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LEGO Lord of the Rings: Shire Marks Epic Quest Start

Author : Ava

May 16,2025

LEGO enthusiasts and fans of The Lord of the Rings will be thrilled to know that LEGO is set to launch The Lord of the Rings: The Shire on April 2 for LEGO Insiders, and on April 5 for the general public. This release marks the third LEGO LOTR set in the past three years, following the impressive 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024. The Shire, with its 2,017 pieces, offers a detailed and cozy representation of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole, complete with a charming design that captures the essence of the beloved setting.

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

3See it at LEGO Store

The new LEGO set, The Shire, is intricately designed with every wall curved or rounded and adorned with numerous accessories. IGN had the opportunity to test-build this set, provided by LEGO, and found it to be charming and fitting for its theme. However, it's worth noting that the set is priced higher than might be expected for its piece count, making it a somewhat expensive choice for collectors.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 beautifully recreates Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole 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 with its iconic round door, a study to the left, and a dining and sitting area to the right.

These rooms are built separately and connected using clamps, creating a seamless hillside exterior and a cohesive living space inside. The set captures the cozy essence of Bilbo's home through detailed touches like patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and food items placed throughout. Notable artifacts from Bilbo's adventures include the Mithril Coat, a map used by Thorin and Company, and a sword in an umbrella stand.

The set features a single mechanical element using LEGO Technic, allowing the fireplace display to switch between a charred envelope and the One Ring, referencing a key scene from The Fellowship of the Ring. The room dimensions emphasize the wide, open spaces typical of hobbit architecture, and while the interiors are straightforward to build, the exterior requires careful attention to achieve its flowing curves.

Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running a hand over a relief map, with its use of curved green pieces to mimic the natural landscape. This design choice effectively communicates the hobbits' harmony with their environment, highlighted by the tree atop Bag End with its sprawling branches.

Additional elements outside the core set enhance its playability, including a birthday cake, a Party Tree with lanterns, a tent, a red dragon firework, Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage with switchable leg positions for Frodo and Gandalf, and a set of barrels with interlocking gears to simulate Bilbo's disappearance at his party.

Despite its simplicity compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, which suits the hobbits' lifestyle, The Shire set is priced at $270 for its 2,017 pieces, which is 34% above the standard pricing metric of 10 cents per brick. This makes it feel more like a $200 set. Even LEGO Star Wars sets, known for higher pricing due to licensing, are not as disproportionately priced.

Ironically, The Shire remains the most budget-friendly option for LOTR fans unable to invest in the larger sets, though it offers less value per piece. While piece count may not be the sole determinant of value, the pricing strategy raises questions about LEGO's reliance on brand loyalty and the demand for LOTR-themed sets.

Despite its price, The Shire is visually appealing and a testament to the enduring appeal of The Lord of the Rings. For those interested, a LEGO mini-movie of this set is also available for viewing.

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.