ELI5: the devils bible codex gigas

// eli5

What is the Devil's Bible?

The Codex Gigas, also called the Devil's Bible, is a giant book made by monks almost 1,000 years ago that's so big it weighs 165 pounds and is almost 3 feet tall [5][3]. It's called the "Devil's Bible" because it has a scary picture of the devil in it, not because it's actually evil [1]. Think of it like a huge textbook that would take two people to carry!

Why does it have such a spooky name?

The book has a full-page picture of Satan drawn right in the middle of all the religious writings [5]. Long ago, people thought it was mysterious and creepy that someone would draw the devil so big and detailed in a religious book, so they started calling it the Devil's Bible [3].

Who made this giant book?

A monk who was in big trouble made it—he had been sentenced to death, but he promised the authorities he would write this entire giant book if they let him live instead [4]. He probably spent years copying all the words and making the pictures by hand, which is why it took so long to finish.

Where is it now?

The Devil's Bible is kept safe in a library in Sweden, and it's one of the most famous medieval books in the whole world [2]. People can look at it today because it's such an important and interesting historical treasure.