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Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden facts for kids

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Gustav II Adolf
Gustav II of Sweden.jpg
King of Sweden
Reign 30 October 1611 – 6 November 1632
Coronation 12 October 1617
Predecessor Charles IX
Successor Christina
Born 9 December 1594
Castle Tre Kronor, Sweden
Died 6 November 1632(1632-11-06) (aged 37)
Lützen, Electorate of Saxony
Burial 22 June 1634
Riddarholmen Church, Stockholm
Spouse Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg
Issue Christina
House House of Vasa
Father Charles IX
Mother Christina of Holstein-Gottorp
Religion Lutheran

Gustav II Adolf (born December 9, 1594 – died November 6, 1632) was the King of Sweden for many years, from 1611 to 1632. You might also hear him called Gustavus Adolphus in English.

Many people say he helped make Sweden a very strong country. This time was even called the "Age of Great Power" in Sweden. Gustav was also known as one of the greatest military leaders ever. He made Sweden a powerful force during the Thirty Years' War, spending most of his time as king leading his armies.

Life of Gustavus Adolphus

Gustav II Adolph of Sweden bust 2007 St. Peter MN crop
Bust of King Gustav Adolph at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota

Gustavus Adolphus was born in Stockholm, Sweden. His parents were Charles IX of Sweden and his second wife, Christina of Holstein-Gottorp. When his father passed away in October 1611, Gustavus was only 16 years old. He then became the new King of Sweden.

Gustavus married Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg. She was the daughter of John Sigismund, who was an Elector of Brandenburg. Their daughter, Christina, later became the Queen of Sweden.

In June 1630, King Gustavus landed in Germany. This marked the start of Sweden's involvement in the Thirty Years' War. Sweden joined the Protestant side, which was losing at the time. With Gustavus's leadership, the situation changed, and the Protestants began to win.

Gustavus died during the Battle of Lützen in 1632. He was leading a cavalry attack when he was killed.

Gustavus Adolphus Day

Gustavus Adolphus Day is celebrated every year on November 6. People in Sweden, Estonia, and Finland observe this special day. On Gustavus Adolphus Day, you can buy a unique pastry. This pastry often has a chocolate or marzipan medallion of the king on it.

Images for kids

  • Gustavus Adolphus in action (probably at Lützen)

    Gustavus Adolphus leading a cavalry charge

  • Gustavus Adolphus at the Battle at Breitenfeld

    The Lion of the North: Gustavus Adolphus depicted at the turning point of the Battle of Breitenfeld (1631) against the forces of Count Tilly.

  • Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497

    Gustavus Adolphus at Breitenfeld in 1631

  • Carl Wahlbom Lützen

    Death of Gustavus at Lützen by Carl Wahlbom (1855)

  • Riddarholmskyrkan Gustav II Adolfs sarkofag 2

    Gustavus Adolphus's sarcophagus at Riddarholm Church

  • Gustav Adolfi Gymnaasium 20070403

    Gustav Adolf Grammar School in Tallinn, 2007

  • Fahne Gustav-Adolf-Verein

    A GAW Flag in the Protestant church of Sopron, Hungary

  • Gustav II Adolph of Sweden outdoor relief 2013 Stockholm Palace

    Image of King Gustav Adolph on a wall of Stockholm Palace

  • 00 5321 Statue of Gustav II Adolph in Stockholm

    Stockholm statue at square named for him

  • Gustav II Adolph of Sweden & Mary Eleanor of Sweden c 1632

    With his wife

  • Gustav II Adolph of Sweden memorial 2010 Borlänge

    Cathedral memorial in Borlänge

  • Gustav II Adolph of Sweden death monument Lützen 2015 (1)

    Death location memorial in Lützen

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gustavo II Adolfo de Suecia para niños

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