Codex Gigas PDF: A Free Guide to the Giant Book that Contains All Human Knowledge and a Portrait of the Devil
Codex Gigas: The Devil's Bible and How to Download It
Have you ever heard of Codex Gigas, the largest and most mysterious medieval manuscript in the world? Also known as the Devil's Bible, this colossal book contains a wealth of information and secrets that have fascinated scholars and readers for centuries. But what is Codex Gigas, why is it called the Devil's Bible, and how can you download it as a PDF for free? In this article, we will explore these questions and more.
codex gigas pdf free download
What is Codex Gigas?
Codex Gigas, which means "giant book" in Latin, is a 13th-century manuscript from Bohemia, one of the historical Czech lands. It measures 89 x 49 centimeters (35 x 19 inches) and weighs about 75 kilograms (165 pounds). It has 310 parchment pages, some of which are missing. It is bound in wooden boards covered with leather and metal decorations.
The history and origin of Codex Gigas
The exact date and place of origin of Codex Gigas are unknown, but it is generally believed that it was created in the early 13th century at a Benedictine monastery in Podlažice, near Chrudim. According to a legend, the manuscript was written by a monk who was sentenced to death by being walled up alive for breaking his vows. He begged for mercy and promised to write a book that would contain all human knowledge in one night. He realized that he could not finish the task by himself, so he made a pact with the devil, who helped him complete the book in exchange for his soul. The devil also added his own portrait to the book as a sign of the deal.
The contents and features of Codex Gigas
Codex Gigas contains a number of parts: the Old and New Testaments, two works of Josephus Flavius, Isidore of Seville's Etymologies, the standard textbook for teaching medicine in the Middle Ages known as Ars medicinae (The art of medicine), the 12th-century Chronica Boëmorum (Chronicle of the Bohemians) of Cosmas of Prague, and a calendar. It also has various illustrations, initials, marginalia, and musical notation. The text is written in Latin in a Gothic script with red, blue, green, yellow, and gold ink. The manuscript is remarkable for its size, its striking full-page rendition of the devil (found on page 577), its artistic quality, its diverse content, and its unique style.
The legend and mystery of Codex Gigas
Codex Gigas has a long and eventful history that adds to its legend and mystery. At the end of the 13th century, it was taken to Prague as a part of the royal treasury. In 1420, it was stolen by Hussites during a raid on Prague Castle. In 1594, it was incorporated into the collections of Emperor Rudolf II. In 1648, it was taken as war booty by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War and transferred to Stockholm. In 1697, it survived a fire at the Royal Castle that damaged its binding. In 2007, it was loaned to Prague for an exhibition after almost 360 years. Today, it is kept at the National Library of Sweden.
Why is Codex Gigas called the Devil's Bible?
Codex Gigas is also known as the Devil's Bible because of its association with the devil in various ways. Here are some reasons why:
The full-page portrait of the devil
The most famous feature of Codex Gigas is the full-page portrait of the devil that occupies page 577. It depicts a large figure with horns, claws, red eyes, red ears, red tongue, red wings, red nails, red fur on his legs and arms, two long red tails ending in blue arrowheads, and two small blue horns on his forehead. He is crouching inside a large green circle decorated with red dots and surrounded by four smaller circles containing symbols from astrology or alchemy. He is holding his right hand up in a gesture that could mean either blessing or cursing.
The dark and sinister aura of Codex Gigas
Codex Gigas has been described as having a dark and sinister aura that emanates from its pages. Some people have reported feeling uneasy or scared when looking at or touching the manuscript. Some have even claimed to hear strange noises or see apparitions when near it. Some believe that Codex Gigas contains hidden messages or codes that reveal secrets about the past or future.
The curse and misfortune of Codex Gigas
Codex Gigas has also been associated with curse and misfortune that befell those who owned or handled it. According to some stories, anyone who reads or studies Codex Gigas will die within a year. According to others, anyone who possesses or displays Codex Gigas will suffer from war or disaster. Some examples are: King Ottokar II of Bohemia died shortly after acquiring Codex Gigas; Emperor Rudolf II lost his throne after obtaining Codex Gigas; Sweden suffered from plague and famine after taking Codex Gigas; Prague was hit by fire and flood after borrowing Codex Gigas.
How to download Codex Gigas PDF for free?
If you are interested in seeing or reading Codex Gigas for yourself, you might be wondering how to download it as a PDF for free. Here are some steps and tips:
The digitization and preservation of Codex Gigas
In 2005-2007, Codex Gigas was digitized by a team of experts from Sweden and Czech Republic as part of a project to preserve and study it. The digitization process involved taking high-resolution photographs of each page using special cameras and lighting equipment. The images were then processed using software to enhance their quality and readability.
The online access and availability of Codex Gigas
The digitized images of Codex Gigis are available online through various websites that offer access to digital libraries or collections. Some examples are: World Digital Library (https://www.wdl.org/en/item/3042/), National Library of Sweden (https://www.kb.se/codex-gigas/eng/), Library Of Congress (https://www.loc.gov/item/2021667604/), etc.
The steps and tips to download Codex Gigis PDF for free
To download Codex Gigs PDF for free from any website that provides it online follow these steps: - Go to the website that offers access to Codex Gigs - Find the option to view or download Codex Gigs - Choose the format you want (PDF or image) - Click on download button - Save file on your device Some tips: - Be aware that downloading Codx Gigs PDF might take some time because it is very large (about 4 GB) - Be careful about opening or reading Cods Gigs PDF because it might contain viruses or malware - Be respectful about using or sharing Cods Gigs PDF because it is a cultural heritage that belongs to humanity Conclusion
about Codex Gigas and how to download it as a PDF for free.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Codex Gigas and their answers:
Question
Answer
Who wrote Codex Gigas?
The author of Codex Gigas is unknown, but according to a legend, it was written by a monk who made a pact with the devil.
Where is Codex Gigas now?
Codex Gigas is now kept at the National Library of Sweden in Stockholm.
What is the value of Codex Gigas?
The value of Codex Gigas is priceless, as it is a unique and irreplaceable cultural treasure.
Is Codex Gigas dangerous?
Codex Gigas is not dangerous in itself, but it might have some negative effects on those who read or study it, such as death, curse, or misfortune.
Is Codex Gigas real?
Codex Gigas is real, as it exists physically and digitally. However, some aspects of it might be fictional or exaggerated, such as the legend of its origin or the portrait of the devil.
