The Codex Gigas, also known as the Devil’s Bible, is a remarkable medieval manuscript that holds the title of being the world’s largest illuminated manuscript. This colossal book measures a staggering 36 inches across and weighs a hefty 165 pounds.
Made of wooden boards covered in leather, adorned with ornate metal guards and fittings, the Devil’s Bible is an awe-inspiring work of art. It consists of 310 vellum parchment pages, crafted from the skins of 160 donkeys. However, it is worth noting that the manuscript originally had 320 pages, with the last 10 pages mysteriously missing. The contents of these missing pages remain a perplexing enigma.
A History Book and More
The Codex Gigas was intended to be a comprehensive history book. Alongside a complete Vulgate Bible, it contains historical works such as “The Jewish War” and “Jewish Antiquities” by Flavius Josephus, a renowned historian from the first century CE. Additionally, the manuscript includes an encyclopedia written by Saint Isidore of Seville, as well as other popular works from antiquity, including medieval medical treatises and even an instructional guide to exorcism. The Codex Gigas is a treasure trove of knowledge from various fields, providing a glimpse into the intellectual pursuits of the medieval era.
The Devil’s Bible
What sets the Codex Gigas apart and gives it its infamous nickname, the Devil’s Bible, is a striking depiction of the Devil. While portraits of the Devil were not uncommon in medieval times, this particular image is unique. The Devil is depicted alone, taking up an entire page. He crouches and faces forward, making direct eye contact with the viewer. With his red horns, claws, and a loincloth made of ermine, a symbol of royalty, the Devil’s image is both captivating and unsettling.
This portrayal highlights the stark contrast between good and evil, as it is positioned opposite a depiction of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Legend of the Devil’s Bible
The creation of the Codex Gigas is shrouded in an extraordinary legend. According to the tale, a monk who had been found guilty of breaking his vows was sentenced to be walled up alive. Desperate to escape his grim fate, the monk made a daring promise. He vowed to create a book in a single night that would glorify his monastery and encompass all human knowledge—an impossible task.
As midnight approached, realizing the enormity of his undertaking, the monk turned to a different source for help. Instead of praying to God, he prayed to Lucifer, offering his soul in exchange for the Devil’s assistance.
As the legend goes, the Devil accepted the monk’s plea and completed the manuscript within the allotted time. In gratitude, the monk added the portrait of the Devil to the book. This legend surrounding the creation of the Codex Gigas adds an air of mystery and intrigue to its already captivating history.
Scientific Analysis and the Devil’s Bible
Modern scientific analysis has provided some interesting insights into the Codex Gigas. Testing has shown that the nature of the writing remains consistent throughout the manuscript, indicating that it was likely written in one sitting.
There are no signs of age, disease, or mood changes in the writing, suggesting a continuous flow of work. However, scientists estimate that reproducing just the calligraphy without the illustrations or embellishments would have taken 20 years of non-stop writing. This raises questions about the true origins and authorship of the Devil’s Bible.
The Mysterious Author
Despite the numerous myths and legends surrounding the Codex Gigas, the true identity of its author remains unknown. Scholars believe that it was the creation of a single individual, most likely a monk living in Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. The level of skill and dedication required to produce such a monumental work is awe-inspiring. The Codex Gigas stands as a testament to the intellectual and artistic achievements of the medieval period.
Journey and Current Location
The Codex Gigas has had an eventful journey throughout history. After its creation, it was housed in the Brumov Monastery. However, it eventually found its way to the Imperial Library of King Rudolf II in Prague. The king promised to return the manuscript to the monks after reading it, but he never fulfilled his promise.
Instead, it was taken as part of the spoils of war by the Swedish army during the Thirty Years’ War in 1648. Today, the Codex Gigas resides in the National Library of Sweden in Stockholm, where it is available for public viewing.
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