LEGO Lord of the Rings: Building the Shire, Start of Epic Quest

LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga are in for a treat with the upcoming release of LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire. Set to be available on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public, this set marks the third Lord of the Rings-themed release in the last three years, following the massive 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the equally impressive 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

Comprising 2,017 pieces, The Shire set captures the essence of Bilbo Baggins' beloved hobbit-hole with meticulous attention to detail. From its rounded walls to its curved surfaces, every aspect is thoughtfully designed and adorned with accessories. LEGO provided IGN with a copy for a test build, and while it beautifully reflects the charm of its inspiration, it's worth noting that it's also disproportionately expensive for its piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Designated as Set #10354, this rendition of Bilbo's home showcases his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration. It includes nine minifigures: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Mrs. Proudfoot, Farmer Proudfoot, Merry, Pippin, Rosie Cotton, Samwise Gamgee, and Gandalf the Grey. The hobbit-hole, nestled into a green-bricked hillside, is designed to be viewed from the back, revealing 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 assembled separately and connected using clamps, creating a seamless hillside exterior and an inviting interior living space. The set emphasizes the homeliness of Bilbo's abode, with varied patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and food items tucked into every nook and cranny. A wedge of cheese adorns the fireplace, while bread and beverages await on the windowsill.

The set is filled with artifacts from Bilbo's youthful adventures, including the Mithril Coat stored in a chest by the door, a map that guided Thorin and Company to the Lonely Mountain, and a sword and parasol in the umbrella stand. A unique feature is the LEGO Technic-driven mechanical element that allows you to switch the fireplace display between a charred envelope and the One Ring, echoing a pivotal scene from The Fellowship of the Ring.

The rooms are intentionally designed to be wider than tall, reflecting the hobbits' preference for spacious, cozy interiors. While the interior construction is straightforward, the exterior's flowing curves demand more attention to achieve the desired shape and detail.

Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure reminiscent of running your hand over a textured globe, with the varied, curved green pieces forming a natural landscape. The set conveys the seamless integration of hobbits with their environment, highlighted by the tree crowning Bag End, its branches extending over the hilltop.

The set also includes freestanding elements that enhance its storytelling potential, such as a birthday cake, a Party Tree with colorful lanterns, a tent that echoes the movie's fireworks scene, a flying red dragon firework, and Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage. You can even switch Frodo and Gandalf's legs between standing and sitting positions to simulate riding in the carriage. Additionally, a set of barrels with interlocking gears allows for a fun reenactment of Bilbo's disappearing act at his party.

Despite its simplicity, LEGO The Shire set offers a delightful build experience. However, it comes with a steep price tag of $270 for 2,017 pieces, which is 34% above the standard pricing metric of 10 cents per brick. This pricing seems disproportionate, especially when compared to the more favorably priced Rivendell and Barad-dûr sets. While LEGO Star Wars sets often carry a higher price due to the "Disney tax," The Shire's pricing raises questions about its value proposition.

Despite the pricing concerns, The Shire remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings fans unable to invest in larger sets. Whether LEGO's established goodwill and the beloved status of Lord of the Rings can sustain this pricing model remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the set's charm and detailed craftsmanship make it a lovely addition to any collection.

For those interested, don't miss the LEGO mini-movie showcasing this set:

LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire, Set #10354, retails for $269.99 and consists of 2,017 pieces. It will be available at the LEGO Store starting April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public.

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