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

While much of your time in Supergiant Games’ critically acclaimed rogue-like Hades will be spent dodging fiery traps, cleaving through hordes of the dead, and escaping the underworld, the House of Hades also offers quiet moments of domestic respite. Tucked away inside Zagreus’ bedchambers is an unassuming musical instrument that sets off one of the game’s most charming and persistent long-term quests: The Gift of Song.

This Minor Prophecy captures a softer side of the Prince of the Underworld—one where he trades his infernal arms for strings, enduring a hilariously grueling journey from absolute musical novice to a player of moderate competence.

What is “The Gift of Song”?

The Gift of Song is a Minor Prophecy listed on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies in Zagreus’ room. 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.”

Fulfilling this prophecy doesn’t grant you combat boons or legendary weapons, but it rewards your dedication with 2x Ambrosia and deepens your bond with the House musician, Orpheus.

Step 1: How to Unlock the Prophecy

Before Zagreus can dream of striking a harmonious chord, you must set the stage within the House of Hades. Here is how to make the quest available:

• Purchase the Lyre: Check in with the House Contractor to buy the Lyre for your bedchambers (unlocked via work orders on the Fated List).
• Consult Orpheus: Deepen your relationship with Orpheus by chatting with him and offering Nectar. Eventually, after progressing his dialogue—such as hearing him sing again or recounting your tales of slaying the Lernean Bone Hydra—he will offer subtle encouragement or prompt you to consider trying your hand at music.
• Accept the Prophecy: Head over to Zagreus’ desk to check the Fated List. If the conditions are met, The Gift of Song will appear as an active prophecy waiting to be fulfilled.

Step 2: The Long Road of Practice

If you expect Zagreus to pick up the lyre and immediately play a soothing melody, you are in for a humorous reality check. At the start, Zagreus’ playing is notoriously grating—sounding less like high art and more like a dying animal or a chaotic string-snapping exercise.

Fulfilling the prophecy requires raw, unyielding persistence, mirroring the trial-and-error loop of the game itself:

1. The Interaction Grind: You must interact with and play the lyre repeatedly across multiple escape runs. The total requirement is demanding, tracking upward of 210+ individual interactions.
2. Pacing Yourself: The game tracks progress incrementally. You generally need to play the lyre a few times between runs. Spamming the interaction button dozens of times in a single visit won’t work; Zagreus needs to leave, attempt an escape (or die trying), and return to practice again.
3. Audio Evolution: Pay close attention to the sound design. As your interaction count climbs, the random clangs and discord gradually transition into recognizable, melodic tunes. Zagreus will also shift from complaining about how terrible he sounds to noting that his fingers are finally finding a rhythm.

Step 3: Completion and Rewards

Once you cross the invisible threshold and Zagreus successfully performs a fluid piece, he will voice his newfound competence.

Your final step is to speak with Orpheus after a subsequent run. The solemn master of music will acknowledge your progress, officially triggering the completion of the prophecy. Return to the Fated List in your room to claim your reward of 2 Ambrosia, cementing Zagreus’ status as a multi-talented prince.

Why “The Gift of Song” is Worth the Effort

In a game defined by fast-paced combat and high-stakes escape attempts, The Gift of Song acts as a brilliant pacing mechanism. It rewards patience, curiosity, and routine. Taking a brief moment after a grueling run through Asphodel or Elysium to pluck awkwardly at the lyre encapsulates the heart of Hades: it’s a game where even the smallest, most seemingly pointless domestic habits contribute to a rich, evolving world filled with warmth, character growth, and unexpected charm.