Cindua Mato is the hero of the Minangkabau national epic that bears his name, a faithful retainer raised in the household of Queen Bundo Kanduang and foster-brother to her son Dang Tuanku. Dispatched by the queen to fetch the princess Puti Bungsu as Dang Tuanku's bride, he outwits and ultimately overcomes the rival prince Imbang Jayo, and in some recensions rides on to distant Rum. His weapon is aka, the prized Minangkabau cleverness, as much as the sword, and he is served by wonder-beasts, the enchanted horse Si Gumarang and the great buffalo Si Binuang. The buffalo motif ties his tale to the celebrated name-legend of the Minangkabau, in which a calf wins a contest against a Javanese bull and gives the people the name minang kabau, 'the buffalo triumphs.' After Dang Tuanku's departure Cindua Mato is left, in most tellings, to rule as regent.