Striking the Right Chord: How to Master “The Gift of Song” in Hades

In Supergiant Games’ critically acclaimed rogue-like masterpiece, Hades, your primary goal is simple on paper: hack, slash, and dash your way out of your father’s grim Underworld. But between brutal boss fights against the Fury sisters and dodging columns of magma in Asphodel, some of the most rewarding moments happen back at the House of Hades.

Among these quiet, reflective moments is “The Gift of Song,” a charming Minor Prophecy that transforms the Prince of the Underworld from a tone-deaf novice into a surprisingly competent lyre player. If you’ve been staring at that dusty instrument in Zagreus’s bedroom wondering how to make it sound like something other than a dying cat, this complete guide covers everything you need to know.

What is “The Gift of Song”?

The Gift of Song is a Fated List of Minor Prophecies quest. The prophecy foretells that “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.”

Fulfilling this prophecy isn’t just about checking a box for rewards; it’s a delightful narrative thread that deepens Zagreus’s bond with Orpheus, the House’s melancholy court musician.

Step 1: Laying the Groundwork (Prerequisites)

Before you can become a musical prodigy, you need to set the stage. A few things must happen first in your Underworld playthrough:

• Free Orpheus: Early in the game, Orpheus is locked away in sorrow. You’ll need to purchase the “The Reluctant Musician” work order from the House Contractor using 1 Diamond to bring him back to his post.
• Unlock the Fated List: Make sure you have unlocked the Fated List of Minor Prophecies from the House Contractor.
• Buy the Lyre: Once Orpheus is back and singing, head to the House Contractor and look under the Bedchambers category to purchase the Lyre (costing 1 Diamond). It will now sit proudly in the corner of Zagreus’s room.

Step 2: The Grind of the Strings (How to Play)

At first, interacting with the Lyre is a humbling experience. Zagreus will aggressively pluck at the strings, producing notes so agonizingly out of tune that even Cerberus might whimper. To complete the prophecy, you have to embrace the practice routine:

1. Interact Constantly: Every time you return to the House of Hades after a run, make it a habit to walk up to the Lyre and play it.
2. Hit the Checkpoints: Zagreus’s playing improves incrementally across specific interaction milestones (roughly around 10, 60, 110, and up to 210 total interactions).
3. Run, Then Repeat: The game requires you to space out your practice. You can’t just stand there and spam the button 210 times in one second; you need to complete escape attempts (or successfully die and return) between your practice sessions to trigger progress dialogue.

Step 3: Check in with the Master

As you practice, Zagreus’s dialogue will shift. He will transition from complaining about how terrible he sounds to casually picking out small melodies.

Keep an eye out for dialogue prompts with Orpheus. Speaking to him between your musical milestones will prompt the court musician to offer gentle guidance and feedback, pushing the prophecy closer to completion.

Once Zagreus finally plays a clean, sustained melody and remarks that he’s actually getting the hang of it, your next step is simple: talk to Orpheus one last time after a run. He will acknowledge your hard-earned musical growth, and the prophecy will officially be marked as fulfilled on your desk.

The Reward

Completing “The Gift of Song” grants you 2x Ambrosia, a rare and precious nectar used to deepen your deepest bonds with the gods and companions of the Underworld. Beyond the tangible loot, however, the real reward is the immersion: hearing Zagreus transition from absolute cacophony to soothing melodies adds an incredible layer of warmth and personal growth to the safe haven of the House of Hades.

So, next time you fail a run against [REDACTED], don’t despair—just head back to your room, pick up the strings, and practice your chords.