Striking the Right Chord: Mastering “The Gift of Song” in Hades
Supergiant Games’ Hades is celebrated for its adrenaline-fueled combat, fast-paced hack-and-slash mechanics, and deeply emotional storytelling. Yet, tucked away between frantic dashes through Asphodel and tense boss fights against the champions of Elysium lies one of the game’s most charming, surprisingly meditative side-quests: The Gift of Song.
Far removed from blood and blades, this Minor Prophecy turns Zagreus from a wrathful prince of the Underworld into an aspiring musician. But completing it takes more than just a passing interest—it requires patience, persistence, and a whole lot of string-plucking.
What Is “The Gift of Song”?
“The Gift of Song” is a Fated List of Minor Prophecies quest. Its official 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.”
The “solemn master” in question is none other than Orpheus, the House of Hades’ resident musician, whose melancholic voice sets the atmospheric tone for the entire hub area. Zagreus, on the other hand, starts out playing the lyre with the grace of a collapsing bridge. Fulfilling the prophecy means transforming those dreadful, off-key clangs into actual, coherent melodies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Prophecy
Unlocking and finishing this quest requires a mix of resource management, progression, and repetition. Here is how to turn Zagreus into a bard:
1. Set the Stage
- Unlock the Fated List: First, ensure you have purchased the Fated List of Minor Prophecies from the House Contractor using Gemstones.
- Buy the Lyre: Visit the House Contractor again and purchase the Lyre decoration for Zagreus’ bedchambers (usually costs 1 Diamond).
2. Consult the Master
- Interact with the lyre in your room and try playing it a few times. As expected, Zagreus will sound terrible.
- Build a rapport with Orpheus by gifting him Nectar and talking to him after successful or failed escape attempts. Eventually, once Orpheus begins singing again or offers encouragement after your travels, he will give Zagreus advice on how to handle the instrument.
- Check your desk to see The Gift of Song officially added to your list of prophecies.
3. Put in the Practice Hours
This is where the real dedication begins. Zagreus doesn’t learn overnight; you have to grind out practice sessions between runs.
- The Routine: Every time you return to the House of Hades (whether you successfully escaped or died miserably), head to your room and interact with the lyre a few times.
- The Progression: You will need roughly 210 total interactions with the lyre to master it. As your interaction count climbs across multiple milestones, the audio cues change:
- Early stages: Random, painful, discordant plucks.
- Mid stages: Short, recognizable fragments of tunes.
- Final stages: Fluid, peaceful melodies.
- Talk to Orpheus: Make sure to periodically chat with Orpheus between runs as your playing improves. He will comment on your progress, marking key milestones.
4. The Grand Finale
Once you hit the final threshold and Zagreus plays a smooth, cohesive piece—remarking that he’s finally getting the hang of it—speak with Orpheus one last time after a subsequent run. The solemn master will validate your musical growth, completing the prophecy.
Head back to your desk to claim your reward: 2 Ambrosia, a precious resource used to deepen bonds with the game’s gods and companions.
Why It Matters
In a game defined by relentless violence and high stakes, “The Gift of Song” offers a brilliant change of pace. It mirrors the core theme of Hades: growth through repetition. Just as every failed escape attempt teaches you how to better master your weapons and boons, every awkward strum of the lyre inches Zagreus closer to self-improvement.
It proves that even in the bleak, bureaucratic depths of the Underworld, there is always room for a little art.
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