In the wake of our recent collaboration with talented Brooklyn tattoo artist Jim Gentry on the Codex Gigas t-shirt, we were thrilled by the tremendous response we received. However, amidst the excitement, we noticed a recurring question popping up in our messages: "What exactly is the Codex Gigas?" Even our close friends Beth and DJ from the Untrained Eye Podcast found themselves puzzled by the enigmatic name. Well, get ready for an intriguing journey as we unravel the mysteries behind the Codex Gigas and delve into its captivating significance.

Click to buy the Devil's Shirt: Codex Gigas t-shirt

Behold the awe-inspiring Codex Gigas, a colossal tome that stands as the largest and most enigmatic of its kind. Revered for centuries, this remarkable masterpiece has earned itself a chilling moniker: "The Devil's Bible."

The Legend

Renowned for its colossal proportions and its intriguing portrayal of the Devil, The Devil's Bible emerged as a sensation in the realm of historical manuscripts. Adopting the moniker Codex Gigas, which translates to 'giant book' in Latin, this extraordinary work of art captivated audiences with its sheer magnitude. Comprised of over 160 animal skins, this monumental tome is a weighty behemoth that demands the strength of two individuals to lift. Stretching an impressive 20 inches wide, 36 inches tall, and 9 inches thick, it is an imposing testament to the grandeur of its contents, tipping the scales at a staggering 165 lbs.

The genesis of the Codex Gigas remains veiled in ambiguity, yet a fabled tale unfolds, narrating the extraordinary pact struck between a solitary monk and the Devil himself. Known solely as Herman the Recluse, this enigmatic figure faced a grim fate of immurement, condemned to be entombed alive for transgressing his monastic vows. As a desperate bid for survival, Herman made a daring proposition to the monastery, offering to create a tome that encompassed the vast wisdom of the world, in exchange for his very life. The monastery, intrigued by this audacious proposal, accepted the challenge, on the condition that Herman accomplished this herculean task within the span of a single night.

Driven by an unyielding determination to fulfill his end of the bargain, Herman embarked on an arduous endeavor. Yet, confronted with an insurmountable deadline, he turned to an unlikely ally in the form of the Devil himself. In a fateful exchange, another pact was forged, as Herman sacrificed his own soul to secure the infernal assistance needed to complete the awe-inspiring Codex Gigas.

Guided by an otherworldly influence, Herman's quill danced across the pages, etching profound knowledge and intricate illustrations onto its surface. With each stroke, his connection to the netherworld grew stronger, as his soul teetered precariously on the precipice of damnation. Miraculously, as the night wore on, the Codex Gigas neared its completion, a testament to Herman's unwavering resolve and the unholy alliance he had forged.

When the final stroke of the pen graced the last page, Herman the Recluse had fulfilled his part of the pact. The Codex Gigas stood as a magnum opus of knowledge, a monument to his pact with darkness. With the book's completion, Herman's soul belonged to the Devil, but his freedom was reclaimed. The scribe had paid the ultimate price, paving the way for the Codex Gigas to traverse the annals of history, fascinating generations with its enigmatic origins and the ethereal forces that guided its creation.

The Truth

National Geographic's investigation into the penmanship of the Codex Gigas reveals a remarkable consistency in the Latin text, pointing to the work of a solitary scribe. While this individual may not have been Herman the Recluse himself, evidence suggests that a 13th-century monk from Bohemia likely undertook this extraordinary endeavor.

Consider the monumental scale of the Codex Gigas—its sheer size alone demands our awe. To reproduce the intricate text contained within this manuscript, the sole creator would have had to toil day and night for a staggering five years, not even accounting for the intricate illustrations adorning its pages. One fact is irrefutable: the completion of the Codex Gigas required an immense amount of time and effort.

World Of Knowledge: Inside The Codex Gigas

This magnificent book houses a complete Latin translation of the Bible, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments. But its contents extend beyond religious texts, embracing a diverse array of major works. Among them are notable writings such as Flavius Josephus's "Antiquities of the Jews," Isidore of Seville's "Encyclopedia Etymologiae," medical treatises by luminaries like Hippocrates and Theophilus, and even "The Chronicle of Bohemia" penned by Cosmas of Prague. Delving further into its depths, one encounters a captivating convergence of the mystical and arcane, with the inclusion of occult writings that encompass exorcism rituals, magic formulas, and insights into the realm of alchemy.

From cover to cover, illustrations and decorations grace the pages. Perhaps the most renowned among these visual marvels is the full-page portrait of the Devil, an iconic depiction that has come to symbolize the Codex Gigas itself. In this captivating artwork, the Devil assumes a formidable presence, stretching nearly the entire page. Rendered with meticulous detail, the Devil's visage showcases menacing red horns, a green countenance, and a crimson forked tongue. Large claws extend from outstretched arms, while the figure stands adorned in an ermine loin cloth—a regal symbol, indicating the Devil's status as the sovereign of Hell, or perhaps the very embodiment of darkness itself.

In stark contrast to the portrayal of malevolence, a painting of the Heavenly City adorns the preceding page, positioned as a juxtaposition to the Devil's presence. The artwork depicts a resplendent cityscape, characterized by tiered buildings, towers, and intricately spaced walls. Interpreted by many as a beacon of hope and salvation, this composition evokes a sense of divine inspiration. The deliberate placement of these two visuals—a testament to duality—likely served as medieval religious propaganda, reinforcing the existence of heaven and the divine in contrast to the forces represented by the Devil.

It's pretty clear which page Sleep Terror Co. has chosen. We're here to do the Devil's work.