FROM WAR-HERO TO VILLAIN - REVERSAL OF THE SYMBOLIC VALUE OF WAR AND A WARRIOR KING

Parallels are demonstrated between changes in Swedish attitudes toward peace and war, reflected in the image of the the 'war-hero', Karl XII , and the increasing peacefulness of Swedish society. The value change s are documented through analyses of four literary works: those of Gei jer and Tegner, who glorified Karl XII as 'war-hero', and Heidenstam a nd Strindberg, who described the same Karl XII as a psychopath and vil lain and as a scourge for his country. As Geijer and Tegner wrote at t he beginning of the 19th century, whereas Heidenstam and Strindberg pr oduced their works at the end of it, the value changes occurring durin g this century can be demonstrated in these literary works. Relations between changed mentalities, as reflected in the literary works, and p olitical decisions are explored Finally, as a resulting implication, t he potential impact of critical attitudes of the electorate on a leade r's election and on his license for engaging in impulsive wan is discu ssed.