Mastering the Lyre: A Guide to Completing the Gift of Song Prophecy in Hades
The Gift of Song prophecy in Hades is a rewarding, albeit time-consuming, side quest that adds a touch of musical charm to Zagreus’s arduous journey. Completing it requires dedication, a little patience, and a good understanding of the mechanics involved.
To complete the Gift of Song prophecy, you need to strum the Lyre in Zagreus’s room a total of 210 times. After this, speak with Orpheus, the House Musician, to fulfill the prophecy and receive the reward of 2 Ambrosia.
Unlocking the Gift of Song: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to unlock and complete this melodic side quest:
- Acquire the Lyre: The first step is to purchase the Lyre from the House Contractor. It’s a room improvement that adds the instrument to Zagreus’s chambers. Check the contractor’s list of available jobs and purchase the Lyre when it becomes available.
- Strum the Lyre Regularly: Once the Lyre is in your room, interact with it. Zagreus will strum it. You must do this a grand total of 210 times. This doesn’t need to be done consecutively. In fact, it’s best done over many runs, interacting with it each time you return to the House of Hades.
- Talk to Orpheus (After the 210th Strum): The key here is to keep interacting with the Lyre until Zagreus makes a comment indicating that he feels like he has improved. Zag says the line “I can play” after the 210th attempt. This dialogue is your cue to seek out Orpheus.
- Locate Orpheus: Orpheus is usually found in the Courtyard area of the House of Hades. He is found to the left of the training yard. However, make sure that Orpheus is not currently singing a song. He may only be spoken to after the 210th time playing the lyre.
- Speak with Orpheus: Engage in a conversation with Orpheus. If you’ve met the requirement of strumming the Lyre 210 times, new dialogue options will appear related to Zagreus’s newfound musical talent. Orpheus will acknowledge Zagreus’s progress. He will remark on it, and be happy for Zag.
- Claim Your Reward: After speaking with Orpheus, the Gift of Song prophecy will be marked as complete on the Fated List. Head to the Fated List terminal to claim your reward: 2 Ambrosia. Ambrosia is a valuable resource used to deepen relationships with certain characters.
Tips and Tricks for Completing the Quest
- Consistency is Key: It’s easy to forget about the Lyre amidst the chaos of escaping the underworld. Make it a habit to interact with it every time you return to the House of Hades.
- Patience is a Virtue: 210 interactions is a significant number. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. The game is designed for long-term progression.
- Listen for Dialogue Cues: Pay attention to Zagreus’s dialogue when interacting with the Lyre. His comments will indicate your progress.
- Multitask: Strum the Lyre while you’re also deciding on your next escape attempt, equipping keepsakes, or interacting with other characters.
- Check the Fated List: Regularly check the Fated List to monitor your progress on the prophecy. This will keep you motivated.
Why Bother with the Gift of Song?
While the reward of 2 Ambrosia might not seem earth-shattering, the Gift of Song prophecy offers more than just material gain. It provides:
- Character Development: It adds a layer to Zagreus’s character, showcasing his desire to learn and improve.
- Worldbuilding: It enriches the atmosphere of the House of Hades, making it feel more like a home.
- A Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a long-term goal provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about completing the Gift of Song prophecy in Hades:
1. How many times do I really need to strum the Lyre?
The magic number is 210. While it might feel tedious, this is the required number of interactions to trigger the necessary dialogue and complete the prophecy.
2. Does it matter how I strum the Lyre?
Nope! Just interacting with it is enough. There’s no special technique or timing involved.
3. Do I have to talk to Orpheus every time I strum the Lyre?
No, only after the 210th strum (or when Zagreus makes the appropriate comment). Talking to him before won’t advance the quest.
4. What if Orpheus is always singing?
Just be patient. He’ll eventually stop singing. You can also leave the House of Hades on a run and return; this may reset his state.
5. What is Ambrosia used for?
Ambrosia is primarily used to max out relationships with certain characters in the game. This can unlock new story elements and rewards.
6. Can I complete the Gift of Song in a single run?
No, you cannot. You can only interact with the Lyre once per return to the House of Hades.
7. Is the Lyre the only instrument in the game?
No, Orpheus plays a stringed instrument as well, and music plays a significant role in the game’s atmosphere and narrative.
8. Does the Lyre have any effect on gameplay?
No, the Lyre is purely a cosmetic and quest-related item. It doesn’t provide any combat bonuses or abilities.
9. What other prophecies should I focus on?
Focus on prophecies that align with your playstyle and goals. Some good ones to start with are those that unlock new weapons or aspects. The game has many different avenues of progressing through it.
10. Is there a “true ending” to Hades?
Yes. To reach the true ending, you will need to defeat Hades 10 times and exhaust all of Persephone’s dialogue. This unlocks a quest line involving bonding with the Olympian Gods and a final cutscene.
11. Where can I find Diamonds for the House Contractor?
Diamonds can be earned by completing bounties (slaying the Bone Hydra in Asphodel) and completing certain Minor Prophecies.
12. How long does it take to 100% complete Hades?
While a basic playthrough might take around 22 hours, achieving 100% completion can take upwards of 95 hours, depending on your skill and dedication.
13. Is there a speedrunning community for Hades?
Yes, there is a thriving speedrunning community. The current world record is around 5 minutes and 57 seconds!
14. What is the significance of Orpheus in Greek Mythology?
In Greek Mythology, Orpheus was a legendary musician, poet, and prophet. His music was said to be so beautiful that it could charm animals and even move inanimate objects. His story is one of love, loss, and the power of music.
15. Are there educational aspects within Hades?
Absolutely! Hades is a great example of game-based learning. It exposes players to Greek mythology and history in an engaging and accessible way. It is of course a great representation of the power that games have to educate and inspire. Further research in game-based learning is available through the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Lyre and completing the Gift of Song prophecy in Hades. Now go, strum that Lyre, and make some music!