Echoes in the Underworld: Unlocking “The Gift of Song” in Hades

Supergiant Games’ critically acclaimed rogue-like Hades is a masterclass in blending fast-paced combat with rich, slow-burn narrative progression. While much of your time as Zagreus is spent hacking and slashing your way through frantic mythological hordes, the House of Hades offers quiet spaces of reflection. Among the most charming, deceptively deep, and notoriously persistent side quests in the game is the Minor Prophecy known as “The Gift of Song”.

The Weight of a Broken Melody

At its core, “The Gift of Song” is tied to Orpheus, the House court musician, and his tragic separation from his muse, Eurydice. When you first encounter Orpheus in the administrative corner of the House, he is a shadow of his legendary mythic self—silent, grief-stricken, and convinced that his music has lost all meaning.

Fixing Orpheus isn’t just about handing over Nectar; it requires emotional labor, eavesdropping on the underworld, and bridging the gap between the gloomy House of Hades and Asphodel’s fiery depths, where Eurydice makes her home. By carrying messages back and forth between the estranged lovers, you eventually inspire Orpheus to pick up his voice and sing once more, injecting warmth and soulful tracks like “Good Riddance” back into the audio landscape of the game.

Strumming the Lyre: Zagreus’ Musical Journey

The prophecy of “The Gift of Song” isn’t just about watching Orpheus heal; it implicates Zagreus directly. Early in the game, players can purchase a Lyre from the House Contractor using a Diamond. Interacting with it yields hilariously discordant, painful plucks, prompting Zagreus to remark on how terrible he sounds.

Completing the prophecy requires a staggering amount of dedication. Players must interact with the Lyre repeatedly—roughly upwards of 200 times, specifically checking in and strumming it after returning from escape attempts. Over time, Zagreus transitions from a tone-deaf novice to someone who can actually play a coherent tune. Once your proficiency crosses a hidden threshold and you consult with Orpheus, the prophecy is fulfilled, rewarding you with Ambrosia and a profound sense of musical accomplishment.

More Than Just a Quest

In a game defined by violence, escaping hell, and familial friction, “The Gift of Song” serves as a thematic anchor. It reminds players that art and expression are powerful counterweights to suffering. Whether it’s Orpheus rediscovering his muse or Zagreus painfully practicing chords in his spare bedroom between runs, the quest underscores the human (and divine) need for creativity, patience, and emotional catharsis in the darkest of places.

Hades Completing The Gift of Song prophecy guide

This video provides a helpful visual walkthrough of the steps and requirements needed to finally master the lyre and complete the prophecy.
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