This article deals with the image of the first rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in German chronicles. The aim of the work is to reconstruct the image of Pagan and Christian rulers of the emerging state, marking out similarities and differences, and to characterize the legitimacy of their status as monarchs in the eyes of German chroniclers based on the religion of the Lithuanian dukes. The article mainly focuses on Mindaugas, Vytenis and Gediminas, the most powerful and dynamic figures from the initial period of the foundation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.