After Emperor Tenchi/Tenji died, the Junshin War happened and Prince Oama (Emperor Tenmu) won the war, after he died as well, Uno no Sarara no Himemiko wished her son, Prince Kusakabe to succeed to the throne, however she put pressure on Prince Kusakabe's opposition, Prince Otsu to kill himself and was blamed for it, she was not able to make her wish happen (for Prince Kusakabe to succeed to the throne), also Prince Kusakabe had an ordinary character, (he was not good enough to become Emperor) thus the Empress Dowager, Uno no Sarara no Himemiko took control of politics to support Prince Kusakabe.
天智天皇崩御後に勃発した壬申の乱に勝利した夫・大海人皇子（天武天皇）崩御後、菟野皇后は息子・草壁皇子への皇位継承を望んでいたのだが、ライバルの大津皇子を自害に追いやった為に却って反発を買い、草壁の凡庸な器量も相まって、草壁を即位させる事が出来なかったため、母后である菟野が政務を執り草壁を支えた。