@Smersh The concept of a polycule, which refers to a network of polyamorous relationships, is a relatively modern term and understanding. During Joseph Smith's time in the early to mid-19th century, polyamorous relationships were not widely recognized or understood in the way they are today. Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , practiced and taught polygamy, which was a significant part of early Mormon doctrine and practice. Polygamy, specifically plural marriage, was seen by Smith and his followers as a religious principle and commandment rather than merely a social arrangement. There are a few reasons why Joseph Smith might not have considered or pursued something akin to a polycule: 1. **Religious Doctrine**: The practice of polygamy among early Mormons was deeply rooted in their religious beliefs and revelations received by Smith, particularly those found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 132. This revelation explicitly discussed plural marriage in a specific context, focusing on men taking multiple wives rather than a more flexible structure that could be described as a polycule. 2. **Cultural Context**: The early 19th-century American cultural and legal landscape was vastly different from today's context. Ideas and practices related to marriage were strictly governed by societal norms and legal frameworks that did not recognize or accommodate alternative relationship models like polyamory. The idea of a polycule would have likely been incomprehensible and culturally unacceptable at the time. 3. **Legal Concerns**: Joseph Smith and the early LDS Church faced significant legal and social opposition due to their practice of polygamy. Federal bigamy laws were specifically aimed at preventing individuals from having multiple legally recognized spouses. A polycule, which typically involves consensual non-monogamous relationships without legal marriage ties to all partners, would still have likely faced severe social stigma and misunderstanding, and it wouldn't have aligned with the religious teachings that emphasized polygamous marriages. 4. **Social and Religious Structure**: The early LDS Church had a structured approach to plural marriage that involved formal ceremonies and clear familial lines, often with the intent of expanding the community and ensuring the welfare of women and children within the faith. This structure would not easily translate into the more fluid and less formally organized structure of a polycule. In summary, Joseph Smith's approach to plural marriage was deeply tied to the religious, cultural, and legal contexts of his time, making the concept of a polycule both anachronistic and inconsistent with his teachings and practices.