In the division of Mecklenburg of 1234, he received the Lordship of Werle.

He waged war together with Duke Barnim I of Pomerania against the Margraviate of Brandenburg and lost Perleberg, Wesenberg and Penzlin.

However, after the death of his brother Pribislaw I, he managed to secure Parchim, Plau and Goldberg for himself.

He strongly supported the founding of cities in its territory.

He married around 1231 with Jutta, the daughter of Count Henry I of Anhalt.