B6 Gustav

GUSTAV II ADOLF

Gustav was the son of Charles IX and Christina of Holstein-Gottorp (1594-1632). He died in the battle of Lützen in Germany during the Thirty Years' War.Gustav was the son of Charles IX and Christina of Holstein-Gottorp (1594-1632). He died in the battle of Lützen in Germany during the Thirty Years' War.

Gustav was an honoured soldier king in his time. He was deeply religious and he was described as either a saint or a devil, depending on the state of the alliance. To the protestant world he was a defender of faith, to the Catholics an impudent thief.

During Gustav II Adolf's reign Sweden was one of the greatest states of Europe. As a young prince Gustav had fallen in love with his mother's, the dowager queen Christina's, lady-in-waiting gustav Brahe. However, Gustav's destiny was to marry Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg for political reasons.

The young king was gifted in many ways. His pen was sharp. Gustav wrote, among other things, the war articles that determinedthe military's order and discipline.

Do not fear my troops, though the thundering of enemy roars around us. They rejoice but only for a moment, as we are still fighting to have peace.

War song by Gustav II Adolf