The Codex Gigas: The Devil’s Bible

[staarker]

The Codex Gigas (“giant book”), also known as the Devil’s Bible, dates to around 1230 CE and is thought to be one of the world’s largest illuminated manuscripts.

The Codex Gigas was once considered the eighth wonder of the world; the book is three feet long and weighs a hundred and sixty-five pounds. It has 600 pages which, contrary to legend, are made from calf skins, not donkey skins.

The Codex Gigas includes a combination of texts found nowhere else. In addition to the full text of the Latin bible, the book contains herbals, history books, cures for dangerous illnesses, texts caring for the soul, medical formulas for treating illnesses and diseases, conjurations, and even solutions to problems such as finding a thief.

The Devil’s Bible

The book got its nickname because it is the only bible to include such a large portrait of the devil. Half-clothed in royal ermine; half man, half beast; with claws, cloven hooves, and a huge serpentine red tongue, the drawing shows Satan walled up in a cell alone rather than loosed in Hell. Immediately across from the devil is a portrait of the Kingdom of Heaven, creating an interesting contrast.

https://anomalien.com/the-codex-gigas-the-devils-bible/

[dave362]

Hearing about a book like this makes you wonder how many other ancient books and writing that have been lost through time because of wars, religious fears, or some other events.