The Search for the Forbidden Book

The quest for Aristotle's lost Poetics, which drives the murders and the final confrontation.

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Venantius Discovers the Book

The Greek Scholar's Find A Forbidden Text Venantius of Salvemec, a translator of Greek, discovers the existence of a rare manuscript in the library's secret section, the finis Africae. He learns from Berengar of Arundel how to enter the hidden room. The book is a composite volume containing Aristotle's second book of the Poetics. The Poisoned Pages Unbeknownst to Venantius, Jorge of Burgos has coated the pages with a slow-acting poison. As Venantius reads, he absorbs the toxin through his fingers and lips. He becomes ill and dies in the kitchen, his body later moved to the blood jar. The Clue Left Behind Before dying, Venantius copies a coded message about the book's location. William finds this parchment and deciphers it, leading him closer to the secret.

Berengar Takes the Book

The Assistant Librarian's Theft A Desperate Act Berengar of Arundel, after witnessing Venantius's death, retrieves the forbidden book from the scriptorium. He hopes to read it himself and perhaps gain power. He also steals William's lenses to hinder the investigation. Reading in the Infirmary Berengar takes the book to the infirmary, where he reads it in secret. He too is poisoned by the pages. Feeling ill, he goes to the balneary to bathe, hoping to relieve his symptoms. He drowns in the bath, either from convulsions or accidental drowning. The Book Remains Hidden After Berengar's death, the book is left in the infirmary. Severinus of Sankt Wendel finds it and recognizes its importance. He contacts William, but before he can hand it over, he is murdered by Malachi of Hildesheim, who takes the book.

Malachi Recovers the Book

The Librarian's Fatal Mission Jorge's Orders Jorge of Burgos, the blind librarian, instructs Malachi to retrieve the book from Severinus and return it to the finis Africae. Malachi, jealous and fearful, kills Severinus to get the book. He then takes it back to the library. The Poison Strikes Malachi, like the others, touches the poisoned pages. During matins on the sixth day, he collapses and dies, his tongue black. His last words reveal that the book has "the power of a thousand scorpions." The Book Returns to the Finis Africae Before dying, Malachi places the book back in the secret room. Jorge then waits there, ready to destroy it and anyone who comes for it.

Jorge Destroys the Book

The Final Sacrifice Confrontation William and Adso enter the finis Africae and confront Jorge. Jorge admits to poisoning the book and killing the abbot. He argues that the book's teachings on laughter would destroy Christian civilization. Eating the Pages Jorge begins to eat the book, consuming the poisoned pages. He laughs maniacally as he destroys the text. In the struggle, a lamp is knocked over, igniting the dry parchment. The Fire Consumes All The fire spreads rapidly through the library. Jorge perishes in the flames, taking the secret of the book with him. The library is destroyed, and the forbidden knowledge is lost forever.

Before the second day

Night of the second day

Afternoon of the fifth day

Night of the sixth day