Why do linnorms have death curse?

[Yqatuba]

I've always thought it was cool ability, but never got exactly why they have it. I figure it's something like one final twisted act of malice/revenge before they die. Also if a whole party is fighting one do they all get cursed or does just the person who did the killing blow get it?

[Bob Bob Bob]

Linnorms are heavily inspired by Lindworms. Seriously, the Father of All Linnorms is Fafnheir. Now where the curse specifically comes from I don't know. The Wagner version of the Nibelungenleid has the ring that transformed Fafnir cursed to pass on misfortune to whoever had it. I think some versions might have the gold it made cursed as well. That's my best guess.

[Dragonchess Player]

In Pathfinder, the linnorms have also been presented as being influenced by/originating from/tied to the First World. It isn't uncommon for fey creatures to curse their killers.