Through inheritances from the great uncle of Merfyn the Oppressor, the line of Cunedda continued from the maternal side through the House of Aberffraw, and through the House of Dinefwr through Rhodri's son, King Cadell ap Rhodri.

[7][8] The House of Gwynedd claimed descent from the mythical king Beli Mawr through the line of Cunedda (b.

[12] His father Merfyn Frych ap Gwriad had seized the throne of Gwynedd on the death of the last of the old royal line Hywel ap Rhodri Molwynog, Merfyn was descended from Hywel's father, but through the female line, representing a new start for the family of his son, Rhodri, who settled Aberffraw on Anglesey.

[12][13] He was his maternal grandnephew via the former king's niece Esyllt verch Cynan ap Rhodri Molwynog.

The descent of Beli Mawr, legendary king of Britain and father in law to Llŷr; and his wife, Anna the Prophetess, cousin of the Virgin Mary.