Career
Maredudd was the third of four sons of Gruffydd ap Rhys by Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, though he had two older half-brothers, Anarawd and Cadell by Gruffydd"s first wife. His father died the same year. At the age of 16 he is recorded helping his half-brother Cadell, now Prince of Deheubarth, to expel the Normans from Ceredigion.
In 1151 he took a prominent part in winning back the northern part of Ceredigion from Gwynedd.
The same year Cadell was attacked by a force of Normans while out hunting and left for dead. He survived, but was so badly injured that the effective rule of Deheubarth fell on Maredudd.
In 1153 Cadell left on a pilgrimage to Rome, leaving Maredudd as Prince of Deheubarth.
