LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga rejoice! LEGO is set to release The Lord of the Rings: The Shire on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public. This launch marks the third LEGO Lord of the Rings set in the past three years, following the impressive 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the towering 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 captures the essence of the beloved Hobbiton with its charming and detailed design. Every wall is curved, and each surface is adorned with accessories, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is true to the spirit of the Shire. LEGO provided IGN with a copy for a test build, and while the set is beautifully crafted, it comes with a price tag that feels disproportionate to its piece count.
We Build LEGO LOTR Shire
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Set #10354 brings to life Bilbo Baggins' iconic hobbit-hole on his "eleventy-first" birthday. This meticulously designed set includes nine minifigures: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Mrs. Proudfoot, Farmer Proudfoot, Merry, Pippin, Rosie Cotton, Samwise Gamgee, and Gandalf the Grey. The model, built into a green-bricked hillside, is cleverly cut away at the back to reveal three distinct rooms: the main foyer, a study, and a dining and sitting area, all connected seamlessly through the use of clamps.
The interior of Bilbo's home exudes coziness with patterned rugs, stacks of letters, and food items scattered throughout. Highlights include a wedge of cheese above the fireplace, a loaf of bread, and libations on the windowsill. The set also features artifacts from Bilbo's adventures, such as the Mithril Coat in a chest by the door and a well-worn map on a table near the teapot. A sword and parasol in the umbrella stand add to the home's charm.
A unique mechanical feature, utilizing LEGO Technic, allows you to change the display in the fireplace between a charred envelope and the One Ring, recreating the iconic scene from The Fellowship of the Ring. The rooms, designed wider than they are tall, create a sense of spaciousness that aligns with the hobbit-hole's canonical layout. Building the interior is straightforward, while the exterior demands more attention to achieve the natural curves of the hillside.
Constructing The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure reminiscent of running one's hand over a globe's exaggerated terrain. The use of curved green pieces creates a flowing hillside that mirrors the natural environment of the hobbits. The set includes a tree crowning Bag End, its gnarled branches extending over the hilltop, symbolizing the hobbits' deep connection to their surroundings.
Additional exterior elements enhance the set's playability and scene-setting potential. These include a birthday cake, a Party Tree with colorful lanterns, a patterned tent, a flying red dragon firework, and Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage. The set also features a mechanism with barrels and gears that allows Bilbo to "disappear," reminiscent of his party's finale.
Despite its simplicity compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, The Shire remains true to the humble nature of hobbit life. However, the set's price of $270 for 2,017 pieces raises concerns about its value, being 34% above the typical 10 cents per brick metric. In contrast, Rivendell and Barad-dûr offer better value per piece, making The Shire a less cost-effective choice for fans.
While licensed sets like LEGO Star Wars often carry a higher price due to the "Disney tax," The Shire's pricing is notably high even among these. Nevertheless, it remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings enthusiasts unable to purchase the larger sets. The question remains whether LEGO's reputation and the enduring love for Tolkien's world will justify this pricing in the long run.
For those eager to explore more, don't miss the LEGO mini-movie showcasing this enchanting set:
LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire, Set #10354, retails for $269.99 and comprises 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.More Movie and TV LEGO Sets
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