In 1327, a Franciscan friar, William of Baskerville, and his novice, Adso of Melk, arrive at a remote Benedictine abbey in the Italian Alps for a theological debate. Shortly after their arrival, a series of mysterious deaths begin to plague the abbey. William, known for his sharp intellect and investigative prowess, is tasked with uncovering the truth behind these deaths. Using his keen sense of observation and logical reasoning, William begins to piece together clues from the labyrinthine library, hidden manuscripts, and the peculiar behavior of the monks.

As William and Adso delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a complex web of secrets that implicate religious dogma and forbidden knowledge. The deaths appear to be connected to a rare manuscript that some monks believe holds dangerous truths capable of shaking the very foundations of the church. The tension in the abbey escalates as William draws closer to the elusive truth, putting both him and Adso at great personal risk. The investigation reveals a harrowing clash between faith and reason, challenging the pair to navigate the treacherous waters of medieval superstition and authoritarian control.