The hero's battle with the water monster is a typical mythological motif. The scope and scale of Yu's flood control were unprecedented. This will inevitably bring them into contact with many clans and tribes living in various river basins, coordinate relations, and deal with interest disputes. Some conflicts and differences can be resolved through marriage, cooperation, etc.; some must be resolved through force. Therefore, in the process of controlling floods in various places, Yu not only had to fight against heaven, but also against people. The latter was even more difficult than the former.

Integration between clans in primitive society and annexation by force are an essential form. For example: the aforementioned story of "Yu chased the workers and killed Xiang Liu" and the story of "Capturing Wuzhi Qi" both typically reflect this fact.