LEGO Lord of the Rings: The Shire - Epic Quest Begins %v

LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga have a new reason to celebrate. LEGO will release The Lord of the Rings: The Shire on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and on April 5 for the general public. This set marks the third Lord of the Rings (LOTR) themed release in the last three years, following the 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the 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 LEGO set, The Shire, captures the charm and detail of the beloved hobbit-hole of Bilbo Baggins, as seen during his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration. Every element of the set is meticulously designed with rounded walls and curved surfaces, all adorned with various accessories. LEGO provided IGN with a copy of The Shire for a test build, and while the set is undeniably charming and true to its source material, it is also disproportionately expensive for its piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 brings to life Bilbo's home, complete with nine minifigures: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Mrs. Proudfoot, Farmer Proudfoot, Merry, Pippin, Rosie Cotton, Samwise Gamgee, and Gandalf the Grey. The set features a detailed hobbit-hole built into a green-bricked hillside, with the back cut away to reveal three distinct rooms: the main foyer, a study, and a dining and sitting area.

These rooms are constructed separately and then joined using clamps, creating a seamless hillside exterior and a cozy interior space. The designers have filled the space with elements that emphasize the warmth and comfort of Bilbo's home, including different patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and an array of food items, such as a wedge of cheese above the fireplace and a loaf of bread on the windowsill.

The set also includes artifacts from Bilbo's travels, such as the Mithril Coat in a chest by the door and a well-worn map on the table near the teapot. A sword and a parasol rest in the umbrella stand by the entrance. The house features a single mechanical element that uses LEGO Technic to allow the display in the fireplace to switch between a charred envelope and the One Ring, a nod to a pivotal scene in The Fellowship of the Ring.

The rooms' design, wider than they are tall, mirrors the hobbit-hole's canonical layout, creating a sense of spaciousness. While the interior construction is straightforward, the exterior requires careful attention to detail due to its flowing curves, providing a tactile experience reminiscent of running a hand over a textured globe.

The set's design reflects the hobbits' harmony with their environment, highlighted by a tree atop Bag End with gnarled branches draping over the hilltop. Additional standalone elements, like a birthday cake, a Party Tree with colorful lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework, and Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage, add to the set's charm and allow for creative scene staging.

A group of barrels with interlocking gears allows for a fun "disappearing" effect, mimicking Bilbo's party trick. Overall, the LEGO Shire set is simpler in design compared to its predecessors, Rivendell and Barad-dûr, which aligns well with the hobbits' simple lifestyle.

However, the set's pricing raises questions. At $270 for 2,017 pieces, it is 34% above the standard pricing metric of 10 cents per brick. This contrasts sharply with the more favorably priced Rivendell and Barad-dûr sets. Even when compared to LEGO Star Wars sets, known for their "Disney tax," the price of The Shire seems disproportionately high.

Ironically, this set remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings fans unable to justify purchasing Rivendell or Barad-dûr. Yet, on a per-brick basis, those sets offer better value. While pricing can be influenced by demand and consumer willingness to pay, the sustainability of this pricing for LEGO and the LOTR brand remains to be seen. Despite the cost, the set's visual appeal is undeniable.

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

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.