Christina of Sweden

Christina (Kristina) (December 18, 1626 – April 19, 1689), later known as Maria Christina Alexandra and sometimes Count Dohna, was Queen regnant of Sweden from 1632 to 1654. She was the only legitimate child of King Gustav II Adolf. As the heiress presumptive she succeeded her father to the throne of Sweden upon his death at the Battle of Lützen (November 6, 1632) during Sweden's intervention in Germany in the Thirty Years' War.

Heritage

Christina's reign was controversial, and literature circulated during her lifetime that described her as participating in multiple affairs with both men and women. This, along with the emotional letters that she wrote to female friends, has caused her to become an icon for the lesbian community.

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The complex character of Christina has inspired numerous plays, books, and operatic works, including the classic feature film Queen Christina in 1934. It starred another complex female Swedish character who was herself suspected of being lesbian – Greta Garbo. Another feature film, The Abdication (film) starred the Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann and was based on a play by Ruth Wolff.

Related Topics:
Queen Christina - Greta Garbo - The Abdication (film)

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