Unlocking the Music of the Underworld: A Guide to “The Gift of Song” in Hades

In Supergiant Games’ acclaimed rogue-like action game Hades, combat, escape attempts, and divine boons dominate most of your time. However, hidden beneath the frantic action and fast-paced weapon combos is a quieter, surprisingly emotional side-quest: “The Gift of Song.”

Tucked away on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, this quest transforms Zagreus’s personal quarters from a simple resting place into a space for artistic growth.

What is “The Gift of Song”?

“The Gift of Song” is a Minor Prophecy that challenges Zagreus to learn how to play the lyre. While the Underworld is a realm ruled by strict finality and gloomy corridors, this prophecy introduces a touch of vulnerability, patience, and beauty.

To fulfill the prophecy, Zagreus must practice the instrument with guidance from Orpheus, the melancholy court musician trapped in the House of Hades.

How to Unlock and Complete the Quest

Fulfilling this prophecy takes time, patience, and a lot of practice between escape attempts. Here are the core steps involved:

• Unlock the Fated List: Ensure you have unlocked the Fated List of Minor Prophecies via a Work Order from the House Contractor’s Services.
• Acquire the Lyre: Purchase the Lyre decoration for Zagreus’s bedchambers so you can interact with it.
• Consult Orpheus: Talk to Orpheus after giving him Nectar and hearing him speak about music or start singing again, prompting advice on how to play.
• Practice Repeatedly: Interact with the Lyre across multiple runs. At first, Zagreus will sound clumsy and discordant. As you continue to practice and check in with Orpheus between escape attempts, Zagreus’s skills gradually improve through distinct progression stages.
• Fulfillment: After reaching the final milestone where Zagreus plays a coherent, pleasant melody, speak with Orpheus one last time to complete the prophecy.

Thematic Parallels: Music and the Rogue-Like Loop

What makes “The Gift of Song” stand out isn’t just the mechanics—it’s how neatly it mirrors the core experience of playing Hades itself:

1. The Beginning Stage: Just like your first few dozen escape attempts—where failure comes swiftly and every encounter feels overwhelming—Zagreus’s initial notes on the lyre sound awkward and embarrassing.
2. The Middle Stage: With persistence, dialogue checkpoints, and repeated attempts, the notes begin to take shape, much like a player learning weapon movesets and boon synergies.
3. The Final Stage: Mastery requires returning to the same spot after every failed run, willing to sound foolish before sounding good.

The Reward

Upon successfully completing the prophecy, players are rewarded with two bottles of Ambrosia. Beyond the tangible in-game currency, the true reward is narrative: it bridges the gap between divine isolation and artistic expression, changing the acoustic atmosphere of the House of Hades.