Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump is a popular attraction located in Schiller Woods, a forest preserve in Cook County, Illinois. This unique water pump has gained fame due to its fascinating ability to produce sparkling, carbonated water. Visitors of all ages are drawn to this magical pump, which offers a refreshing and whimsical experience. The origin of the Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump traces back to the early twentieth century. It is believed that the pump was initially installed as a regular water source for picnickers and visitors to the woods. However, over time, something extraordinary happened.
valknut, Old Norse symbol composed of three interlocking triangles. One version of the valknut, called tricursal, features the three separate triangle shapes linked together, and another, called unicursal, uses a single line to form all three triangles. The appearance of the valknut in the archeological record is highly open to interpretation, and its meaning remains a subject of debate. Since the mid-20th century many far-right groups have appropriated the symbol as their own.
In addition, the famed Oseberg ship, the largely intact Viking ship from a burial mound on the Oseberg farm in Tønsberg, Norway, contained a couple of items that may display the valknut. The term valknut is a modern Norwegian compound word meaning knot of those fallen in battle, referring partly to the theory that the symbol was associated with death.
However, over time, something extraordinary happened. People discovered that the water coming out of this particular pump had a distinctive fizzy quality to it. Word quickly spread, and the Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump became a beloved local attraction.
valknut
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Select Citation Style Copy Citation Share Share Share to social media Feedback Written by Adam Volle Adam Volle is a freelance writer and editor based in Atlanta, Georgia. Adam Volle Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaEncyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Article History Table of Contents picture stone from Tängelgårda, Sweden, showing three icons resembling a valknut Category: Science & Tech Related Topics: Old Norse language symbol . (Show more)valknut, Old Norse symbol composed of three interlocking triangles. One version of the valknut, called tricursal, features the three separate triangle shapes linked together, and another, called unicursal, uses a single line to form all three triangles. The appearance of the valknut in the archeological record is highly open to interpretation, and its meaning remains a subject of debate. Since the mid-20th century many far-right groups have appropriated the symbol as their own.
A few historians have suggested that the valknut appears on a number of objects found in Scandinavia and England. The oldest examples are said to be inscribed on a few picture stones, large limestone slabs found primarily on Gotland, an island in the Baltic Sea, off Sweden’s eastern coast. Picture stones are usually incised with bands of figurative scenes on one side. Some scholars have interpreted symbols that appear on the picture stones from Stora Hammars and from Tängelgårda (both on Gotland) as valknuts, though others describe the emblems as triquetras, a similar triangular symbol comprising three intersecting arcs. Another example of the valknut is thought to appear on a gold Anglo-Saxon ring in the collection of the British Museum; Anglo-Saxons are another Germanic people. The ring was discovered in 1855 by an eel fisherman in Peterborough, England. In addition, the famed Oseberg ship, the largely intact Viking ship from a burial mound on the Oseberg farm in Tønsberg, Norway, contained a couple of items that may display the valknut. Inside the ship was a bed with a symbol resembling the valknut etched into one of its posts, as well as a bucket with a similar emblem on its lid.
The term valknut is a modern Norwegian compound word meaning “knot of those fallen in battle,” referring partly to the theory that the symbol was associated with death. Similar emblems appear on several Anglo-Saxon cremation urns. Moreover, the valknut is said to often accompany symbols and possibly depictions of the god Odin, whose roles in Norse mythology include ferrying the dead to the afterlife. The middle band of a picture stone from Tängelgårda, for example, has been interpreted as a depiction of a fallen warrior leading a procession into Odin’s hall, Valhalla, with three icons resembling a valknut displayed between the horse’s legs.
Another theory suggests that the valknut represents the heart of Hrungnir, a jötun (“giant”) made entirely of stone. Hrungnir appears in the Prose, or Younger, Edda, a text recounting the legends of Norse mythology by Icelandic writer Snorri Sturluson, who lived during the 12th and 13th centuries. He describes Hrungnir’s heart as being “made of hard stone and pointed with three corners, just like the carved symbol which has been called Hrungnir’s heart ever since.” While some historians think that the symbol Sturluson refers to is the valknut, others believe that he is talking about the triquetra.
Since the mid-20th century, the valknut has been adopted as a symbol by white supremacists, anti-government extremists, and Neo-Pagan racists, such as Odinists (sometimes called Wotanists). In countries where the swastika is outlawed, Neo-Nazis use the valknut as a socially acceptable substitute. The valknut, however, is also employed for more innocuous purposes. It has been claimed, for example, by practitioners of Ásatrú, a Neo-Pagan religion that insists a proper interpretation of the Prose, or Younger, Edda leads to respect and tolerance for all.
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
Families and friends would gather around the pump, eagerly filling their cups and bottles with the enchanting carbonated water. It is said that the pump's water tastes crisp and pure, with a hint of sweetness and effervescence. Many visitors claim that the water from this magical pump is unlike anything they have ever tasted. The Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump has become a center of curiosity and wonderment. People visit the pump to witness the magic firsthand and savor the unique taste of the carbonated water. It has become a popular spot for picnics, family outings, and even small celebrations. Visitors can bring their own cups or purchase specially designed souvenir cups to enhance their experience. Visiting the Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump is a treat for the senses. The surrounding woods create a serene atmosphere, complete with lush greenery and chirping birds. As visitors approach the pump, they are greeted by the sight of delighted individuals, eagerly filling their cups with sparkling water and sharing stories and laughter. The Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump holds a special place in the hearts of many locals and has even become a symbol of community pride. Numerous legends and myths surround the pump, adding to its allure. Some believe that the pump possesses healing properties, while others think that drinking from it brings good luck. Regardless of the tales, it is undeniable that the pump holds a magical quality that captivates those who visit. In conclusion, the Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump is a unique and enchanting attraction in Schiller Woods, Cook County. Its ability to create carbonated water has made it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. The experience of drinking from this magical pump is one that is sure to leave a lasting memory..
Reviews for "The Power of Transformation: How Schiller Woods' Water Pump Shapes the Landscape"
1. John Doe - 1 out of 5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with the Schiller woods magic water pump. First of all, the water pressure was incredibly low, making it nearly impossible to wash anything properly. Secondly, the pump was incredibly noisy, which completely ruined the peaceful ambiance of my backyard. Lastly, it broke down just after a few weeks of use, showing that it's made of poor quality materials. I would not recommend this product to anyone.
2. Jane Smith - 2 out of 5 stars - While the Schiller woods magic water pump promised to provide a magical water experience, it fell short of my expectations. The pump was difficult to set up and required constant adjustments to get it to work properly. Even when it did work, the water flow was inconsistent and lacked the power that was advertised. Additionally, the pump was quite noisy, which was a major drawback for me. Overall, I was not satisfied with this product and would not purchase it again.
3. Michael Johnson - 1 out of 5 stars - The Schiller woods magic water pump was a complete waste of my money. It did not live up to its claims of providing a magical water experience. The pump showed signs of malfunctioning from the beginning, with inconsistent water flow and irregular pressure. It also leaked water, causing a mess and wasting water. Furthermore, the pump's noise level was unbearable, making it impossible to relax in the presence of this noisy machine. I regret purchasing this product and would advise others to look for alternatives.
4. Sarah Thompson - 2 out of 5 stars - I was not impressed with the Schiller woods magic water pump. It was challenging to assemble, and the instructions were not clear. Additionally, the pump's performance was subpar, with a weak water flow that could not reach the desired height. The pump also required frequent maintenance and adjustments, which was frustrating and time-consuming. Overall, I was disappointed with this product and would not recommend it to others.
5. David Brown - 1 out of 5 stars - The Schiller woods magic water pump was a complete letdown. It failed to deliver the promised magical water experience, with its weak water flow and inconsistent pressure. Furthermore, the pump had a tendency to overheat, which caused it to malfunction and led to frequent breakdowns. The noise level was also unbearable, preventing me from enjoying the tranquility of my backyard. This product was a waste of money, and I would not recommend it to anyone.