What is the Codex Gigas?

Response

The Codex Gigas is a fascinating piece of medieval literary history. This codex, or book, is a handwritten manuscript consisting of 624 pages made of vellum. It was produced in the thirteenth century at the Benedictine monastery of Podlazice in Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. The Codex Gigas includes a version of the Latin Vulgate Bible, writings on Jewish history by Flavius Josephus, a history of Bohemia, medical texts, a liturgical calendar, incantations against demonic forces, and various other literary works.

The codex itself is sizable, measuring approximately three feet by three feet when opened. The book weighs around 165 pounds. The Codex Gigas stands as the largest surviving medieval manuscript globally. Its significant size is the reason behind its name: “Codex Gigas” translates to “Giant Book.”

The Codex Gigas is renowned not only for its size but also for the abundant colorful decorations and illustrations, referred to as “illuminations.” The most famous illustration in the book is a large depiction of the devil, portrayed as a clawed, horned, double-tongued demon in a menacing pose. Due to this illustration, the Codex Gigas is also known as “the Devil’s Bible.”

Most historians attribute the creation of the Codex Gigas to a monk named Herman the Recluse, who is believed to have worked on it for at least 20 years. However, there exists a fanciful legend that presents a different narrative. According to the legend, Herman faced execution for violating his monastic vows. On the night scheduled for his execution, he claimed he would produce an extraordinary book that would bring glory to the monastery, vowing to complete it in a single night. This marked the beginning of the Codex Gigas creation process. As Herman realized he could not finish the book within the promised timeframe, he prayed to Lucifer for assistance, offering his soul in return. Satan agreed, Herman made a pact with the devil, and the book was completed.

Completed in one night. As a token of appreciation, Herman included the portrait of the devil in the Codex Gigas.

Certainly, the tale about the Codex Gigas and the monk’s deal with the devil is fictional. Scripture teaches that we cannot trade our souls to Satan. Ezekiel 18:4 states that all souls belong to the Lord. Souls are not up for sale; they are all owned by God. This legend simply demonstrates the creativity of people.

The Codex Gigas is a historically significant ancient artifact and a masterpiece in its own way. The manuscript is currently housed in the King’s Library in Humlegården, Stockholm, Sweden.