Maethlu was a 6th-century Welsh hermit residing on the island of Anglesey. According to Welsh genealogical records, he was the son of Caradog and a brother to several other saints, including Cadwgan. As a descendant of Coel Hen, he belonged to a significant lineage of holy figures. He is primarily associated with the locality of Carnedore, where he lived and was eventually buried.
Life and lineage
Historical genealogies identify Maethlu as part of the fifth generation of saints descended from Coel Hen. He was the son of Caradog, making him a sibling to saints such as Cadwgan, Caurdav, and Tangun. While some later sources include a prefix in his name, this is considered a Welsh conjunction rather than a change to his actual name.
Veneration and legacy
He is recognized as the patron saint of Llanvaithli, where he established a church that bears his name. Although ancient calendars do not specify his feast day, the historian Brown Willis recorded it as December 26. This date is observed in the Catholic tradition as well as in the Celtic, British, and Serbian Orthodox calendars.