We Build LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire, the Beginning of an Epic Quest

LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga have a new reason to celebrate. LEGO is set to release "The Lord of the Rings: The Shire" on April 2 for LEGO Insiders, with a general public release following on April 5. This marks the third Lord of the Rings set to be launched in the last three years, following the impressive 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the formidable 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024.

Out April 5### LEGO LOTR: The Shire, the Beginning of an Epic Quest

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The new 2,017-piece set, "The Shire," captures the essence of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole with meticulous detail. Every wall is rounded or curved, and each surface is adorned with accessories, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. LEGO provided IGN with a copy for a test build, and while the set is charming and true to its source material, it comes with a disproportionately high price tag for its piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 beautifully recreates Bilbo Baggins' home as seen during his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration. The set 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 with a cutaway back, allowing a view into three distinct rooms: the main foyer, a study, and a dining and sitting area.

These rooms are built separately and then connected using clamps, ensuring a seamless exterior and a cohesive interior living space. The designers have gone to great lengths to capture the cozy feel of Bilbo's home, with patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and food items scattered 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, a gift to Frodo before his journey to Mordor. A well-worn map on the table near the teapot recalls Thorin and Company's quest to the Lonely Mountain. An umbrella stand by the door holds a sword and a parasol.

A single mechanical feature, utilizing LEGO Technic, allows you to change the fireplace display from a charred envelope to the One Ring, referencing a key moment from "The Fellowship of the Ring" when Gandalf reveals the Ring's markings to Frodo.

The rooms are wider than they are tall, reflecting the hobbit-hole's design and creating a sense of spaciousness. While the interior construction is straightforward, the exterior requires careful attention to achieve the flowing curves of the hillside. Building the set evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running a hand over a relief map, with the use of multiple curved green pieces creating a natural landscape.

The set emphasizes the hobbits' connection to their environment, with Bag End crowned by a tree with gnarled branches. Additional elements, such as a birthday cake, a Party Tree with lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework, and Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage, enhance the set's storytelling potential. The carriage allows for switching Frodo and Gandalf's legs between standing and sitting positions.

A group of barrels with interlocking gears lets you recreate Bilbo's disappearing act from his birthday party. Overall, "The Shire" is a simpler set compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, reflecting the humble lifestyle of hobbits. However, its simplicity contrasts with its steep price, which is 34% above the standard metric of 10 cents per brick. At $270 for 2,017 pieces, it feels more like a $200 set.

While LEGO Star Wars sets are known for their higher prices due to the "Disney tax," even Jabba's Sail Barge, with 3,943 pieces for $500, is less disproportionate. Despite its pricing, "The Shire" remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings fans compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr. The question remains whether LEGO's goodwill and the franchise's popularity can sustain this pricing model.

Nevertheless, "The Shire" is a visually appealing set that captures the charm of the beloved story. For those interested, a LEGO mini-movie of the set is also available:

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