This paper will examine a Swedish medieval chronicle, the Erikskrönikan from the early 14th century. This chronicle was written for the nobility of Sweden and was one of the very first expressions of courtly ideals. One can argue that the chronicle was central to the construction of the image of the knight. The social classes of knight and nobility were introduced in the late 13th century. The chronicle uses rituals and symbols in the construction and expressions focusing on the chivalric ideals and courtly love in Swedish medieval society. So, the focus of the article concerns the construction of these ideals and the expression of them in the rituals and symbols in the interactions of the elite. Particularly, I will examine how symbols and rituals constructed the image of the knight and also the relationship between the ideal of the kingship and the new class, the knights. This then is used in constructing, expressing and legitimizing power and social structures. Thus, the transition of the aristocracy from chieftains to knights and nobles that took place in Sweden during the 13th and 14th centuries can be explained.