LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tales are in for a treat with the upcoming release of LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire. Set to launch on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public, this set continues LEGO's homage to the beloved franchise. Following the grand releases of the 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024, The Shire marks the third LOTR set in as many years.
Out April 5### LEGO LOTR: The Shire, the Beginning of an Epic Quest
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The new 2,017-piece set captures the charm of The Shire with exquisite detail. Each wall is rounded or curved, and every surface is adorned with accessories, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. LEGO provided IGN with a copy of The Shire for a test build, and the set's charm is undeniable. However, it is worth noting that the set is also disproportionately expensive for its piece count.
We Build LEGO LOTR Shire
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Set #10354 beautifully recreates Bilbo Baggins' iconic hobbit-hole, 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 home, ingeniously built into a green-bricked hillside, features three distinct rooms: the main foyer accessible through the round door, a study to the left, and a cozy dining and sitting area to the right.
The rooms are constructed separately and then joined with clamps, ensuring a seamless exterior hillside and a connected interior space. The designers have meticulously crafted Bilbo's home to reflect its coziness, with patterned rugs, letters from "well-wishers," and food tucked into every corner. Notable details include a wedge of cheese above the fireplace, a loaf of bread, and libations on the windowsill.
The set is rich with artifacts from Bilbo's adventures, including the Mithril Coat in a large chest by the door, a well-worn map on the table near the teapot, and a sword alongside a parasol in the umbrella stand. A unique mechanical feature, utilizing LEGO Technic, allows you to change the fireplace display between a charred envelope and the One Ring, recreating a pivotal scene from The Fellowship of the Ring.
The rooms' design, wider than tall, reflects the hobbits' living spaces accurately and creates a sense of openness. While the interior construction is straightforward, the exterior requires careful attention to achieve the flowing, natural curves of the hillside. Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running a hand over a relief map, with its varied terrain crafted from multiple, curved green pieces.
The set emphasizes the hobbits' integration with their environment, crowned by a tree with gnarled branches extending over the hilltop. Additional exterior elements, while not integral to the core set, enrich the storytelling potential. These include a birthday cake, a Party Tree adorned with multi-colored lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework, Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage, and a group of barrels rigged with interlocking gears to simulate Bilbo's disappearing act.
Overall, LEGO The Shire offers a simpler build experience compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, reflecting the hobbits' modest lifestyle. Yet, it carries a steep price tag of $270 for 2,017 pieces, which is 34% above the traditional 10 cents per brick metric. This pricing is notably higher than even some LEGO Star Wars sets, such as Jabba's Sail Barge, which, despite being 3,943 pieces, is only 27% above the metric.
Despite its cost, The Shire remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings fans unable to invest in Rivendell or Barad-dûr. While piece count alone may not justify the price, LEGO's brand loyalty and the enduring popularity of Lord of the Rings might support this pricing model. The set's aesthetic appeal is undeniable, making it a lovely addition to any collection.
For those interested, a LEGO mini-movie showcasing this set is available:
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.More Movie and TV LEGO Sets
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