Gustav I Vasa (1496–1560 AD), born Gustav Eriksson, was a king of Sweden during the 16th century. He led a successful rebellion against Christian the Tyrant, king of Denmark, who through deceit had invaded the country. He became the first truly autocratic native sovereign of Sweden, and was a skilled leader who laid the foundations for a united and centralized government.

He was married a total of three times and fathered eleven children. Three of his sons would in time become kings of Sweden, and his daughter Katarina is an ancestor of among others Elizabeth II and Carl XVI Gustaf

He is known as a national hero and father of the nation, something was promoted during the 19th and 20th century, giving rise to many tales and legends of his exploits. He brought the Reformation to Sweden, in which Lutheranism since then has been dominant. His dynasty, the House of Vasa, would come to rule Sweden until the middle of the 17th century.

v • d • e

Swedish Monarchs

Pre Kalmar Union|

Erik VI the Victorious • Olof Skötkonung I • Anund Jacob I • Emund I the Old • Stenkil • Erik VII Stenkilsson • Halsten Stenkilsson • Erik VIII the Pagan • Anund Gårdske • Håkan the Red • Inge I the Elder • Blot-Sven • Filip Halstensson • Inge II the Younger • Ragnvald Knaphövde • Sverker I the Elder • Eric IX the Saint • Magnus Henriksen • Karl VII Sverkersson • Knut I Eriksson • Sverker II the Younger • Erik X Knutsson • Johan Sverkersson I the Child • Erik XI the Lisp and Lame • Knut II the Tall • Valdemar Birgersson • Magnus III Ladulås • Birger Magnusson • Mats Kettilmundsson • Magnus IV Eriksson • Erik XII Magnusson • Haakon VI of Norway • Albert of Mecklenburg • Margareta I of Denmark • Eric of Pomerania • Christopher of Bavaria • Karl Knutsson Bonde • Kristian I of Denmark • John II of Denmark • Kristian II the Tyrant

Post Kalmar Union|

Gustav I Vasa • Erik XIV • Johan III • Sigismund • Karl IX • Gustav II Adolf • Kristina • Karl X Gustav • Karl XI • Karl XII • Ulrika Eleonora • Fredrik I • Adolf Fredrik • Gustav III • Gustav IV Adolf • Karl XIII • Karl XIV Johan • Oscar I • Karl XV • Oscar II • Gustaf V • Gustaf VI Adolf • Carl XVI Gustaf