LEGO Lord of the Rings: Shire Marks Epic Quest Start

LEGO enthusiasts and Lord of the Rings fans, rejoice! LEGO is set to launch The Lord of the Rings: The Shire on April 2 for LEGO Insiders, with a general release following on April 5. This marks the third LEGO LOTR set in the last three years, following the 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024. The new set, dubbed The Shire, brings the charming hobbit-hole of Bilbo Baggins to life with 2,017 pieces, capturing the essence of his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration.

Out April 5

LEGO LOTR: The Shire, the Beginning of an Epic Quest

3See it at LEGO Store

The Shire set is meticulously designed, featuring rounded walls and curved surfaces, all adorned with an array of accessories. LEGO provided IGN with a copy for a test build, and the result is enchanting and true to the spirit of the Shire. However, it's worth noting that this set comes with a higher price tag than expected for its piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 offers a detailed rendition of Bilbo's hobbit-hole, complete with nine minifigures including Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, and other beloved characters like Merry, Pippin, and Gandalf the Grey. The set allows you to explore three distinct rooms within the home, built into a green-bricked hillside: the main foyer, a study, and a dining and sitting area. These rooms are constructed separately and then connected using clamps, ensuring a seamless exterior and a cozy interior filled with patterned rugs, letters, and food.

The set also includes artifacts from Bilbo's adventures, such as the Mithril Coat and a map to the Lonely Mountain. A unique LEGO Technic feature lets you switch the fireplace display between a charred envelope and the One Ring, referencing a key scene from the Fellowship of the Ring. The construction of the interior is straightforward, but the exterior's flowing curves require careful attention.

Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running your hand over a relief map, with its varied terrain created by curved green pieces. This design choice underscores the hobbits' harmony with their environment. The set includes several external elements like a birthday cake, a Party Tree with lanterns, and Gandalf's carriage, enhancing the storytelling potential.

The simplicity of the LEGO Shire set aligns well with the hobbits' modest lifestyle, contrasting with the more intricate Rivendell and Barad-dûr sets. Yet, its price point at $270 for 2,017 pieces seems disproportionate, exceeding the typical 10 cents per brick metric by 34%. Comparatively, Rivendell and Barad-dûr offer better value, while even LEGO Star Wars sets like Jabba's Sail Barge are less marked up.

Despite its higher cost, The Shire remains the most affordable option for LOTR fans unable to invest in the larger sets. This raises questions about whether LEGO's pricing strategy and the enduring appeal of Lord of the Rings can justify this cost. Nevertheless, the set's charm and detailed design make it a delightful addition to any collection.

For those interested, a LEGO mini-movie showcasing The Shire set is available to watch:

LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire, Set #10354, retails for $269.99, and it 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.