LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga have a new reason to celebrate as LEGO unveils its latest addition to the Lord of the Rings series: The Lord of the Rings: The Shire. This intricately designed set, featuring 2,017 pieces, will be available to LEGO Insiders starting April 2, and to the general public on April 5. This release marks the third installment in the LEGO Lord of the Rings lineup, following the massive 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the imposing 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 LEGO set captures the essence of the Shire with meticulous attention to detail. Each wall of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole is thoughtfully rounded or curved, and the surfaces are adorned with an array of accessories, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. IGN had the opportunity to test-build this set, finding it charmingly faithful to its source material. However, it's worth noting that The Shire set comes with a disproportionately expensive price tag compared to its piece count.
We Build LEGO LOTR Shire
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Set #10354 offers a detailed rendition of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole, perfectly capturing the scene from his "eleventy-first" birthday. The set includes nine minifigures, including Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Mrs. Proudfoot, Farmer Proudfoot, Merry, Pippin, Rosie Cotton, Samwise Gamgee, and Gandalf the Grey. The home, nestled into a green-bricked hillside, is designed to allow viewers a glimpse into three distinct rooms: the main foyer accessible through the iconic round door, a cozy study to the left, and a combined dining and sitting area to the right.
These rooms are constructed separately and then connected using clamps, ensuring a seamless exterior while maintaining a cohesive interior living space. The designers have gone to great lengths to evoke the coziness of Bilbo's home, with different patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and food strategically placed throughout. Notable details 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. A large chest by the door holds the Mithril Coat, which he later gifts to Frodo. A well-worn map on the table near the teapot hints at the journey to the Lonely Mountain, while a sword and parasol rest in the umbrella stand by the door.
A unique mechanical feature, utilizing LEGO Technic, allows users to change the fireplace display from a charred envelope to the One Ring, referencing a pivotal scene from The Fellowship of the Ring.
The rooms' design, wider than they are tall, reflects the canonical hobbit architecture and creates a sense of spaciousness. While the interior construction is straightforward, the exterior demands more attention to detail to achieve the desired natural curvature and flow of the hillside. Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running one's hand over a relief map, with the use of multiple curved green pieces creating a varied landscape.
The set effectively conveys the theme that hobbits are an integral part of their environment, with a reluctance to disrupt the natural order. Bag End is topped with a tree, its branches extending over the hilltop. Additional exterior elements, such as a birthday cake, a Party Tree with colorful lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework, and Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage, enhance the set's playability and scene-setting capabilities. These elements allow for dynamic staging of scenes from the films, including the ability to switch Frodo and Gandalf's legs for different poses.
A playful feature includes a group of barrels connected to interlocking gears, allowing Bilbo to "disappear" as he did at the end of his party. The LEGO Shire set, while simpler in design compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, captures the essence of hobbit life—simple, yet rich in detail.
Despite its charm and detailed design, the LEGO Shire set raises questions about its pricing. Typically, LEGO sets are priced at around 10 cents per brick. The Shire, at 2,017 pieces and priced at $270, is 34% above this standard, feeling more like a $200 set. This pricing anomaly is notable, even when compared to other licensed sets like LEGO Star Wars sets, which are often subject to a "Disney tax."
Ironically, this set remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings fans who found Rivendell and Barad-dûr out of their budget. However, those sets offered better value per brick. While pricing can reflect market demand and consumer willingness to pay, the sustainability of The Shire's pricing remains to be seen. Despite its cost, the set is undeniably a beautiful tribute to the beloved story.
Don't miss 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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