Ormen Våge

Våge means “to dare”
The Dragon, however, was not chosen purely as protection for the children. In old Norse literature dragons are portrayed as much as obstacles to fight and overcome, as well as symbols of strength.
It is this duality that Stig Skjelvik found intriguing, and it is the same duality that makes it a valid symbol for any child about to dare a few steps out of the comfort zone. Whether the challenge at hand is overcoming personal obstacles or to prove, or expose, something to the outside world, the dragon is there to remind them that they can succeed. The name of the dragon, Våge, is the Norwegian verb that means to dare.  

Medieval inspiration
The shape of Våge is as modern as a dragon can possibly get – but the texture of the beast is deeply rooted in norse tradition, inspired by the stave churches. The bulk of the stave churches of Norway was built between 1100 and 1350. The few that still remain leave spectators in awe of the mythological ornaments and their artful shapes - yet Stig Skjelvik found the roofs of the stave churches to be the most magnificent work of art, as they were a integrated part of the dragon head decorations. The entire body of Våge is therefore built in the exact same manner as the roof of a stave church.

The roof shingles of the stave churches are all shaped as, and overlap each other like, reptilian scales. To endure they were made of ore-pine.

Contemporary magic
Every dragon holds a bit of magic – and magic is what Stig Skjelvik has created underneath the dragons tactile, handcrafted armour.  All hand painted with pine tar oil. At night the play in light reveals new patterns in the body and creates the illusion that the already dynamic figure, is in motion.