Gift of Song Hades: How to Unlock and Use It

Strumming Through the Underworld: Unlocking “The Gift of Song” in Hades

Supergiant Games’ masterpiece Hades is celebrated for its adrenaline-fueled combat, fluid mechanics, and stellar voice acting. Yet, tucked away between frantic dashes and boss battles are moments of quiet domesticity in the House of Hades. Among the most charming—and notoriously grind-heavy—side goals in the game is the Minor Prophecy known as “The Gift of Song.”

For completionists and lore lovers alike, this prophecy transforms Zagreus from a brutal warrior into a surprisingly dedicated (if initially tone-deaf) musician.

What Is “The Gift of Song”?

Listed on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, “The Gift of Song” carries the poetic description:

“The son of the god of the dead shall someday learn to perform music halfway decently through the teachings of a solemn master of the art.”

In gameplay terms, this prophecy tracks Zagreus’ journey from a horrendous, string-snapping novice plucking at a lyre to a competent player. Fulfilling it rewards you with 2 Ambrosia, a precious resource used to deepen bonds with the denizens of the Underworld.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Prophecy

Fulfilling “The Gift of Song” requires patience, progression, and a whole lot of repetitive strumming.

1. Free Orpheus and Restore Music

Before you can dream of becoming a master musician, the House of Hades needs its court poet back.

• Purchase “A Simple Job” (The Reluctant Musician contract) from the House Contractor for 1 Diamond.
• This frees Orpheus from his punishment, allowing him to return to his corner in the administrative lounge.
• Chat with Orpheus regularly and build your relationship by gifting him Nectar until he starts singing again. Eventually, he will suggest that Zagreus try his hand at playing music.

2. Purchase the Lyre

Head back to the House Contractor and check the Bedchambers category. Purchase the Lyre (often upgraded to the “Splendid” version) using Diamonds. Once bought, the instrument will sit permanently in Zagreus’ bedroom.

3. The Grind: Plucking the Strings

This is where the true test of dedication begins. Every time you return to the House of Hades after a run, make a pit stop in your bedchambers to interact with the Lyre.

• The Progression: At first, Zagreus plays terribly, and the audio cues sound grating and unpolished.
• The Requirement: You must interact with the Lyre roughly 210+ times.
• Pro-Tip: The game restricts progress if you try to do all 210 interactions in a single sitting. You generally need to interact with it a few times after each run, trigger dialogue updates, and check in with Orpheus when he exhibits a notification prompt (!).

4. The Breakthrough

As your interaction count ticks past the 200 mark, you will notice a drastic change: the frantic, ugly noise transforms into a smooth, genuinely pleasant melody. Furthermore, Zagreus will comment that he finally feels like he knows what he is doing.

Once Zagreus makes this realization, head to the Fated List on his desk to officially complete the prophecy and claim your 2 Ambrosia.

Why It Matters: More Than Just a Quest

While the reward of 2 Ambrosia is wonderful for maxing out keepsakes or romance tracks, “The Gift of Song” encapsulates what makes Hades so special. Supergiant Games didn’t just design an action rogue-like; they built a living, breathing world where character hobbies matter.

Listening to Zagreus evolve from a discordant novice into someone who can actually soothe the soul of the Underworld mirrors the game’s broader theme: persistence pays off. Whether you’re dodging the wrath of the Fury sisters or mastering a pentatonic scale in a gloomy bedroom, practice makes perfect in the House of Hades.