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

Supergiant Games’ masterclass in action roguelikes, Hades, is celebrated for its adrenaline-fueled combat, razor-sharp writing, and rich Greek mythology. Yet, tucked away between relentless escape attempts, blood-pounding boss fights, and heartfelt reunions is one of the game’s most amusingly stubborn side-quests: “The Gift of Song.”

For a game about slicing through legions of the dead with infernal arms, spending dozens of minutes lazily plucking away at a wooden instrument might feel completely out of place. But for completionists, lore hunters, and anyone who wants to hear Zagreus evolve from a tone-deaf disaster into a competent musician, The Gift of Song is a rite of passage.

What is “The Gift of Song”?

Listed under the Fated List of Minor Prophecies (obtained via Zagreus’ Desk after purchasing the relevant Work Order from the House Contractor), this prophecy 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” is none other than Orpheus, the mournful court musician of the House of Hades. The goal? To practice the Lyre in Zagreus’ bedchambers enough times that the Prince transforms from sounding like a cat walking across guitar strings into an actual, pleasant-sounding player.

Fulfilling this prophecy yields 2x Ambrosia—a precious late-game commodity used to deepen bonds with characters—and the immense psychological satisfaction of crossing off one of the grindier tasks in the Underworld.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Prophecy

If you want to master the Lyre and check this prophecy off your list, you will need patience, persistence, and a lot of button-mashing.

1. Acquire the Lyre

Before you can become a virtuoso, you need an instrument. Visit the House Contractor and purchase the Lyre decoration for Zagreus’ bedroom. Once it’s placed in the room, you can interact with it.

2. Initiate the Questline

Try playing the Lyre a few times. Unsurprisingly, Zagreus will hit a series of discordant, painful notes, remarking on how terrible he is. Next, chat with Orpheus in the main hall. If you have progressed his dialogue enough (often triggered after giving him Nectar or hearing him sing again), he will offer tips or acknowledge your musical ambitions, unlocking the prophecy on your Fated List.

3. Put in the Reps (The Grind)

This is where the dedication comes in. To progress Zagreus’ skill, you must interact with the Lyre a total of 210 times.

However, you can’t just spam all 210 interactions in a single sitting. The progress is gated behind milestones:

• Checkpoints: Zagreus improves gradually across major thresholds (roughly around plays 10, 60, 110, and 210).
• The Routine: Play the Lyre until Zagreus runs out of unique frustrated voice lines or the melody changes slightly, go on an escape run (or die/return to the House), and then come back to play it some more.

As you cross these thresholds, Zagreus’ dialogue shifts from complaining about his lack of talent to noting that he’s actually hitting a rhythm.

4. The Final Note

Once you hit the final milestone (around 210 interactions), Zagreus will play a clean, recognizable tune, and make a self-assured comment about his progress. Finish a run, return to the House, and speak with Orpheus one last time. The master musician will validate your hard work, fulfilling the prophecy and allowing you to claim your Ambrosia from the Fated List.

Why It Matters: The Charm of Hades

On paper, clicking a button 210 times to hear bad music turn into good music sounds tedious. Yet, The Gift of Song encapsulates everything that makes Supergiant Games’ approach to narrative design so special.

In most games, skill trees and progression are tied strictly to combat efficiency—faster dodges, heavier damage, better health bars. Hades expands progression into the realm of the personal and artistic. Zagreus isn’t just trying to break out of hell to confront his father; he is a prince trying to pick up hobbies, bond with broken souls, and find a slice of humanity (or divinity) in a realm defined by eternal stagnation.

Whether you’re treating the Lyre as a mindless pre-run ritual or intentionally grinding out the notes between boss attempts, sitting down to strum a tune reminds us why the Underworld feels so wonderfully alive.