The Codex Gigas is the biggest medieval manuscript in the world. This Bible is 36 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds. And it's not just a Bible- it also contains medical text, some apocryphal works, a confession, and some spells and incantations. Is that why the Codex Gigas is called "the devil's Bible?" No, that's because of the great big drawing of the devil right in the middle of the Bible.
Experts believe the entire book was hand written by one man, possibly known as Herman the hermit (really), which would have taken up to 30 years. Legend has it that the devil wrote it himself in one night, and how that happened is a wild story. What we do know is that the Codex Gigas has been connected with some great tragedies in its history. Considering that spans 800 years, it's not so unbelievable, but who knows. Learn the lore behind the Codex Gigas at Atlas Obscura, in a podcast that's also available in text.
(Image credit: Herman the Recluse of the Benedictine monastery of Podlažice)
