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A weekly Pokédex Podcast from Bald Man in Japan Luke Summerhayes. A different Pokémon family every week.
I’m Luke Summerhayes, and I love Bouffalant.
Today, there are 1.5 billion domesticated cows on the planet Earth, bred for their milk and meat. These ubiquitous farm animals of course evolved from a wild animal, though, and some wild bovines can still be found here and there. In Africa, the true buffalo are closely related to farm cattle. In Europe and America, the bison still roam the plains, sometimes also called buffalo even though they aren’t that closely related.
The European Bison was hunted almost to extinction over the past millennium. Meanwhile, the American bison flourished, the native population living in a harmonious relationship with the animals. Bison skins provided tents, clothes and blankets, their meat was a primary foodstuff and their bones made weapons and tools. In a heartbreaking act of brutality, the settlers of America deliberately hunted these majestic creatures to near extinction, specifically to drive Native Americans from their lands. The blood of many innocent people is on the hands of all of us who continue to profit from colonialism, but also the blood of these great beasts.
Bouffalant is a normal-type Pokémon which resembles a bison with a big bouffant hairdo. In the same way many generation five Pokémon are counterparts to monsters from the original 151, this seems to very much take the spot of Tauros. While Tauros are strictly male, with Miltank as a female counterpart, Bouffalant can be found in both genders. And while Tauros was famous for strong attack, Bouffalant is a more defensive monster.
Black
Their fluffy fur absorbs damage, even if they strike foes with a fierce headbutt.
As well as a defensive buffer, the hair on a Bouffalant’s head is also a symbol of its status.
Sword
These Pokémon can crush a car with no more than a headbutt. Bouffalant with more hair on their heads hold higher positions within the herd.
Shield
These Pokémon live in herds of about 20 individuals. Bouffalant that betray the herd will lose the hair on their heads for some reason.
Bouffalant’s defensive nature has never given it the competitive career Tauros once had. Still, using moves like iron head to further boost its defense can mitigate its low speed and let it barge its way to victory for some players.
Andy was drawn to Bouffalant by its name and its haircut, and its appropriate. The name Bouffalant of course combines the animal and its luxurious mane. The Japanese name is Buffron, combining Buffalo, Bison and Afro, perhaps a more apt description of this haircut.
As the first game set outside Japan, Pokémon Black and White were the first to explore other ecosystems through their Pokédexes. Starting here, we’ve got a spread of a few episodes about American fauna. We can also see, through this one especially, a lesson in American history. A history which those of us from Kalos, Galar and Paldea are hardly innocent in.
Original music for Luke Loves Pokémon is by Jonathan Cromie. Artwork is by Katie Groves. Funding is provided by listeners at Patreon.com/PodcastioPodcastius. For just a dollar a month, supporters can listen to episodes a week early and also help cover hosting and fees, making it possible for me to keep making episodes every week.
I love hearing from listeners! Get in touch about upcoming Pokémon on twitter or facebook at LukeLovesPKMN. Drop a comment if you’re watching the video, or a review on apple podcasts or spotify. Coming up are Rufflet and Vullaby, so please get in touch about those or any other monsters.
Even if you don’t feel like doing any of that, thank you so much just for listening.
I love Bouffalant. And remember, I love you too.