Hades: How to Complete The Gift of Song Prophecy

In Supergiant Games’ critically acclaimed rogue-like masterpiece Hades, combat is only half the experience. Between frantic dashes through Asphodel and brutal showdowns with the God of the Dead, Zagreus returns to the House of Hades to unwind, talk to old friends, and manage domestic affairs. Among the most charming and notoriously persistent side goals in the game is the Fated List prophecy known as “The Gift of Song.”

For a game driven by adrenaline, twitch-reflex combat, and fast-paced God-builds, “The Gift of Song” asks for something entirely different: patience, repetition, and an appreciation for the musical arts.

The Premise: From Clanging Cords to Melodies

The prophecy carries the understated 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.”

When you first purchase the Lyre from the House Contractor for your bedchambers (using 1 Diamond, assuming Orpheus has already been freed and returned to his duties), interacting with it yields a painful sonic experience. Zagreus plucks the strings with all the grace of a collapsing bridge, resulting in discordant, wincing notes that make it entirely clear why the Prince of the Underworld is a novice.

Yet, as with everything in Hades, persistence pays off.

How to Complete “The Gift of Song”

Fulfilling the prophecy requires a mix of resource management, progression, and a considerable amount of manual grinding:

1. Unlock the Prerequisites: You must first free Orpheus by completing the “Reluctant Musician” task, buy the Lyre for your room via the House Contractor, and get Orpheus singing again by deepening your bond with him and progressing through the main narrative.
2. Consult the Fated List: Accept “The Gift of Song” prophecy from the desk in Zagreus’ room.
3. The Long Grind of Practice: Zagreus has to practice playing the Lyre over the course of many runs. In total, players must interact with the instrument roughly 210 times. Crucially, you cannot just stand there and spam the button; Zagreus will only register a set number of practice sessions per visit to his room.
4. The Auditory Evolution: As your interaction count creeps upward across milestones (around 10, 60, 110, and 210 plays), something wonderful happens: the audio actually changes. The agonizing clangs slowly turn into recognizable, albeit hesitant, little melodies. Zagreus’ internal voice lines will shift from self-deprecating groans to quiet satisfaction (“Not bad,” or recognizing a tune).
5. Check in with the Master: After hitting progress checkpoints and hearing Zagreus comment on his improved playing, seek out Orpheus in the House. Dialogue milestones with the court musician eventually trigger the final realization that Zagreus can play “halfway decently.”

The Reward

Once the prophecy is fulfilled, returning to the Fated List awards you with 2x Ambrosia. Mechanically, Ambrosia is a precious late-game commodity used to max out companion bonds and deepen relationships with the pantheon.

However, for most players, the true reward is narrative and atmospheric. Hearing the literal sonic payoff—transforming from a boy making terrible noise in a lonely bedroom into someone capable of strumming a soothing tune—mirrors Zagreus’ overall journey of self-actualization. It is a quiet reminder that even in a realm ruled by a cold, authoritarian god of death, art, patience, and a little bit of practice can bring a bit of harmony to the Underworld.