According to legend, the Codex Gigas was written by a Benedictine monk named Hermann, who, in a moment of despair, made a pact with the devil to complete the manuscript in a single night. This legend has led to the manuscript being referred to as the "Devil's Bible." While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, the inclusion of magical texts and illustrations of demons has contributed to the manuscript's notorious reputation.
The Codex Gigas is a massive manuscript, measuring over 90 cm in height and 50 cm in width. It is believed to have been written in the early 13th century, around 1200-1230 AD, by a single scribe. The manuscript is composed of 312 pages, made from high-quality vellum, and contains a wide range of texts, including biblical commentaries, apocryphal works, and magical formulas.
Have you ever tried to decipher medieval Latin? Let us know in the comments below!
– You may find public domain scans of earlier Latin editions or secondary sources that quote English translations, but the full Codex Gigas in English is rare.