LEGO enthusiasts and fans of *The Lord of the Rings* are in for a treat as LEGO announces the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Shire set. Available to LEGO Insiders on April 2 and to the general public on April 5, this set marks the third in a series of LOTR-themed releases over the past three years. Following the impressive 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the monumental 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024, The Shire brings a more intimate yet detailed addition to the collection.

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

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Comprising 2,017 pieces, The Shire set captures the essence of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole with remarkable attention to detail. Every wall is rounded or curved, and each surface is adorned with accessories, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. IGN had the opportunity to test-build this set, finding it charming and true to its source material. However, it's worth noting that the set's price may seem disproportionately expensive given 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. It 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 constructed separately and then connected using clamps, ensuring a seamless exterior and a cohesive interior. The set emphasizes the cozy nature of Bilbo's home, with patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and food scattered throughout. Notable details include a wedge of cheese above the fireplace, a loaf of bread, and libations 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 well-worn map on a table near the teapot. An umbrella stand by the door holds a sword and a parasol. A unique feature is the LEGO Technic element that 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 are designed to be wider than they are tall, reflecting the hobbit-hole's canonical layout and creating a sense of spaciousness. While the interior construction is straightforward, the exterior requires careful attention to achieve the natural curves of the hillside. Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running a hand over a relief map, with its varied terrain created by multiple curved green pieces.

The set beautifully captures the harmony between hobbits and their environment, with Bag End crowned by a tree with gnarled branches. Additional elements like a birthday cake, a Party Tree with lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework, Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage, and a group of barrels with interlocking gears enhance the set's playability and scene-setting potential.

Despite its simplicity compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, The Shire set reflects the unpretentious nature of hobbit life. However, its price of $270 for 2,017 pieces is 34% above the traditional 10 cents per brick metric, making it feel more like a $200 set. This pricing is notably higher than other licensed sets like the LEGO Star Wars Jabba's Sail Barge, which, despite being 3,943 pieces, is only 27% above the metric.

While The Shire remains the most affordable option for LOTR fans compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, its per-brick cost is higher. The pricing strategy may hinge on LEGO's brand goodwill and the enduring popularity of The Lord of the Rings. Despite the cost, the set's aesthetic appeal is undeniable.

For those interested, a LEGO mini-movie showcasing this set is also available:

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