LEGO Lord of the Rings: Shire Marks Epic Quest Start

LEGO is set to captivate fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga once again with the release of "The Lord of the Rings: The Shire" on April 2 for LEGO Insiders, and on April 5 for the general public. This new addition marks the third LEGO set inspired by the beloved series to be released in the last three years, following the monumental 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

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Comprising 2,017 pieces, the new LEGO LOTR: The Shire set offers a warm and detailed depiction of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole, reflecting the charm of the Shire. Every element, from the rounded walls to the curved surfaces laden with accessories, has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the iconic location. IGN had the opportunity to test-build this set, finding it both charming and fitting for its theme. However, it's worth noting that the set's pricing appears disproportionately expensive relative to its piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 brings to life Bilbo Baggins' home as seen during his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration. The set features nine minifigures, including Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Mrs. Proudfoot, Farmer Proudfoot, Merry, Pippin, Rosie Cotton, Samwise Gamgee, and Gandalf the Grey. The hobbit-hole, integrated into a green-bricked hillside, allows a view into three distinct rooms: the main foyer accessible through the round door, a study to the left, and a dining and sitting area to the right.

These rooms are constructed separately and connected via clamps, creating a seamless exterior hillside while maintaining a cozy interior living space. The designers have gone to great lengths to evoke the warmth of Bilbo's home, with varied patterned rugs, stacks of letters, and food items artfully placed throughout. Notable details include a wedge of cheese above the fireplace, a loaf of bread, and libations on the windowsill.

The set is also rich with artifacts from Bilbo's youthful adventures. A large chest by the door houses the Mithril Coat, destined for Frodo before his journey to Mordor. A well-worn map on the table hints at the path to the Lonely Mountain, while a sword and parasol rest in the umbrella stand by the entrance.

A unique mechanical feature, utilizing LEGO Technic, allows you to switch the fireplace display between a charred envelope and the One Ring, paying homage to a crucial moment in "The Fellowship of the Ring."

The rooms are designed to be wider than they are tall, reflecting the hobbit-hole's canonical layout and creating an impression of spaciousness. The construction of the interiors is straightforward, while the exterior demands more attention due to its flowing curves and naturalistic design.

Building The Shire evokes a tactile joy similar to running a hand over an Earth globe, with its varied terrain. The set uses multiple curved green pieces to create a realistic hillside that ebbs and flows, symbolizing the hobbits' deep connection to their environment. The set is topped with a tree, its gnarled branches reaching over the hilltop.

Several standalone exterior elements, such as a birthday cake, Party Tree with lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework, and Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage, enhance the set's storytelling potential. These pieces allow for recreating scenes from the films, with adjustable minifigure legs for sitting or standing in the carriage.

A final playful touch includes a group of barrels with interlocking gears that can make Bilbo "disappear" during his party, mirroring the film's iconic scene.

While the LEGO Shire set is simpler than its predecessors, Rivendell and Barad-dûr, it captures the essence of hobbit life beautifully. However, its simplicity contrasts with its steep price of $270 for 2,017 pieces, which exceeds the typical 10 cents per brick metric. For comparison, Barad-dûr and Rivendell offer better value per piece.

Despite the high price, The Shire remains the most budget-friendly option for LOTR enthusiasts unable to invest in the larger sets. The pricing strategy may hinge on consumer demand and the iconic appeal of the Lord of the Rings franchise.

For those interested, a LEGO mini-movie showcasing this set is also available:

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

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