Satyricon

Satyricon is a fragmentary Roman-era work of fiction attributed to Petronius Arbiter, dating to the mid-1st century AD. It is one of the earliest novels in Western literature and is noted for its episodic, satirical portrayal of Roman society, especially its decadence and urban life. The narrative follows Encolpius, his lover Giton, and their companion Ascyltos as they travel through a world of social pretensions, sexual humor, and grotesque episodes. The Satyricon blends prose with verse and is preserved in incomplete manuscripts; scholars reconstruct its structure around episodes such as the famous Cena Trimalchionis, a lavish banquet that satirizes wealth and class. The work is influential in the development of the novel and the picaresque genre, though its exact dating and authorship remain a matter of scholarly debate.

Satyricon (band) is a Norwegian black metal band formed in Oslo in 1990. The group is among the leading acts associated with Norwegian black metal and is credited with helping to develop the atmospheric direction of the genre, combining intense riffing with melodic and orchestral textures. Their early work includes the albums Dark Medieval Times (1993) and Nemesis Divina (1996), which established their reputation. They later released Now, Diabolical (2002) and The Age of Nero (2008), reflecting a shift toward more diverse arrangements and progressive elements while retaining black metal roots. The band has continued to release material and perform internationally, contributing to the international popularity of Norwegian metal.