Mastering the Lyre: How to Complete “The Gift of Song” Prophecy in Hades
Supergiant Games’ critically acclaimed rogue-like Hades is celebrated not just for its fast-paced combat and rich storytelling, but also for the quiet, intimate moments shared between runs in the House of Hades. Among the many side objectives tucked away in the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, “The Gift of Song” stands out as one of the most charmingly tedious and rewarding goals for players looking to fully explore the game’s depth.
The prophecy itself bears a humorous premise: the son of the god of the dead shall someday learn to play music halfway decently through the teachings of a solemn master of the art. That master is none other than Orpheus, the house court musician whose melancholy tunes echo through the halls. However, transforming Zagreus from a tone-deaf novice into a competent lyre player requires a surprising amount of dedication, patience, and repetitive button-mashing between attempts to escape the Underworld.
Unlocking the Music
Before you can pursue the prophecy, you first need to acquire the right equipment. Once you unlock the Fated List of Minor Prophecies via the House Contractor, you will eventually see the option to purchase a Lyre for Zagreus’ bedchambers. Buying it allows you to walk up to the instrument and interact with it.
When you first start plucking the strings, Zagreus plays with hilariously discordant results, generating groans or awkward notes that make it clear he has a long way to go. To trigger “The Gift of Song” prophecy on your list, you also need to build a rapport with Orpheus. By giving him Nectar and chatting with him after successful or failed escape attempts, he will eventually offer advice or suggest that Zagreus try his hand at playing music more seriously.
The Grind of the Strings
Fulfilling the prophecy is a test of long-term persistence rather than immediate skill. To master the lyre, you must interact with it a total of 210 times. Because the game tracks your progress across multiple checkpoints (typically around 10, 60, 110, and 210 total interactions), you cannot simply stand in your room and spam the button all at once.
Instead, a practical routine involves playing the lyre a few times after returning from a run, then heading out to chat with characters around the House. As you hit each milestone, Zagreus’ internal dialogue changes, and his musical competence visibly improves. What starts as random, painful plinking slowly transforms into recognizable, pleasant melodies.
The Final Crescendo
Once you reach the final threshold of interactions, Zagreus will finally play a cohesive, beautiful tune to himself. Your next step is to seek out Orpheus. Recognizing your dedication, the court musician will offer high praise for your newfound talent, formally sealing the milestone.
Head back to your bedchambers, open up the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, and clear the completed task to collect your reward of two Ambrosia. While Ambrosia is immensely valuable for deepening bonds with the various gods and denizens of the Greek pantheon, the true reward of “The Gift of Song” is the satisfying narrative progression—proving that even a blood-soaked prince escaping the depths can find time to master a classical instrument.
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