The buffalo, a familiar image of the Vietnamese countryside, is not only associated with the rice fields but also carries profound cultural and historical depth of the nation.

Initially, farmers used buffaloes to haul timber, then drove them into the fields to trample the earth into mud for easier transplanting. From there, they were entrusted with another significant mission: pulling plows and harrowing for planting. The image of the buffalo with its back arched, braving the sun and rain to till every piece of hard ground, has become the lifeblood nurturing the nation's agriculture. The plow buffalo is resilient, possessing such superior strength that it is said "a thin buffalo is stronger than a healthy ox"; the buffalo is also honest and rustic, enduring disadvantages as "the slow buffalo drinks muddy water"; and while plowing, the buffalo is also "quick to hear orders, slow to hear the plow," demonstrating its intelligence and ability to act based on its owner's attitude. [1][2]

The image of the buffalo is not merely a labor force providing material value; according to cultural researchers, the buffalo is also a loyal, lifelong companion, sharing the hardships of "one sun and two dews" (enduring extreme toil). The buffalo is the clearest reflection of the Vietnamese people's character: gentle, honest, industrious, and resilient. At the same time, hidden beneath that patient exterior is a fierce, battle-ready, and indomitable spirit—a steadfast will ready to plow through any obstacle. [1][2]

The crushing power and iron will of the Buffalo do not only appear across vast fields but have now been materialized on the QiClash board. In every match, the Buffalo piece possesses the ability to move horizontally and vertically without limit, showcasing its strength in every stride. Not only does it roam persistently, ready to "level" and eliminate every obstacle in its path, but it also carries a sacred mission, standing side-by-side with the other zodiac animals to both protect its own Water Crystal and deliver powerful strikes to attack the opponent's Water Crystal.

Do you want to personally command the mighty Buffalo piece, utilizing unique strategies to break through your opponent's defenses? Then why wait? Join us for a gathering to experience QiClash firsthand at the following location:

📍 QiClash Club: 8:00 - 12:00 every Sunday,

Ho Chi Minh City Children's Center at 04 Tu Xuong, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. This is where our club gathers to play chess, learn, sharpen our thinking, and connect with a community of strategy enthusiasts.

We look forward to meeting fellow players on weekends to connect and share majestic new strategies. A warm welcome to everyone!

What do you think about the power of the Buffalo piece on the QiClash board? Comment below which piece you would like us to decode the power of in our upcoming posts!

Lăng Kính Đông Tây is a series where I, along with all of you, share cultural stories associated with the formation of QiClash.

Source: [1] The Buffalo in the Vietnamese Consciousness

[2] The image of the Buffalo in the flow of Vietnamese culture