How to Complete The Gift of Song Prophecy in Hades

Striking a Chord in Hell: Mastering “The Gift of Song” in Hades

Between chaotic dashes through the blistering heat of Asphodel and frantic, blood-pumping showdowns with the God of the Dead, Supergiant Games’ Hades offers a surprising commodity: quiet moments of domestic respite. Back in the House of Hades, Zagreus can pet Cerberus, redecorate his quarters, and—if he’s feeling musically inclined—strum away at a deeply mistreated instrument.

Among the many Minor Prophecies listed on the Fated List, “The Gift of Song” stands out as one of the game’s most charming, albeit infamously grind-heavy, hidden quests. It is a journey that transforms Zagreus from a tone-deaf prince plucking painful discords into a competent musician, all under the distant, melancholy tutelage of Orpheus.

Step 1: Laying the Groundwork (Prerequisites)

Before Zagreus can even think about becoming a master bard, you have to set the stage within the House of Hades. You can’t learn music if there’s no music to be made.

• Free Orpheus: First, you must complete the “Reluctant Musician” contract via the House Contractor. This costs 1 Diamond and allows Orpheus to return to his post as the court musician.
• Rebuild the Bond: Talk to Orpheus regularly. You will need to progress his relationship—often aided by reuniting him with Eurydice—until he starts singing again and suggests that Zagreus should try his hand at playing.
• Acquire the Lyre: Once Orpheus has hinted at your musical potential, head back to the House Contractor. Under the Bedchambers category, purchase the Lyre (often requiring another Diamond or specific progression milestones depending on your unlocks) so it spawns in Zagreus’ bedroom.

Step 2: Embracing the Grind (Practicing the Lyre)

If you expect Zagreus to pick up the lyre and immediately sound like a Greek god, prepare to be humbled.

At the start, Zagreus’ playing is intentionally, hilariously awful. Every time you return from a run, interact with the lyre in your chamber. Zagreus will strum a few agonizingly uncoordinated notes, accompanied by dry voice lines expressing his embarrassment.

To fulfill “The Gift of Song,” patience is your greatest weapon:

• The Interaction Count: You need to interact with the lyre a total of roughly 210+ times across your many escape attempts.
• The Rhythm: You generally can only trigger progress once per run (after returning to the House). Spamming the interaction button during a single visit will not speed things up; Zagreus will simply offer a dismissal line.
• Dialogue Progression: Listen closely to Zagreus’ evolving internal monologue. Over dozens of attempts, his dialogue shifts from self-deprecating complaints about missing strings or poor rhythm to genuine notes of improvement.

Step 3: Fulfilling the Prophecy and Claiming the Prize

Once you have hit the threshold of required practices and Zagreus finally notes that he actually knows how to play a proper tune, the narrative loop closes.

1. Speak with Orpheus in the main hall. He will recognize your dedication and offer praise for your musical growth.
2. Head back to your desk to check the Fated List of Minor Prophecies.
3. Interact with the completed prophecy scroll to claim your reward: 2x Ambrosia.

Why Does It Matter?

In a game defined by fast-paced combat, screen-shattering boons, and high-stakes boss fights, “The Gift of Song” serves as a brilliant pacing mechanism. It rewards persistence not with raw combat power, but with character texture and immersion. Hearing Zagreus transition from a cacophonous disaster to a soothing parlor-player mirrors the player’s own mastery over the sprawling depths of the underworld.

So, next time you crawl back to the House of Hades after a brutal defeat on the surface, don’t rush straight back into the blood pool. Take a breath, grab the strings, and let the prince practice his scales.