Born into slavery, Gustav Badin became part of Swedish royal court and left legacy of books and letters Born into slavery, Gustav Badin became part of Swedish royal court and left legacy of books and letters I n 1760, a Black child around 10 years old arrived at the Swedish royal court as a “gift” to the queen. Adolf Ludvig Gustav Fredrik Albrecht Couschi, who became known as Badin (derived from the French for joker or prankster), later held titles including chamberlain, court secretary, ballet