Further, because of confrontation with Kasuga no tsubone, Sugen-in has a strong image of a wicked woman who doted on her third son Tadanaga that 'she brought up by herself (it was impossible, in fact, Tadanaga was also raised by a nanny)', disfavored her second son Iemitu and plotted to disinherit him.
また、春日局との対立から、「自ら養育した（これはあり得ない。実際には忠長も乳母が養育した）」三男・忠長を溺愛し二男・家光を疎み廃嫡を企てる悪女のイメージも強い。