Strumming to Salvation: Mastering “The Gift of Song” in Supergiant’s Hades
In Supergiant Games’ critically acclaimed rogue-like masterpiece Hades, death is rarely the end—it is merely a bureaucratic inconvenience, a reset button, and an opportunity to chat with an eclectic cast of Greek deities, shades, and mythical legends. While much of your time as the rebellious prince Zagreus is spent dashing, slashing, and dodging through Tartarus, some of the game’s most memorable moments happen back home in the House of Hades.
Among the many cozy downtime activities available to Zag, none tests a player’s sheer perseverance quite like a minor prophecy known as “The Gift of Song”.
If you have ever stared at Zagreus’ chamber lyre, winced at the god-awful screeching sounds it produces, and wondered if it was all an elaborate practical joke by the Fates, you are not alone.
What Is “The Gift of Song”?
Listed on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies in Zagreus’ bedroom, this quest bears a characteristically poetic description:
“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 gameplay terms, this prophecy charts Zagreus’ musical journey from an tone-deaf novice who couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket to a competent lyre player capable of impressing Orpheus, the legendary court musician.
Step 1: Unlocking the Prophecy
Before you can officially begin your training as an Underworld troubadour, you need to set the proper foundation:
- Unlock the Fated List: Purchase the Fated List of Minor Prophecies work order from the House Contractor using Gemstones.
- Buy the Lyre: Purchase the Lyre decoration for Zagreus’ bedroom from the House Contractor (costs 1 Diamond).
- Befriend Orpheus: Offer Nectar to Orpheus and check in on him periodically. Once you progress his relationship enough—such as hearing him sing again or telling him about your triumphant victory over the Bone Hydra—Orpheus will gently suggest that Zagreus try his hand at playing music.
- Check the Desk: Head back to your room; the prophecy will officially appear on your desk.
Step 2: The Long Grind (Plucking the Strings)
If you expect Zagreus to sit down and immediately shred a classical masterpiece, prepare for a sobering reality check. At the start, interacting with the lyre results in agonizingly discordant, wince-inducing twangs.
To complete the prophecy, you must interact with the lyre a staggering 210+ times. However, there is a crucial catch: you cannot just spam the interaction button 210 times in a row.
- The Progression Rule: Zagreus’ skill level and unique dialogue only update incrementally after specific runs and conversations.
- The Routine: Make it a habit to strum the lyre once or twice every single time you return to the House of Hades after a failed or successful escape attempt.
- Check-ins with Orpheus: Periodically speak with Orpheus between your string-plucking sessions. He will offer subtle progress updates, slowly transitioning from politely horrified to acknowledging that your terrible noise is actually starting to resemble a rhythm.
Step 3: The Sweet Reward
After dozens of escape attempts and hundreds of agonizingly out-of-tune plucks, you will finally hit the magic threshold. During one of your routine home visits, Zagreus will sit down, pluck the strings, and effortlessly produce a genuinely pleasant, melancholic melody.
A stunned Zagreus will remark on his newfound musical competence. From there, simply head back to the Fated List on your desk to fulfill the prophecy and claim your prize: 2x Ambrosia!
Why It Matters
In a game defined by relentless adrenaline, fast-paced combat, and high-stakes boss fights, “The Gift of Song” serves as a brilliant pacing mechanism. It rewards patience, mirrors Zagreus’ personal growth outside of combat, and reminds players that even the son of Hades has room to learn a hobby. So, keep pushing through Elysium, keep bringing Nectar to Orpheus, and don’t forget to practice your scales!
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