The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Bible with a Massive Portrait of a Devil Inside
Jun 18, 2025
Discover the fascinating tale of the Codex Gigas, the largest medieval manuscript, featuring a striking portrait of the devil. Hear about the humorous legend of a monk's frantic attempt to complete the Bible in one night, and explore the mystical symbolism of the devil in scripture. The discussion reveals the chaotic yet captivating history of this enigmatic text, its eclectic contents, and how it has endured through turbulent times. This journey through obsession, chaos, and salvation will leave you intrigued by this legendary book.
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The Monk's Legendary Pact
- A monk in Bohemia faced enclosure in a wall as punishment for breaking monastery rules. He vowed to copy the entire Bible in one night with devil's help, who demanded a giant portrait of Satan inside the book.
The Codex Gigas' Unique Content
- The Codex Gigas is the largest medieval manuscript still existing, about three feet tall and 165 pounds. It has both typical Bible contents and unusual parts like spells and a confession of sins, making it uniquely strange.
One Person's Lifelong Work
- Handwriting experts found the Codex Gigas was likely written by a single person over 25-30 years. The artwork is amateurish, suggesting the creative work was done by one self-taught individual, perhaps a monk named Herman the Recluse.