Gustav II Adolf - "I idealitetens skimmer" : En studie om framställningen av Gustav II Adolfs person, politiska gärningar samt historiebruk i allmänna översikter om svensk historia

Sammanfattning: This study shows how the image of Gustavus Adolphus's personality and his political deeds have been portrayed in historical works dealing with the overall history of Sweden. The study has also, with the help of analytical tools on uses of history, examined how the memory of Gustavus Adolphus's personality and political deeds has been used by focusing on the scientific, existential, moral, ideological, and political interests. A total of eight works have been examined during a period stretching from the years 1830-2000.  Based on the historical cultural perspective, the analysis of the historical works shows a consistently positive and idealised portrayal of both Gustavus Adolphus's personality and political deeds. This idealised portrayal of the king is especially visible in the sources from the 19th century where he is ascribed several leadership characteristics and personal qualities. From the 20th century onwards Gustavus Adolphus continues to be described in positive terms, however the idealization aspects in the author’s portrayal are gradually diminishing. Throughout the 20th century a gradual shift in focus from Gustavus Adolphus's personality and his role in political affairs can be observed. Instead, the authors start focusing more on describing the overall course of historical events. In the examination of the different uses of history, the scientific and ideological uses of history are the most visible and dominant elements in the authors portrayal. It has been observed that the scientific use of history over the course of time become a stronger and more dominant at the expense of the other uses of history. In summary, the authors portrayal has shown that Gustavus Adolphus has consistently been viewed in a positive light, however the extent to which he is featured in and the role he plays in the authors depiction has gradually diminished with time. A clear trend towards a more scientific use of history has also been observed.