What is written in Codex Gigas?

The Codex Gigas, often referred to as the “Devil’s Bible,” is one of the most mysterious and legendary manuscripts in the world. But what exactly is written in the Codex Gigas? In this blog post, we will explore the contents of the Codex Gigas, examining its structure, the texts it contains, and the fascinating stories that surround it.

The Codex Gigas: An Overview

The Codex Gigas is the largest surviving medieval manuscript in the world. Created around 1229 in the Benedictine monastery of Podlažice in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic), it measures approximately 92 cm tall, 50 cm wide, and 22 cm thick, weighing an astonishing 75 kilograms (about 165 pounds). The manuscript is composed of 310 parchment leaves made from the skins of 160 donkeys or calves. Its sheer size and the legends surrounding its creation have earned it the nickname “the Devil’s Bible.”

Structure and Organization of the Manuscript

The Codex Gigas is remarkably well organized, reflecting the monastic scholarship and discipline of its creators. The manuscript is written in Latin in a single hand, suggesting that one scribe, probably a monk named Herman the Recluse, spent years—perhaps decades—on its creation. The layout features two columns per page, decorated with elaborate initials and occasional illustrations, the most famous of which is the full-page image of the devil.

The Biblical Texts: Old and New Testament

The core of the Codex Gigas consists of the complete Vulgate Bible, the standard Latin translation of the Scriptures used throughout medieval Europe. This includes:

• The Old Testament: Books from Genesis to Malachi, following the order common in the Vulgate tradition.
• The New Testament: The Gospels, Acts, Pauline and Catholic Epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

The inclusion of the entire Bible makes the Codex Gigas a monumental achievement, serving as both a liturgical and scholarly resource for its monastic community.

Historical Texts: Josephus and Isidore

In addition to the Bible, the Codex Gigas contains two important historical works:

• "Antiquities of the Jews" and "The Jewish War" by Flavius Josephus: These first-century accounts provide valuable insight into Jewish history and the context of early Christianity.
• "Etymologiae" by Isidore of Seville: An encyclopedic work from the 7th century, covering subjects such as grammar, rhetoric, mathematics, medicine, and natural history.

These works reflect the broad intellectual interests of medieval monasticism and the desire to preserve classical knowledge alongside sacred scripture.

Medical Texts: Practical Knowledge

The Codex Gigas includes several medical treatises, demonstrating the practical concerns of its compilers. Among these are:

• "Ars Medicinae" (The Art of Medicine): A guide to diagnosing and treating various ailments, drawing on the medical knowledge of the time.
• Herbal Remedies and Medical Recipes: Instructions for treating fevers, wounds, and other common conditions.

These texts offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval medicine and the integration of scientific and spiritual healing practices.

Other Contents: Penitential, Calendar, and Magic

Beyond scripture and scholarship, the Codex Gigas contains a variety of additional texts, including:

• The "Chronica Boemorum" (Chronicle of the Bohemians): One of the earliest histories of the Czech people, written by Cosmas of Prague.
• A Calendar: Detailing important saints’ days, feasts, and liturgical observances.
• The "Penitential": A guide to confession and penance, listing sins and their appropriate penances, reflecting the moral and pastoral concerns of the medieval Church.
• Magical Formulas and Incantations: Short texts related to exorcisms, protection from evil, and other supernatural concerns, indicative of the era’s blend of Christian and folk beliefs.

The Famous Illustrations: Devil and Heavenly City

Perhaps the most well-known feature of the Codex Gigas is its full-page illustration of the devil, depicted as a large, menacing figure occupying an entire folio. This image has fueled legends that the manuscript was created with the help of the devil himself, especially given the book’s nickname. On the facing page is a contrasting illustration of the Heavenly City, symbolizing the cosmic struggle between good and evil.

Other illustrations include ornate capital letters, decorative borders, and marginalia that provide visual interest and reinforce the texts’ themes.

Lost Pages: The Missing Leaves

Notably, several pages are missing from the Codex Gigas, including an entire section at the end. Scholars speculate that these removed leaves may have contained additional texts, possibly magical formulas or other controversial material that was destroyed or lost over the centuries. The absence of these pages adds to the manuscript’s mystique.

The Legend of the Codex Gigas

According to legend, the Codex Gigas was the work of a single night, created by a monk who had broken his vows and faced severe punishment. To avoid his fate, he promised to produce a book containing all human knowledge in a single night. Realizing the task was impossible, he supposedly made a pact with the devil, who completed the manuscript in exchange for the monk’s soul. The devil’s portrait within the book is said to be a tribute or acknowledgment of this unholy bargain.

While historians dismiss this legend, preferring a rational explanation for the book’s creation, the story persists and contributes to the manuscript’s enduring allure.

Scholarly Significance and Modern Legacy

The Codex Gigas is a priceless artifact for scholars of medieval history, art, theology, and literature. It provides an unparalleled window into the intellectual life of 13th-century Bohemia.

Today, the Codex Gigas is housed in the National Library of Sweden in Stockholm, where it draws visitors and researchers from around the world. High-resolution digital scans are available online, allowing anyone with internet access to explore its pages.