The Curious Tale of the Codex Gigas: The Devil's Bible

https://www.ihadnoclue.com/article/982251193959776257

The Codex Gigas, or "Devil's Bible," housed in Sweden's National Library, is a remarkable 13th-century manuscript from Bohemia measuring 36 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds, and created from over 160 animal skins. Legend claims a condemned monk made a pact with Satan to complete it in one night to escape punishment. This massive work contains the complete Bible, historical texts by Flavius Josephus, medieval encyclopedic works, medical treatises, and exorcism instructions. Most notably, it features a striking half-page illustration of Satan that contrasts with its otherwise religious content. While folklore attributes its creation to supernatural intervention, historians believe it took approximately 25 years to complete. The manuscript remains an invaluable artifact demonstrating medieval scholarship and inspiring cultural fascination and academic study.