Herman the Recluse

Herman the Recluse (Hermannus Heremitus) was, according to legend, a thirteenth-century Benedictine monk best known as the author (actual or supposed) of the Codex Gigas -- the "Devil's Bible".

The legend states that, as a resident of the Benedictine Monastery of Podlazice, Herman the Recluse was condemned to be walled up alive and starved to death. However, in a plea for his life, he convinced the abbot to let him live if he could create a book that encapsulated all earthly knowledge in one night. Herman wrote until midnight, when, realizing that he could not finish his masterpiece, he sold his soul to the Devil for the ability to finish the Codex Gigas.

Another version of the legend says that, after Herman was condemned for the unspecified sin, he persuaded the abbot to allow him a whole year to create the book. He worked day and night yet, again, completed it only after selling his soul to the Devil.