Fáfnir
The dwarf whom greed literally transformed into a dragon — whose blood, tasted, grants the language of birds.
Fáfnir murdered his father for cursed gold and, hoarding it in the wilderness, was transformed by his own clutching into a dragon. No Western story states the shadow-mechanism more nakedly: greed makes the monster from the man. Sigurd slays him, and — burning his thumb on the roasting heart — tastes the dragon's blood and instantly understands the speech of birds, who reveal betrayal and destiny alike. The hoard remains cursed; the true prize is the dragon's perception, received by taking its substance in.
The SGE Reading
Shadow's origin and gift's location in one tale: the monster is a contorted person, and integrating its substance confers its senses.
Canon Resonance
Counter-image to Bhutan's open claws: closed claws make a monster. And the gift is in the blood, not the gold.
A Micro-Practice
Ask of one thing you clutch: what is this grip slowly making of me? Loosen one finger this week.
Sources & Respect
Völsunga saga; Poetic Edda (Fáfnismál).