LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, rejoice! The latest addition to the LEGO Lord of the Rings collection, "The Shire," is set to launch on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and on April 5 for the general public. This release marks the third in a series of LOTR sets in the last three years, following the impressive 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the formidable 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024.
Out April 5### LEGO LOTR: The Shire, the Beginning of an Epic Quest
3See it at LEGO Store
The new 2,017-piece rendition of The Shire brings to life the warmth and charm of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole, capturing the essence of the beloved setting from the Lord of the Rings. Every wall in this set is thoughtfully designed with rounded or curved edges, and each surface is adorned with intricate accessories, making it a delightful build for fans. IGN had the opportunity to review a test build of The Shire, and while it perfectly embodies the cozy and inviting spirit of the Shire, it comes with a price tag that some might find disproportionately high for its piece count.
We Build LEGO LOTR Shire
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Set #10354 beautifully recreates 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 ingeniously constructed into a green-bricked hillside, with a cutaway at the back revealing three distinct rooms: the main foyer, a study, and a combined dining and sitting area.
The rooms are built separately and connected using clamps, creating a seamless exterior and a cohesive interior living space. The designers have gone to great lengths to capture the cozy atmosphere of Bilbo's home, complete with patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and an array of 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 youthful adventures, such as the Mithril Coat in a chest by the door and a well-worn map on a table near the teapot. An umbrella stand by the door holds a sword and a parasol, adding to the home's charm.
A single mechanical element, utilizing LEGO Technic, allows you to change the display in the fireplace from a charred envelope to the One Ring, a nod to the pivotal scene in "The Fellowship of the Ring."
The rooms' design emphasizes width over height, staying true to the lore and providing a sense of open space. The interior construction is straightforward, but the exterior demands attention to detail to achieve the natural curves of the hillside. Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running a hand over an Earth globe, with the use of multiple curved green pieces to create a varied landscape.
This set beautifully communicates the harmony between hobbits and their environment, culminating in a tree atop Bag End, its branches sprawling over the hilltop.
Several standalone 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 red dragon firework, and Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage. You can even switch Frodo and Gandalf's legs to position them in the carriage. Additionally, a group of barrels with interlocking gears allows you to recreate Bilbo's disappearing act from his birthday party.
While LEGO Shire is a simpler set compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, its simplicity is fitting for the humble hobbit lifestyle. However, the set's price of $270 for 2,017 pieces is significantly higher than the traditional 10 cents per brick metric, making it feel more like a $200 set. This pricing stands out, even when compared to other licensed sets like the LEGO Star Wars Jabba's Sail Barge.
Ironically, despite its higher price per piece, The Shire remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings fans who couldn't justify purchasing Rivendell or Barad-dûr. While piece count alone may not fully justify the price, customer demand and the love for the Lord of the Rings franchise will ultimately determine the set's market success.
In case you missed it, don't forget to check out the LEGO mini-movie featuring 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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