Hades: How to Complete The Gift of Song Prophecy

Mastering the Strings: A Guide to “The Gift of Song” in Hades

Between chaotic, blood-pumping dashes through Asphodel and frantic boss fights against the Underworld’s fiercest denizens, the true heart of Supergiant Games’ Hades often beats loudest in the quiet, reflective halls of the House of Hades. Here, amidst the heavy gothic architecture and constant familial squabbling, Prince Zagreus can pet Cerberus, redecorate his room, and—most hilariously—subject his ears to the agonizingly uncoordinated plucks of a Greek lyre.

For players looking to dive deep into the game’s narrative and check off every entry on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, “The Gift of Song” stands out as one of the most charming, enduring side-quests in the game.

What is “The Gift of Song”?

“The Gift of Song” is a Minor Prophecy given to Zagreus via the Fated List of Minor Prophecies. Its description reads: “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 short, it is the overarching achievement tracking Zagreus’s transformation from an absolute musical disaster into a respectable player of the lyre—all under the indirect guidance of Orpheus, the House’s resident court musician.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fulfilling the Prophecy

Unlocking and completing this prophecy takes time, patience, and a whole lot of failed runs. Follow these steps to see it through to the end:

1. Free Orpheus and Restore the Music

Before you can learn how to play music, you need your teacher back.

• Purchase the “Court Musician Sentence” work order from the House Contractor for 1 Diamond.
• This completes the “Reluctant Musician” prophecy, allowing Orpheus to return to his post in the House.
• Talk to Orpheus regularly, give him Nectar, and progress his relationship (and his tragic subplot with Eurydice) until he begins singing again.

2. Purchase the Lyre for Your Bedchambers

Once Orpheus is back and singing, head back to the House Contractor. Under the Bedchambers category, you will eventually be able to purchase the Lyre (often styled as upgrades like the Lyre: Splendid) for 1 Diamond. Once bought, it sits right in the corner of Zagreus’s room, waiting for abuse.

3. Practice, Fail, and Practice Again

This is where the grind begins. Every single time you return to the House of Hades—whether from a successful escape or a brutal death—walk over to the lyre and interact with it.

• At first, it sounds awful. Zagreus will clumsily strike discordant, cringe-worthy notes, accompanied by hilarious voice lines where even Zag admits he sounds terrible.
• Keep interacting with it run after run. You typically need around 210+ total interactions with the instrument over the course of your playthrough.
• Pro-Tip: Make it a habit. Die, respawn, pet the three-headed dog, play the terrible lyre, check on Achilles or Meg, and head back out.

4. Consult the Master

As you cross hidden milestones in your practice, Zagreus’s dialogue options and the sound of the lyre will slowly improve. Eventually, Zagreus will comment that he is actually starting to get the hang of it.

• Keep an eye out for an exclamation point (!) over Orpheus’s head. Speak with him to receive his acknowledgment or subtle guidance regarding your musical journey.
• Note: You must alternate between playing the lyre in your room and checking in with Orpheus when prompted by dialogue progression.

5. Claim Your Reward

Once Zagreus finally masters a proper tune on the instrument, the prophecy will automatically trigger completion. Head back to your desk to clear the Fated List entry and claim your well-earned reward: 2x Ambrosia.

Why It Matters

In a game defined by relentless momentum, fast-paced combat, and the urge to rush into the next chamber, “The Gift of Song” forces you to slow down. It rewards consistency over time. Hearing the clumsy, scratching notes of early-game Zagreus slowly morph into a smooth, melodic composition mirrors his growth not just as a fighter, but as a person carving out his own identity away from his father’s shadow.

So, next time you crawl back out of the Styx defeated, don’t rush straight back into the arms of the furies. Grab the strings, make some noise, and let the Prince of the Underworld find his rhythm.