LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga have something new to look forward to: LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire, set to release on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public. This marks the third LEGO Lord of the Rings set in as many years, following the release of a 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and a 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024.
Out April 5### LEGO LOTR: The Shire, the Beginning of an Epic Quest
The new 2,017-piece Shire set is a detailed homage to the iconic location from The Lord of the Rings. The set meticulously replicates the rounded and curved walls of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole, creating an authentic and charming representation. Every surface is adorned with accessories, enhancing the warmth and coziness of the Shire. LEGO provided IGN with a copy for a test build, and while the set captures the essence of the Shire beautifully, it is also disproportionately expensive for its piece count.
We Build LEGO LOTR Shire
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Set #10354 brings to life Bilbo Baggins' home as seen during his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration. This set includes nine minifigures: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Mrs. Proudfoot, Farmer Proudfoot, Merry, Pippin, Rosie Cotton, Samwise Gamgee, and Gandalf the Grey. The hobbit-hole is built into a green-bricked hillside, with the back cut away to reveal three distinct rooms: the main foyer accessed through the round door, a study to the left, and a dining and sitting area to the right.
These rooms are constructed separately and then connected using clamps, resulting in a seamless hillside exterior and a cohesive living space inside. The designers have paid close attention to detail, filling the space with patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and an array of food items. Notable features include a wedge of cheese above the fireplace, a loaf of bread and libations on the windowsill, and artifacts from Bilbo's travels, such as the Mithril Coat in a chest by the door and a well-worn map on the table.
A unique mechanical element using LEGO Technic allows you to change the display in the fireplace to show either a charred envelope or the One Ring, referencing a pivotal scene from The Fellowship of the Ring. The rooms are designed to be wider than tall, reflecting the hobbit-hole's architecture and creating a sense of openness.
The exterior of the set features flowing, less distinct curves that require careful assembly for accuracy. Building the hillside evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running a hand over a relief map, with its varied slopes and contours. This design emphasizes the hobbits' connection to their environment.
The set includes several freestanding exterior elements, such as a birthday cake, a Party Tree with lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework, Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage, and a group of barrels with interlocking gears that allow Bilbo to "disappear" at the turn of a dial. These elements enhance the set's playability and allow for scene staging from the films.
While the LEGO Shire is simpler than the Rivendell and Barad-dûr sets, its simplicity aligns well with the hobbits' lifestyle. However, the set's price of $270 for 2,017 pieces is significantly above the standard pricing metric of 10 cents per brick, making it seem like a $200 set in terms of value.
Comparatively, LEGO Star Wars sets are known for higher markups due to licensing, but even Jabba's Sail Barge, with 3,943 pieces for $500, is less disproportionate. Despite this, the LEGO Shire remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings fans who could not justify purchasing Rivendell or Barad-dûr.
Pricing may reflect customer demand and what consumers are willing to pay, but whether LEGO's goodwill and the beloved nature of Lord of the Rings can sustain this pricing remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the set is visually appealing.
In case you missed it, also take a look at the LEGO mini-movie of this set:
LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire, Set #10354, retails for $269.99 and is composed of 2,017 pieces. It is available at the LEGO Store beginning on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and on April 5 for the general public.
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