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LEGO Lord of the Rings: Shire Marks Epic Quest Start

Author：Kristen Update：Apr 23,2025

LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga have much to look forward to with the upcoming release of LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire. Set to launch on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public, this set marks the third in a series of LOTR-themed releases within the last three years, following the impressive 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the monumental 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

The new 2,017-piece Shire set captures the essence of Hobbiton with its warm and detailed design. Every wall is curved, and each surface is adorned with accessories, creating a charming atmosphere that truly reflects its subject. While IGN had the opportunity to build this set, it's worth noting that its price may seem disproportionately expensive given the piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 meticulously recreates Bilbo Baggins' iconic hobbit-hole as seen during his “eleventy-first” birthday celebration. The set comes complete with nine minifigures, including Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Mrs. Proudfoot, Farmer Proudfoot, Merry, Pippin, Rosie Cotton, Samwise Gamgee, and Gandalf the Grey. The home, nestled into a green-bricked hillside, features a cutaway design that allows a glimpse into three distinct rooms: the main foyer with its round door, a study to the left, and a dining and sitting area to the right.

These rooms are built separately and then connected using clamps, ensuring a seamless exterior hillside and a cohesive interior living space. The design emphasizes the cozy, homely feel of Bilbo's residence, with various patterned rugs, stacks of letters from well-wishers, and food items scattered throughout. Highlights 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, pivotal to Thorin and Company's quest to the Lonely Mountain, adorns a table near the teapot. An umbrella stand by the door holds a sword and a parasol.

The house features a single mechanical element utilizing LEGO Technic components. By turning a knob, you can change the display in the fireplace to reveal either a charred envelope or the One Ring, referencing a key moment from The Fellowship of the Ring when Gandalf reveals the Ring's markings to Frodo.

The rooms, wider than they are tall, evoke the spacious feel of hobbit architecture. While the interiors are straightforward to construct, the exterior requires more attention to detail due to its flowing curves, ensuring an accurate representation of the hillside's natural ebb and flow.

Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running one's hand over a relief map, with multiple curved green pieces creating a varied terrain. This design choice underscores the harmony between hobbits and their environment, a theme central to Tolkien's work. The set is crowned with a tree, its branches extending over the hilltop, symbolizing the enduring nature of Bag End.

Additional freestanding elements enhance the set's playability and connection to the films. These include a birthday cake, a Party Tree with colorful lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework mounted on a clear attachment, and Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage. Minifigures can switch between standing and sitting legs to fit inside the carriage. A group of barrels with interlocking gears allows for a fun reenactment of Bilbo's disappearing act at his party.

Overall, the LEGO Shire set is simpler in design compared to its predecessors, Rivendell and Barad-dûr, reflecting the humble lives of hobbits. This simplicity, while appealing, contrasts sharply with the set's steep price tag. Traditionally, LEGO sets are priced at about 10 cents per brick. The Shire, with 2,017 pieces and a price of $270, exceeds this metric by 34%, feeling more like a $200 set in terms of complexity and value.

Comparatively, other licensed sets like LEGO Star Wars sets often come with a higher price due to the "Disney tax," yet even Jabba's Sail Barge, with 3,943 pieces for $500, only exceeds the metric by 27%. Ironically, despite its high cost, The Shire remains the most budget-friendly option for Lord of the Rings fans compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, although those sets offer better value per brick.

While piece count alone may not fully justify the pricing, factors such as demand and brand loyalty play a significant role. LEGO's reputation and the enduring popularity of The Lord of the Rings may support this pricing model, but only time will tell its sustainability. Despite the pricing concerns, the set remains visually appealing and a delightful addition to any collection.

For those eager to see the set in action, don't miss the LEGO mini-movie featuring The Shire:

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.

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