Cauldron

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This article is about the main meta-progression in Hades II. For the first Hades equivalent, see House Contractor.

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This article contains detailed information about Hades or Hades II that may spoil your enjoyment of discovering the game's secrets for yourself.
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The Cauldron, located in the cauldron area of The Crossroads, is a gameplay mechanic where Melinoë can craft various Incantations and Alchemy to help her in her quest to defeat Chronos. It is the main meta-progression system in Hades II.

The Cauldron is unavailable during the first night due to Hecate needing to purify it.

Incantations


Incantation	Description	Cost	Prerequisite(s)	Quote	Chant
Dissolution of Time	Suppress the ability for Chronos to reconstitute himself night after night.	? ?	Defeat Chronos once and talk to Hecate	It is said that Time cannot be stopped; but many such assertions are not always strictly true
Disintegration of Monstrosity	Turn the boundless strength and rage of Typhon against him when he is weakened.	? ?	Defeat Typhon multiple times and talk to Hecate each time to trigger conversations about this incantation	With sufficiently powerful reagents and intent, even immortality can be undone
Return of Latent Memories	Compel the Shade called Dora to remember something about her long-forgotten mortal days.	? ? ?	Talk to Dora after confronting Prometheus Fight Prometheus to trigger a possible conversation about Dora Talk to Dora again Fight Prometheus to trigger a second conversation about Dora Talk to Dora to obtain this Incantation	One's memory can deceive, warping the record of reality to suit the mind's whims; restoring it is delicate work
Permeation of Witching-Wards	Gain the ability to traverse Warded gateways, such as the one leading to the Surface...	3 1 1	Spoke to Hecate twice after learning about the plight on the Surface from Hermes	The wards fend off no foe but rather prevent an inexperienced Princess from venturing too far	The wards for my protection I dispel, For I am ready now for heaven as hell!
Unraveling a Fateful Bond	Forestall the effects of your bloodline's ancient Life-draining curse that bars you from the surface.	2 2 2 2	Permeation of Witching-Wards unlocked Spoke to Moros after venturing to the Surface	The Fates deigned that those born of the Underworld are to be bound there; but that was then and this is now	My blood is bound by fates, yet blood runs free; as it would spill upon the surface, I must be
Fated Intervention	Beseech the Three Fates to lend their aid in a time of great need.	1 2 2	Unlocked Night's Craftwork (needed to gather )	Not even the Titan of Time ought be able to escape what the Fates may have in store for him... whatever that may be	O daughters of Night, who can see all tomorrows, Please help me revenge both our families' sorrows
Doomed Beckoning	Beseech Moros to reappear, in accordance with the will of the Three Fates.	1 3	Met Moros	The Three Fates believe there is more for their brother to do, now that their List is delivered	Hear me, O Doom, hear my voice from afar, I need beseech you, wherever you are
End to Deepest Slumber	Attempt to stir Hypnos from his dormant state. Grants +1 .	1 2 3	Gifted at least 2 to Hypnos Gathered at least 1 Then initiate conversation with Hypnos	Most slumber ends quickly and naturally, but a rare variety requires special care	Sleep is not Death, for the sleeping awake..
Purification of Crystal Clarity	Restores the water surrounding Narcissus, so that he may carry on fawning over himself.	3 3 3	Visit and interact with both Narcissus and Echo multiple times, then trigger a specific interaction with Nemesis.	If to love oneself to such an extent truly is a curse, then those thusly cursed perhaps are the fortunate ones.	Where once shone beautiful a flower's soul, Run clear again, you waters; make him whole.
Aspects of Night and Darkness	Reveal Aspects within the The Silver Pool that further empower each Main Weapon.	5 1	Unlocked all of the available Nocturnal Arms (except Black Coat) and defeated Hecate with each weapon	The Nocturnal Arms belong to no one, but may be persuaded to let trusted bearers choose their form	As bearer of the Fated Arms of Night, I seek their Aspects hidden from my sight
Consecration of Ashes	Enhance the Altar of Ashes so that you can unlock the potential of your Arcana. Grants +3 .	6 1 6	Have Arcana Cards unlocked	The sufficiently experienced and well-traveled witch can draw still more from the past	O Altar of Ashes beneath which I stand, Fulfill your true purpose that I know firsthand
Abyssal Insight	Activate the Pitch-Black Stone in the Training Grounds, then attempt its Trials for .	2 2 2 2	Convert 3+ Chaos Curses into Blessings, then talk to Chaos	It is opaque, and yet the experienced witch knows there is a way to peer within	As ancient Chaos beckoned me to say, Awake, O monument of Night; I shall obey!
Abyssal Reflection	Gain the ability to re-attempt cleared Chaos Trials at the Pitch-Black Stone for modest rewards of .	6 2 1	Completed at least 6 Chaos Trials or more	Creation is a process as well as a result; completion is an opportunity to start anew	O essences of Chaos, heed my voice. In your potential I have made my choice
Faith of Familiar Spirits	Turn trusted beasts into your Animal Familiars. Grants +1 .	1 2	Defeated Hecate 5 times Gathered with the Crescent Pick and Silver Spade 2 times each, and 1 time with the Tablet of Peace.	While not all Familiars are beasts, the unwavering nature of such creatures often makes them suitable	To all my beast companions near and far, Let us protect each other, soul and scar
Attending a Faithful Beast	Rest your Animal Familiars in the Training Grounds, then manifest +25% resources with them.	1 3	Spent at least 2 on Animal Familiars.	Even the most tireless of beasts would not say no to the occasional bit of recovery	My choice is hereby made, my path is set!
Bravery of Familiar Spirits	Grow your bond with Animal Familiars, to make them stronger with each treat. Grants +1 .	1 3	Spent at least 3 or more on Animal Familiars (lifetime)	Familliars, much like any of us, possess latent strength they may discover in due time	By moonlight and the dust of ancient bone, Awaken in this cauldron the unknown
Greater Favor of Gaia	Reveal enhancements within the The Silver Pool that further empower each Gathering Tool.	4 2 4	Unlocked all Gathering Tools at the The Silver Pool Gathering of Ancient Bones unlocked	The Tools of the Unseen avail their purest form to those familiar with their connection to this world	Night's Craftwork, you revealed yourselves to me; Your true connection to the Earth, I see
Acceptance of Another Fate	Salute the Oath of the Unseen to change your Fate prior to setting forth this night, if you wish....	7 7 7	Insight Into Offerings unlocked Favored of All Keepsakes unlocked Spreading the Ashes unlocked Obtained the second statue of the The Night's Champion, by conquering both Underworld and Surface routes at 16 Fear Defeated Chronos 7 times or more Defeated Typhon 7 times or more	An incantation for the superstitious and the bold, for who can say what the Fates had in store for us to begin with?	As the Three Fates would have it, so shall I...!
Night's Craftwork	Reveal Gathering Tools within the The Silver Pool. Unlock them to gather , , and more.	1	None	The Earth yields its splendors readily to those bearing Night's silver and a worthy purpose	Dark of Chaos, light of Moon, heed now my will!
Divination of the Elements	Reveal hidden elemental affinities of various Boons; Olympians will offer Boons that use these.	5	Fought Scylla at least once Spoken to Zeus at least once	The world's near-limitless possibilities are composed of a scarce few elementary particles	Within the Boons of Mount Olympus I would see Their elemental essences, my victory
Forget-Me-Not	Improve your memory. Press Y/Right Click on recipes for at-a-glance reminders for which resources you need.	1	Flourishing Soil unlocked Fated Intervention unlocked	While witchcraft often demands careful memorization, there are tools as well as spells to aid with this	Kataskion aski!
Path to Desired Blessings	While viewing Boons in the Book of Shadows, press Y/Right Click to track any offering requirements.	1 2	Insight Into Offerings unlocked Completed the Underworld route 2 times or more Completed the Surface route 2 times or more	Blessing are fickle by nature, much like the gods themselves; but so too do they have their patterns	Kataskion aski!
Spreading the Ashes	Enhance the Altar of Ashes to preserve up to 6 different arrangements of your Arcana.	30 2	Have Arcana Cards unlocked. Consecration of Ashes unlocked. Have 28 or more Spent at least 10 or more	Various possibilities always exist, however unlikely; the experienced witch considers more and more	Kataskion aski!
Favored of All Keepsakes	Prioritize a Keepsake to re-equip it automatically whenever you return to The Crossroads.	1 2 2	Unlocked 24 or more Keepsakes through gifting	To draw the power from an artifact, It can be necessary to focus on it, until that process becomes second nature	Askion kataski!
Reagent Sensing	After Encounters, become alerted to any valuable resources in the area.	1	Gathered 5 (see Night's Craftwork)	The experienced witch can quickly spot useful reagents most would readily ignore	Damname aision!
Insight Into Offerings	Reveal a complete list of each Olympian's Boons (among other details) in the Book of Shadows.	2 1 2	Gifted at least 1 to each: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Apollo, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hestia, Artemis, Hermes, Chaos	Through connection to the gods may come a greater depth of knowledge of their power	Damname aision!
Summoning of Mercantile Fortune	Persuade the Wretched Broker to appear, with whom you may trade for various resources.	10	None	Bones of the dead remain a valuable commodity to those who know their secrets	By blood and darkness, let my will be done!
Deathly Fortune	Update the Wretched Broker to trade in exchange for plants and other surplus goods.	1 1	Summoning of Mercantile Fortune unlocked Night's Craftwork unlocked Flourishing Soil unlocked	The Broker suffers from botanophobia due to death-related circumstances	Askion kataski!
Kinship Fortune	Update the Wretched Broker inventory with exotic goods suitable for gifting. Grants +1.	60	Summoning of Mercantile Fortune unlocked Night's Craftwork unlocked	Many traditions are difficult to break, and the Olympian gift-giving custom is one	By light of Moon, together let us shape reality!
Earthly Fortune	Update the Wretched Broker to bestow in exchange for recycling most any surplus resource.	100	Gifted to Dora once Triggered the specific interaction with Dora Have at least 40 progression upgrades or more (e.g., Incantations, unlocking Nocturnal Arms, unlocking Familiars, Relationships.)	The experienced witch uses no more than what is required; the rest is for Gaia to keep safe	Askion kataski!
Rise of Stygian Wells	Cause Locations in the Underworld to sometimes contain a Well of Charon	1 1	Earned at least 1 Obol Points	The Titan of Time called for all the Boatman's wells to be buried, as they could not be destroyed	Hear me, O Shades, on my authority: Give my demand all due priority
Surge of Stygian Wells	Cause a Well of Charon to appear in the space between each Underworld Region.	3 3	Rise of Stygian Wells unlocked Cleansing of Fountain-Waters unlocked Earned 3,000 (lifetime) Faced Hecate at least once	The Boatman's wells once were available only to those with the authority to cross the Underworld unfettered	As the Three Fates would have it; so shall I...!
Rush of Fresh Air	Cause Locations on the Surface to sometimes contain a Shrine of Hermes	3 2 1	Permeation of Witching-Wards unlocked Surge of Stygian Wells unlocked Summoning a Colony of Bats unlocked	A quick prayer to the god of swiftness can make all the difference in one's travels	Fire and Earth, between heaven and hell, Make manifest my thoughts; complete my spell
Surge of Fresh Air	Cause a Shrine of Hermes to appear in the space between each Surface Region.	2 2 2	Rush of Fresh Air unlocked Earned 6,000 (lifetime)	When traveling long distances, there are ways to make certain the god of swiftness takes notice	Great mother Gaia, listen to my heart's desire!
Surge of Desecrating Pool	Cause a Pool of Purging to always appear in the space between each Underworld Region.	2 1	Completed the Underworld route at least once Purged at least 3 Boons with Pool of Purging in the Tartarus's resting area.	The Underworld was never in the jurisdiction of the Olympian gods, and their influence was to be washed away	Shades of the Dead, reagents in the pot, Heed now my plea, become what I have sought
Woodsy Lifespring	Reveal a hidden glade in Erebus, where you may restore some amid the gloom.	1 3	Night's Craftwork unlocked Fated Intervention unlocked Reagent Sensing unlocked Forget-Me-Not unlocked	Infused with moonlight, some fresh water seeps from high above down into Erebus	Askion kataski!
Briny Lifespring	Reveal a hidden chamber in Oceanus, where you may restore some in peace.	3 3	Woodsy Lifespring unlocked	A purified spring can be difficult to locate in the depths of the sea	Damnaski traxon!
Golden Lifespring	Reveal a hidden chamber in Tartarus, where you may restore some and elude your foes.	3 3	Briny Lifespring unlocked Faced Chronos at least once	Among the countless interlocking chambers of Tartarus, few provide any sense of calm	Askion kataski!
Sandy Lifespring	Reveal a hidden isle in the Rift of Thessaly, where you may restore amid the tumult.	3 3	Briny Lifespring unlocked Faced Eris at least once	Once an enchanted glade, this bit of land survived when the surrounding countryside split in twain	Damnaski traxon!
Frozen Lifespring	Reveal a hidden isle in the Mount Olympus, where you may restore some in quiet solitude.	3 3	Sandy Lifespring unlocked Faced Prometheus at least once	Life-giving waters flow through the mountain, gathered in hidden aqueducts forgotten even by the gods	Kataskion aski!
Cleansing of Fountain-Waters	Enhance Fountains so that they restore +10% .	1 1	Woodsy Lifespring unlocked	Water is a source of life, even for immortals; yet must freely flow to achieve its potential	Kataskion aski!
Purification of Fountain-Waters	Enhance Fountains so that they restore an additional +10% .	1 1	Cleansing of Fountain-Waters unlocked	Eliminating any traces of stagnation and contamination from water fulfills its life-giving purpose	Kataskion aski!
Propensity Toward Gold	Reveal Golden Urns in various Locations, which yield up to 15 once shattered.	1 1	Kindred Keepsakes unlocked Earned 1,500 (lifetime)	Promises of unimaginable riches were enough to swell the ranks of the Titan's legions	By moonlight and the dust of ancient bone, Awaken in this cauldron the unknown
Summoning a Colony of Bats	Make use of All-Seeing Bats in their cages around the City of Ephyra, to better orient yourself there.	3 3	Permeation of Witching-Wards unlocked	These bats were not freed from their cages, so much as forced to flee their homes	Damnaski traxon!
Reviving a Mournful Husk	Make use of Golden Boughs in the Fields of Mourning, to better orient yourself there.	1	Reached the Fields of Mourning	Saplings of surface origin that once shone like gold, and instilled a clarity of purpose	Kataskion aski!
Temporal Fluctuation	Remove immunity from Chronos to time-altering effects such as the Hex of Phase Shift.	3 7 3	Used Phase Shift on Chronos or equipped Eternity while facing him at least once	Time marches ever forward, yet perception of its passage is susceptible to certain influence	Fire and Earth, between heaven and hell, Make manifest my thoughts; complete my spell
Gathering of Ancient Bones	Cause a random Main Weapon each night to have Grave Thirst, granting after each Location.	2	Summoning of Mercantile Fortune unlocked Unlocked the Sister Blades at the The Silver Pool	Each night, one of the Nocturnal Arms nearby the Silver Pool shall take on a deathlike pallor	I ask of you, Spirits of Earth and Night, To take away this pain, that we may fight!
Kindred Keepsakes	Manifest your collection of Keepsakes in the spaces separating each Region.	4 1 2	Defeated Hecate at least once Woodsy Lifespring unlocked	To keep those dear to you in your heart is to have the strength to press on	If Time cannot be stopped, then we shall see; If spill my blood I must, so mote it be...!
Rage of the Elements	Re-energize the gods' statues on Mount Olympus which you may then use to repel your foe.	4 1 2	Frozen Lifespring unlocked Faced Typhon at least once	Those who rule the world can turn the very essence of reality against their foes	Damname aision!
Circles of Protection	Activate Warding Circles found throughout Erebus, to then use to your advantage.	2 2	Faced Hecate at least once Faced Polyphemus at least once Gathering of Ancient Bones unlocked Necromantic Influence unlocked Exhumed Troves unlocked Rush of Fresh Air unlocked Surge of Fresh Air unlocked	A shape as perfect as it is inconspicuous, and can ward off all that is not meant to be within	I ask of you, Spirits of Earth and Night, To take away this pain, that we may fight!
Circles of the Moon	Whenever you activate Warding Circles, fully recharge your Hex if it's not ready.	4 1	Used Hex at least once Circles of Protection unlocked	On some nights, the Moon forms a perfect circle in the sky. That very shape is key to a strong connection	If Time cannot be stopped, then we shall see; If spill my blood I must, so mote it be...!
Necromantic Influence	Gain the ability to Sprint into any Lone Shades you encounter to turn them against your foes.	5 5	Woodsy Lifespring unlocked Gathering of Ancient Bones unlocked Have 21	The bloodline of the Underworld's true King and Queen as yet commands authority	Come, Spirits of the Dead, I have a task for you!
Exhumed Troves	Cause Locations throughout the Underworld to sometimes contain an Infernal Trove.	1 5	Summoning of Mercantile Fortune unlocked Woodsy Lifespring unlocked Kindred Keepsakes unlocked	Riches pilfered from the Underworld are now in the Titan's hold, though his grip may be loosened}}	Shades of the Dead, reagents in the pot, Heed now my plea, become what I have sought
Eyes of Night and Darkness	Causes Locations to sometimes contain a Moon Monument or an Unseen Sigil.	2 2	Faced Chronos at least once. Faced Polyphemus at least once Exhumed Troves unlocked Arisen Troves unlocked	Long did the Unseen bide their time, but now the time for shadowplay is ended	Here me Selene, if you so desire: Aid me in finding that which I require!
Arisen Troves	Cause Locations upon the surface to sometimes contain an Infernal Trove.	1 3	Faced Eris at least once Unraveling a Fateful Bond unlocked Exhumed Troves unlocked	A reminder to surface-dwellers that when gods and Titans are at war, the world entire pays the price	Hear me, O Shades, on my authority: Give my demand all due priority
Ashen Memories of Life	Whenever you claim rewards of , gain +5.	50 3 3	Gathered 530 (lifetime) Gathered 2,500 (lifetime) Gathered 5,300 (lifetime) Gathered 35 (lifetime)	Never again can ashes become that which they used to be, though faint traces of their past sometimes remain	O essences of Chaos, heed my voice. In your potential I have made my choice
Bones of Arcane Wisdom	Whenever you claim rewards of , gain +5.	3 3 3	Gathered 530 (lifetime) Gathered 2,500 (lifetime) Gathered 5,300 (lifetime) Gathered 35 (lifetime)	The nature of bones is that they can be strong and brittle both at once	Upon my birthright, I command the Dark to aid my task and with me find my mark
Nectar of Godly Savor	Whenever you claim rewards of , gain +1 .	3 3 3	Gathered 530 (lifetime) Gathered 2,500 (lifetime) Gathered 5,300 (lifetime) Gathered 35 (lifetime)	The gods themselves use this drink to strengthen their connections with each other	Shades of the Dead, reagents in the pot, Heed now my plea, become what I have sought
Rite of Social Solidarity	Restore the Crossroads Taverna, where Shades and others rest and recover. Grants +1.	2 2	Gifted 12 or more	After the House of Hades fell, those loyal to the Underworld King struggled to keep their spirits high	Dark of Chaos, light of Moon, heed now my will!
Rite of Vapor-Cleansing	Restore the Crossroads Hot Springs, so they may be used (min. two guests at a time). Grants +1.	2 2 2	Arrival of Moros at the Crossroads Gifted 6 or more to various NPCs	The roiling and neglected waters of the spring draw heat from the River Phlegethon somewhere below	By blood and darkness, let my will be done!
Rite of River-Fording	Restore the Crossroads Fishing Pier, so it may be used (min. two guests at a time). Grants +1.	2 4	Gifted 12 or more Rod of Fishing unlocked (see Night's Craftwork)	It was an ill portent when the River Cocytus flooded, and the pier was sealed off in all due haste	By light of Moon, together let us shape reality!
Observance of Gaia's Secrets	Gain +20% chance to find +1 resources whenever you gather them by hand.	5 5	Unlocked all Gathering Tools at the The Silver Pool	Like all living things, plants have their preferences and affinities for certain things	Kataskion aski!
Flourishing Soil	Create two Soil Plots, for growing and other plants. Grants +1.	1	Gathered 6 or more	The bounties of Gaia are hers to give or to withhold; asking nicely couldn't hurt	Great Tree of Life, please listen to my thoughts!
Rich Soil	Create two additional Soil Plots near the grove.	3	Flourishing Soil unlocked Harvested at least 1 and 1	From Earth herself, the miracle of everlasting life may flourish, climate permitting	Kataskion aski!
Verdant Soil	Create two final Soil Plots near the grove.	1 1	Rich Soil unlocked	The support of a gardener often is the difference between a thriving plant and a mere husk	Askion kataski!
Summoning of Musical Rhapsody	Persuade the Music Maker to appear, who can perform a variety of renowned melodies.	1 1	Obtained all Decorations in the Crossroads Taverna Triggered the specific interaction with Dora Spent at least 500 or more	Apollo, in his generosity, shared a wonderous talent for creating beautiful music with a select few	My choice is hereby made, my path is set!
Shuffling of Noted Ballads	Induce the Music Maker to optionally choose which melodies to play based on whim alone.	1 1 2	Summoning of Musical Rhapsody unlocked Purchased 5 songs with Music Maker or more	One cannot always know exactly what one wishes to hear unless one's soul is listening	Come, Spirits of the Dead, I have a task for you!
Summoning of Historic Travails	Persuade the Learned Sage to appear, with whom you may review the outcomes of your every night.	3 1	Summoning of Mercantile Fortune unlocked Rite of Social Solidarity unlocked Defeated Polyphemus at least once Defeated Chronos at least once	With knowledge of the past, future outcomes still cannot be anticipated; but it can make one interesting	Boil, bounties of the earth; grant what I seek!
Summoning of Personal Insights	Persuade the Record Keeper to appear, from whom you may learn enlightening statistical details.	2 2	Summoning of Mercantile Fortune unlocked Rite of Social Solidarity unlocked Defeated Chronos at least once	The House of Hades kept meticulous track of things, an art still practiced here and there	Come, Spirits of the Dead, I have a task for you!
Empath's Intuition	Update the Book of Shadows with insight into relationship status with one's acquaintances.	3 1	Unlocked 7 or more Keepsakes through gifting Gathered 3 or more	If not even the deathless gods can fully understand the needs of others, what hope do mortals have?	The power to change..

Alchemy


Name	Description	Cost	Whiles	Quote	Chant
Shadow Extraction	Manifest +1, used for powerful incantations.	30 30 3	12	There are shadows that we can cast, there are shadows that dance in the candlelight, and then there is this	Essences of Shadow, to the surface rise
Beast-Loved Morsel	Cook +2, with which to compel Animal Familiars.	1 2	14	An acquired taste even for beasts of particular refinement, ensuring only the strongest, purest bonds	The power to create..
Moonlit Essence from Shadow	Brew +5, with which to upgrade Arcana.	1 1	8	Light and shadow are neith in opposition nor separable, though they can be melded like anything else	The power to create..
Moonlit Essence from Stars	Brew +3, with which to upgrade Arcana.	1	4	Faint flickers of the first light of creation yet retain their original potential	The power to change..
Sweet Nectar	Brew +3, a delectable substance suitable for gifting.	1	8	The very best kind can only be brewed in a particular spot on Olympus, but a decent substitute can be had elsewhere	Come savor, unrivaled from heights of Olympus, to depths of the sea!

Note

Shadow Extraction Alchemy is unlocked by default after triggering specific interactions with Hecate about Hermes’ return and Melinoë’s attempt to remove the ward blocking access to the Surface.
Beast-Loved Morsel Alchemy can be unlocked by:
- Unlocking the Abyssal Insight Incantation
- Unlocking the Faith of Familiar Spirits Incantation
- Unlocking at least one Animal Familiar
Moonlit Essence from Shadow Alchemy can be unlocked by:
- Unlocking the Consecration of Ashes Incantation and inspecting the Insights section of the Arcana Cards
- Unlocking the Abyssal Insight Incantation
Moonlit Essence from Stars Alchemy can be unlocked by:
- Spending at least 1 (lifetime total) on upgrading Familiar abilities
- Spending at least 3 (lifetime total) on any upgrades
- Unlocking the Consecration of Ashes Incantation and inspecting the Insights section of the Arcana Cards
Sweet Nectar Alchemy can be unlocked by:
- Having at least 1 in your inventory
- Reaching at least 1 Heart with Aphrodite by gifting her and obtaining the Beautiful Mirror Keepsake

This triggers a unique interaction during a later meeting, where Aphrodite grants the Sweet Nectar recipe directly.

Trivia

Melinoë's incantations consist of different combinations of the best-known Ephesia Grammata ("Ephesian Letters", ancient Greek magical formulas): "aski(on) kataski(on) lix tetrax damnameneus aision (aisia)”. The language philosopher Androcydes proposed an interpretation of the formula: aski as "darkness”, kataski as "brightness" (brightness being necessary in order to cast shadows), lix as an ancient term for "Earth", tetrax as the year (the four seasons), damnameneus as "Sun”, and aisia as "Logos". Most scholars believe these to be meaningless words that protected those who could pronounce them correctly, their power residing in their sound, while they were ineffective if mispronounced.