Hades The Gift of Song Guide & Rewards

Striking a Chord: Understanding “The Gift of Song” in Hades

Supergiant Games’ acclaimed rogue-like masterpiece Hades is famous for its fast-paced combat, sprawling narrative, and rich Greek mythology. However, tucked away between frantic dashes and epic boss fights is one of the game’s most charming, slow-burn secrets: The Gift of Song.

This Minor Prophecy shifts the focus away from blood and darkness, inviting players to slow down and explore a softer side of the Underworld—one stringed note at a time.

What is “The Gift of Song”?

“The Gift of Song” is a prophecy listed on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies found in Zagreus’ room. The objective sounds simple yet humorous in concept: “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, Zagreus wants to learn how to play the lyre. At the start of the game, his musical attempts are hilariously bad—harsh, uncoordinated plucks that draw witty complaints from other characters in the House of Hades. The “solemn master” referred to in the prophecy is none other than Orpheus, the mournful court musician.

How the Journey Unfolds

Fulfilling the prophecy takes patience, making it a true badge of honor for dedicated players. Here is how the process generally works:

1. Acquiring the Lyre: Players can purchase the lyre for Zagreus’ bedroom via the House Contractor.
2. The Long Practice: Every time Zagreus returns home from an escape attempt, players can interact with the lyre. In the beginning, Zagreus will struggle, and the music will sound dissonant and clumsy.
3. Incremental Progress: As you progress through the game and interact with the lyre hundreds of times (roughly 200+ interactions), Zagreus’ internal dialogue changes. The awkward plucking slowly transforms into recognizable, pleasant melodies.
4. Consulting the Master: After hitting the milestone required for mastery, players must speak with Orpheus between escape attempts to trigger unique dialogue acknowledging Zagreus’ newfound musical talent.

Why It Matters: The Heart of the Underworld

While the reward for completing the prophecy is simply two Ambrosia (used to deepen relationships with the game’s characters), the true value of “The Gift of Song” lies in its atmosphere.

Hades excels at making the Crossroads feel like a living, breathing home. Systems like the lyre emphasize that growth in the game isn’t just about weapon upgrades or defeating foes; it’s also about personal hobbies, emotional healing, and connecting with friends like Orpheus and Eurydice.