Inside the books of intricate scribblings, which include the entire Bible, is a full page colour drawing of Satan.
Legend has it the medieval manuscript emerged from a pact with Lucifer, earning it the title of the Devil’s Bible.
It is believed to cause catastrophe or illness to whoever comes into contact with it, though people are queuing up to see it in its current home of the National Library in Stockholm.
The book made out of animal skin, which takes two people to open, also contains texts on exorcism, magic formulas and a picture of the Heavenly City.
It was written in Latin at Sedlec in 1295.
Despite the massive size of the incantation-riddle book experts have always believed it to be the work of a team of illuminated manuscript experts working over a period of decades.
But now evidence has come to light that it was just created by one writer – adding credence to the legend that it was penned by the Devil.
The National Library of Sweden brought in a handwriting analyst who suggested it was just one man’s work due to continuity of handwriting and the same ink being used throughout.
The legend suggests the Codex Gigas was written by a monk who faced death for breaking his vows.
He tried to avoid punishment by promising to write a book containing all human knowledge.
But if he didn’t write the book in a night he would be killed.
The Devil offered to help out in exchange for the monk’s soul.
Legend notwithstanding, graphologists estimate it would have taken five years, writing 24 hours a day, to complete.
Realistically the Devil’s Bible is the product of 25 years work.
The report said: “Clearly, the author of this massive tome was possessed by something to create such a masterwork. Whether it was the power of light or darkness, is lost to time.”
By Helen Barnett, EXPRESS
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