Unsolved mysteries you should not read

The written word has been a gateway to incredible knowledge for as long as mankind can remember, sometimes passed down over thousands of years.

Even though books can be enlightening, some of them you should never, ever read.

Keep the lights on as we explore the most enigmatic books you should never read, from antiquated works purported to contain black magic to cursed books that could result in your death.

Demonic Dictionary.

It's possible that you've seen "Hereditary" or "The Nun" if you enjoy horror films.

However, did you know that the demonic deviance depicted in those films was taken directly from a real-life book?

Yeah.

This notorious book, also referred to as "The Lesser Key of Solomon," is arguably the most important grimoire or book of magic of all time.

The book was originally published as a collection in the 17th century, at a time when magic was still widely believed to exist. It is made up of five different texts that were written over the course of hundreds of years.

Strangely, no one can identify the author.

What is known is that the horrifying Grimoire supposedly contains 72 demon summoning instructions and spells.

That includes Valak, who appears in "The Nun," and King Paiman, a demon from "Hereditary."

Then enjoy some light reading.

But really, why would you call a demon?

They are rumored to have great power and knowledge that they can share with you in exchange for a prize, usually a large one.

You see, people thought demons were notoriously cunning.

You might be asking your neighborhood fiend for some crazy information one moment, and the next, whoopsie, you've just been possessed.

The teachings of one of the texts in "The Lesser Key" were reportedly fervently practiced by a French monk by the name of John of Morigny in the 14th century.

But instead of learning or becoming wise, he was cursed with terrifying demon visions.

Yikes.

The monk was so traumatized that he self-penned a manuscript urging readers to avoid the book.

You ought to stay away even if you don't intend to tinker with any magic.

People who have only read the original manuscript claim that the book's pages turn on their own and that spectral characters haunt them.

I'll stick with my copy of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," please.

Ghastly gospel.

Most likely, you've heard of the gospel.

You know, the core message of Christianity is the love of Jesus Christ.

Oh my, how sweet.

There is another gospel, though, and it isn't quite as welcoming.

The Grand Grimoire, also known as "The Gospel of Satan," is a disturbing book purportedly written in 1520 by Honorius of Thebes, a man who just so happened to be under the influence of the Devil.

As you might expect, it doesn't include a fantastic bunt cake recipe.

In contrast, "The Grand Grimoire" goes into great detail to claim that every new Pope is deliberately defiled by the Devil and also provides the reader with the means to call upon Lucifer.

Even instructions for necromancy—the practice of raising the dead—can be found in some editions.

to be continued