Death of Gustavus Adolphus in Battle

Timeline

1. 1632Right wing of the Lützen battlefield · Electorate of SaxonyAfter the Battle of Lützen began, Gustav II Adolf personally went to the right-wing cavalry line to direct the charge. The battlefield was shrouded in thick fog with extremely poor visibility, and the king became separated from his escort cavalry while directing the fighting, advancing with only a few attendants near the enemy lines.
2. 1632Battlefield of Lützen · Electorate of SaxonyIn the melee Gustav II Adolf was shot at close range by Imperial soldiers, the bullets striking his neck and back; he fell from his horse and died of his wounds, on the spot or shortly after, aged only 37. When news spread, Protestant allied morale briefly wavered, but Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar promptly took over command, vowing to avenge the king, and ultimately won the battle. The king's body was later recovered by Swedish forces and brought back to Stockholm for a state funeral.