of Ether. As the son of Shiblom, also known as Shiblon, Seth’s lineage placed him within the ruling class of the Jaredite nation, although he did not inherit the throne himself. His father’s reign was marked by significant strife, where societal collapse and widespread iniquity prefaced his eventual death (Ether 11:4, 7, 9). Amidst this turmoil, Seth suffered a personal tragedy; following the death of Shiblom, Seth was captured and spent the entirety of his life in captivity (Ether 11:9).
While the record is sparing in details about Seth’s life and actions, it explicitly states that his time in captivity persisted without reprieve. Despite his noble lineage, Seth’s circumstances as a prisoner offer a contrast to the high status typically associated with his progenitors and descendants. His son, Ahah, succeeded in regaining the kingdom and assumed rulership; however, Ahah’s reign was characterized by his engagement in iniquitous practices and the perpetuation of bloodshed, marking a reign of brief duration but considerable violence (Ether 11:10). Seth’s storied existence, bookended by the tumultuous rule of his father and the cruel reign of his son, provides a narrative of the continued downward spiral and moral degradation that ultimately led to the downfall of the Jaredite civilization.