LEGO enthusiasts and Lord of the Rings fans have a new set to look forward to with the upcoming release of LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire. This charming set will be available starting April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public. It marks the third Lord of the Rings themed set released in the last three years, following the impressive 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the massive 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024.

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

The new 2,017-piece The Shire set is a detailed homage to Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole, capturing the essence of the Shire with its rounded walls, curved surfaces, and an abundance of accessories. IGN had the opportunity to build this set, finding it both charming and fitting for its subject. However, it's worth noting that the set comes with a disproportionately expensive price tag relative to its piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 meticulously recreates Bilbo's home as seen during his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration. This set includes nine minifigures: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Mrs. Proudfoot, Farmer Proudfoot, Merry, Pippin, Rosie Cotton, Samwise Gamgee, and Gandalf the Grey. The hobbit-hole is built into a green-bricked hillside, with the back cut away to showcase 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 then connected using clamps, ensuring a seamless exterior and a cohesive interior living space. The set emphasizes the cozy atmosphere of Bilbo's home with various patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and food items scattered throughout. Notable details include a wedge of cheese above the fireplace and a loaf of bread on the windowsill.

The set is rich with artifacts from Bilbo's adventures, such as the Mithril Coat in a chest by the door and a worn map on the table, reminiscent of his journey with Thorin and Company. An umbrella stand near the entrance holds a sword and a parasol. A unique LEGO Technic feature allows you to switch the fireplace display between a charred envelope and the One Ring, referencing a key scene from The Fellowship of the Ring.

The rooms' design, wider than they are tall, mirrors the canonical hobbit architecture, creating a sense of spaciousness. While the interior construction is straightforward, the exterior requires more attention due to its flowing, curved surfaces. Building the hillside with multiple curved green pieces offers a tactile experience similar to running a hand over a relief map, evoking the natural integration of hobbits with their environment.

The set includes several freestanding elements that enhance scene staging, such as a birthday cake, a Party Tree with colorful lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework, Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage, and a mechanism with barrels that lets Bilbo "disappear" at the end of his party.

Overall, LEGO The Shire is a simpler set compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, which aligns well with the humble nature of hobbit life. Yet, it faces criticism for its pricing. With a piece count of 2,017 and a price of $270, it exceeds the traditional pricing metric of 10 cents per brick by 34%. In comparison, both Rivendell and Barad-dûr are priced more competitively on a per-brick basis. While some argue that pricing reflects demand and consumer willingness to pay, the set's cost remains a point of contention, especially when compared to other licensed sets like LEGO Star Wars sets.

Despite its pricing, The Shire remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings fans who couldn't justify the larger sets. Its visual appeal and the nostalgia it evokes for fans of the series make it a lovely addition to any collection.

In addition to exploring the new set, fans can enjoy the LEGO mini-movie featuring The Shire:

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