The Codex Gigas is the largest medieval manuscript known to us. But it’s not just famous for its size: the book features a terrifying illustration of the devil, a mix of religious and secular texts, and a legend that still surrounds it in mystery. Here are 10 fascinating facts about the “Devil’s Bible.”
1. It is the largest medieval manuscript in the world
The Codex Gigas is nearly 90 cm tall, 50 cm wide, and 22 cm thick. It weighs around 75 kilos. According to estimates, more than 160 donkey hides were needed to make the pages. Definitely not a book to read in your lap.
2. It was likely created in the 13th century
The manuscript was probably written around 1229 in a Benedictine monastery in Podlažice, in what is now the Czech Republic. Nothing is known for certain about the author, but the consistent handwriting suggests it was written by a single monk.
3. Its nickname comes from a portrait of the devil
One of the most striking pages contains a full-color, full-page illustration of the devil — with claws, a serpent tail, and a lolling tongue. This image gave the Codex Gigas its infamous nickname: the Devil’s Bible.
4. According to legend, the devil helped write the book
The most famous legend says that a monk was condemned to being walled in alive for a severe offense. To avoid punishment, he promised to write the largest book ever — in a single night. When he realized it was impossible, he called upon the devil to help him. As thanks, he supposedly included the devil’s portrait in the book.
5. It contains much more than just the Bible
The Codex Gigas includes the complete Latin Bible, but also other texts: medical treatises, magical spells, a necrology of the monastery, chronicles of Bohemia, and even a calendar. It’s a kind of medieval encyclopedia — a compendium of all important knowledge of its time.
6. The handwriting is remarkably consistent
Modern analysis shows that the entire book was written by a single person, likely over the course of 20 to 30 years. The letter forms, layout, and illustrations are impressively consistent — especially for such a massive work.
7. The book has been moved around for centuries
After the Thirty Years’ War, the Codex Gigas fell into Swedish hands as war booty from Prague Castle. Since 1649, it has been kept at the Royal Library of Stockholm, where it remains on display today.
8. A few pages are missing
It’s believed that twelve pages have been removed from the Codex Gigas. No one knows why. They may have contained sensitive or forbidden content, or were simply lost. Naturally, the missing pages only add to the book’s mysterious reputation.
9. The devil illustration is one-of-a-kind
Although the devil appears in other medieval art, no other known Bible contains such a prominent and frightening depiction. Combined with its immense size and eerie legend, this has made the Codex Gigas a true cult object.
10. You can view the entire book online
The Royal Library of Sweden has scanned the entire Codex Gigas. It’s free to browse online, including all illustrations and texts. Even without a Latin diploma, you can take a virtual look inside one of the most mysterious books ever written.
