Gift of Song Hades: How to Get and Use It Effectively

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

Supergiant Games’ Hades is celebrated for its adrenaline-fueled combat, brilliant writing, and unforgettable soundtrack. But amidst the blood, sweat, and repeated deaths in the Underworld, one of the most endearing side objectives has nothing to do with cleaving foes with the Stygian Blade.

Tucked away on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies is a deceptively simple, highly amusing quest known as “The Gift of Song.” Its 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 takes patience, a lot of Nectar, and a surprising amount of finger-blistering repetition on a humble stringed instrument.

Setting the Stage: How to Unlock the Quest

Before Zagreus can become a musical prodigy, you need to lay the groundwork in the House of Hades.

1. Acquire the Lyre: Check the House Contractor’s services. You will need to purchase the Lyre for your bedchambers (unlocked via a Work Order).
2. Consult the Master: Build a rapport with Orpheus, the melancholy court musician. Give him Nectar, listen to his songs, and progress his dialogue until he eventually comments on your musical aspirations (or lack thereof) after hearing you pluck away.
3. Accept the Prophecy: Check your desk to officially view “The Gift of Song” on the Fated List.

The Grind: From Cacophony to Melody

When you first interact with the Lyre in Zagreus’ room, the experience is painful. Zagreus awkwardly plucks a few strings, resulting in a clanging, discordant noise that sounds like a dying animal. Even Zagreus himself will audibly groan at how terrible he sounds.

Completing the prophecy requires raw, unyielding dedication:

• The Interaction Threshold: You must interact with the Lyre a total of over 210 times.
• The Progression Checkpoints: Zagreus doesn’t magically learn overnight. His progress occurs in milestones across multiple runs. You can’t just spam the button 210 times in one go and finish it; you need to play a batch of notes, venture out into a run, die (or escape), return, and try again.
• The Audio Evolution: As your interaction count climbs past specific checkpoints (roughly around 10, 60, 110, and 210 plays), the audio changes. Zagreus transitions from random, uncoordinated plinks to playing brief, recognizable motifs. Eventually, he stops insulting his own playing and remarks that he’s actually getting the hang of it.

The Grand Finale

Once you cross the invisible threshold of roughly 210 plays and Zagreus executes a smooth, fluid musical piece, your next step is to visit Orpheus.