Gustav Vasa, also known as Gustav I of Sweden, was a famous Swedish statesman who ruled as King of Sweden from 1523 until his death in 1560. He is credited with laying the foundation for modern Sweden and is considered one of the country's most important historical figures. During his reign, Gustav Vasa successfully led Sweden through the Protestant Reformation and established the Church of Sweden as a separate entity from the Roman Catholic Church. He also reformed the country's political system, centralizing power in the monarchy and limiting the power of the nobility. Gustav Vasa is considered the father of the Swedish nation and is celebrated as one of Sweden's greatest heroes.