The Codex Gigas: A Medieval Marvel and the Devil's Bible

The Codex Gigas, also known as the Devil's Bible, is the largest extant medieval manuscript in the world. Its sheer size, mysterious origins, and the infamous depiction of the Devil have captivated scholars and the public for centuries. This colossal book, a testament to human endeavor and a window into the medieval mind, continues to fascinate and intrigue.

Physical Characteristics

The Codex Gigas is truly gigantic. It measures 92 cm (36 in) tall, 50 cm (20 in) wide, and 22 cm (8.7 in) thick. Originally containing 320 vellum leaves, 12 of which are missing, it weighs a staggering 75 kg (165 lb). The pages are made of parchment from approximately 160 animal skins. The text is written in Latin in a consistent minuscule script, believed to be the work of a single scribe. The sheer scale of the codex is astonishing, requiring an immense amount of resources and labor to produce.

Contents

The Codex Gigas is not just a Bible; it's an encyclopedia of knowledge from the early 13th century. It includes:

• The entire Latin Vulgate Bible: This is the core of the codex, containing both the Old and New Testaments.
• Josephus Flavius's "Antiquities of the Jews" and "The Jewish War": These historical texts provide an account of the Jewish people.
• Isidore of Seville's "Etymologiae": This encyclopedia was a standard reference work in the Middle Ages, covering a wide range of topics.
• Cosmas of Prague's "Chronica Boemorum": This chronicle tells the history of Bohemia.
• Medical texts: These include a collection of treatises on medicine and two books by Constantine the African.
• Other shorter texts: These include penitential texts, calendars, and various notes.

The Devil's Image

The most famous feature of the Codex Gigas is the full-page illustration of the Devil. This image, unlike typical medieval depictions of Satan, is solitary and frontal. The Devil is shown with red horns, clawed hands and feet, and a green face. He is crouched, with his arms raised, and wears a white ermine loincloth. The image is striking and has contributed to the codex's popular name, the Devil's Bible.

Origin and History

The Codex Gigas is believed to have been created in the Benedictine monastery of Podlažice in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic) in the early 13th century. According to a legend, a monk who was condemned to be walled up alive made a deal with the Devil. He promised to create a book containing all human knowledge in a single night in exchange for his freedom. When he realized he couldn't finish the task alone, he called upon the Devil for help, who then added his own image to the codex.

While this legend is certainly captivating, it is more likely that the codex was the work of a single scribe over many years. The uniformity of the script suggests this, as does the sheer volume of work involved. It is estimated that it would have taken at least five years of continuous writing to complete the codex.

The Codex Gigas remained in the monastery of Podlažice until it was moved to the Sedlec Monastery in 1295. Later, it was borrowed by the Benedictine monastery in Břevnov. In the late 16th century, it became part of the collection of Emperor Rudolf II in Prague.

During the Thirty Years' War in 1648, the Swedish army looted Prague and took the Codex Gigas as war booty. It has been kept in the National Library of Sweden in Stockholm ever since. In 2007, after 359 years, the Codex Gigas returned to Prague on loan for a special exhibition.

Significance

The Codex Gigas is more than just a large book; it is a cultural and historical artifact of immense importance. It provides valuable insights into the knowledge, beliefs, and worldview of the medieval period. The inclusion of various texts, from the Bible to historical chronicles and medical treatises, showcases the breadth of learning in the 13th century.

The codex also raises questions about its creation. Why was it created? Who commissioned it? What was its purpose? While we may never know the answers to all of these questions, the Codex Gigas continues to inspire awe and wonder.

Its sheer size is a testament to the dedication and skill of medieval scribes and artisans. The consistent script, the intricate illuminations, and the sheer volume of text are a marvel of human achievement. The Codex Gigas stands as a symbol of the power of human knowledge and the enduring fascination with the past.

Conclusion

The Codex Gigas, the Devil's Bible, is a unique and enigmatic manuscript. Its size, contents, and the infamous image of the Devil have made it one of the most famous medieval books in the world. It is a treasure trove of knowledge, a testament to human endeavor, and a window into the medieval mind. The Codex Gigas continues to captivate and intrigue, reminding us of the rich and complex history of our world.