Turandot in Quiet Waters, Annapolis MD

 The sculpture, entitled "Turandot" was created by artist Douglas Warnock.

Turandot is also the name of a beautiful princess of an ancient tale.  She had many suitors; however, to win her hand in marriage the suitor had to answer three riddles.  One wrong answer, and by her edict, they were executed.  One day, a young prince watched as she coldly ordered the decapitation of another who had failed.  The prince fell madly in love.  He struck the gong that announced his intention to marry her and of his attempt to answer the riddles.  The riddles were:
What is born each night and dies each dawn?
What flickers red and warm like a flame, yet is not fire?
What is like ice but burns?
The prince answered each one correctly, but Turandot still refused to wed.  He then offered his own riddle.  If she can guess his name, he would allow Turandot's executioners to kill him.
There's more to it, but in the end, she falls in love with him and they live happily ever after.
Weird.

 Giacomo Puccini later composed an opera based upon this tale.