The Codex Gigas, also known as "The Devil's Bible," is a mysterious and ancient manuscript that dates back to the 13th century. It is the largest book of the Middle Ages, weighing around 75 kg and measuring 91 cm in length, 50.5 cm in width, and 23 cm in thickness. The book is made from animal skins, with some estimates suggesting that around 150 animals were used to create its 310 pages.
The manuscript contains a collection of sacred texts, including the Gospel of Volgata, the Old Testament, and the Antiquities of the Jews. However, it also features strange drawings, including a detailed depiction of the devil, which has led to speculation about its origins and purpose.
According to legend, the book was written by a monk named Herman the Recluse, who made a deal with the devil to complete the book in exchange for his soul. However, many experts believe that the book was written by a single person, possibly a monk, over a period of several years.
Despite its age and significance, the book remains shrouded in mystery, with many questions remaining unanswered. These include the true identity of its author, the purpose of the devil's drawing, and the reason behind its creation.
Today, the Codex Gigas is housed in the Swedish National Library in Stockholm, where it remains a source of fascination and speculation for scholars and the public alike.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Codex Gigas, also known as "The Devil's Bible", is a mysterious book that has created controversy throughout history.
2. The book is estimated to be around 800 years old, dating back to the 13th century.
3. It is believed to have been created by monks in a monastery in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic).
4. The book is massive, weighing around 75 kg and measuring 91 cm in length, 50.5 cm in width, and 23 cm in thickness.
5. It is made up of 310 pages, written in Latin on animal skins.
6. The book requires two men to carry it.
7. The book's cover is made of two pieces of wood fixed with leaves and a wooden stake engraved.
8. The book contains a mix of religious texts, including the Gospel of Volgata, the Old Testament, and the Antiquities of the Jews.
9. It also includes medical texts, calendars, and lists of names of monks and important people.
10. The book contains drawings of animals, plants, and architectures, as well as satanic figures and inhabitants of hell.
11. One of the most famous drawings is a detailed image of the devil on page 577.
12. The book is believed to have been written by a single person, possibly a monk, who worked day and night for five consecutive years to complete it.
13. The book has been passed down through various owners, including Emperor Rudolf II, and is now housed in the Swedish National Library.
14. The book has been associated with various legends and myths, including the story of a monk who made a deal with the devil to write the book.
15. The book's content and drawings have been interpreted in different ways, with some considering it a bible and others seeing it as a demonic act.
16. The book's writer and the reason for its creation remain unknown.
17. Approximately ten pages of the book have been shredded, and their content is unknown.
18. The book's existence has been confirmed by official sources, and it can be seen in the Swedish National Library.