Quote Originally Posted by Adrian II View Post
Not much to add, except that you are probably right. I just travelled Wallenstein´s homeland (Frydlant in the former Austrian Bohemia, now Czechia) and was reminded of his military genius.

Could you shed some new light on the Battle of Lützen (1632) where Gustavus was killed? The paradox of that battle seems to be that if the Swedes' resistance had not hardened because of Gustavus' death, Wallenstein might well have carried the day despite being in the minority and with less motivated troops. Or is this poppycock?
Rumors of the King's death were spreading before it was used to win the day, the whole Swedish centre broke after a disastorous charge. Royal preacher Jakob Fabricius gathered officers and sang psalms in the rout, and hundreds of soldiers stopped. I believe that the Swedish Army was effectively saved by this act. When the army learned of the King's death, they were not leaderless, as Bernhard had already taken control, but they were vengeful. "They have killed the King! Avenge the King!," was the charging cry as they headed straight at the Imperial line, taking the day.

To your question: Had Gustavus Adolphus not died, the battle probably would've ended earlier in a Swedish victory. Had the Army never learned of his death, the battle would more than likely ended in a stalemate, or close Swedish victory. Simply because the death of the King gave the Swedes inspiration to win. Wallenstein would more than likely not be able to win, in any case.