Home News LEGO Lord of the Rings: Shire Marks Epic Quest Start

LEGO Lord of the Rings: Shire Marks Epic Quest Start

Author: Max May 15,2025

LEGO enthusiasts and fans of *The Lord of the Rings* have something exciting to look forward to with the upcoming release of *The Lord of the Rings: The Shire*. Scheduled for release on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public, this set marks the third in a series of LOTR-themed sets released over the past three years. Following the intricate *6,167-piece Rivendell* set in 2023 and the massive *5,471-piece Barad-dûr* in 2024, *The Shire* introduces a more intimate yet detailed addition to the collection.

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

3See it at LEGO Store

Comprising 2,017 pieces, The Shire set captures the warmth and charm of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole. Every aspect of this set, from the rounded walls to the curved surfaces, is meticulously designed and filled with accessories, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. IGN had the opportunity to test-build the set, and while it embodies the charm of its subject, it's worth noting that the set's price may seem disproportionate to its piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 is a detailed representation of Bilbo Baggins' home, depicted 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, features a cutaway back that reveals three 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 hillside and a cohesive interior living space. The design emphasizes the home's coziness, with patterned rugs, stacks of letters, 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 also includes artifacts from Bilbo's adventures, such as the Mithril Coat in a chest by the door and a well-worn map on a table, reminiscent of his journey with Thorin and Company. An umbrella stand by the door holds a sword and a parasol, adding to the home's charm.

A single mechanical element, utilizing LEGO Technic, allows you to change the display in the fireplace 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, reflects the canonical architecture of hobbit homes and creates a sense of spaciousness. While the interior construction is straightforward, the exterior requires careful attention to achieve the accurate, flowing curves of the hillside.

Building *The Shire* evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running a hand over a relief map, with the use of multiple curved green pieces creating a natural, varied landscape. This design choice underscores the hobbits' harmony with their environment, a theme central to Tolkien's work. The set is completed with a tree atop Bag End, its branches adding to the scenic beauty.

Additional elements not directly part of the main structure enhance the set's playability and storytelling potential. These include 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 that allow Bilbo to "disappear," recreating a memorable moment from the films.

Despite its simpler construction compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, The Shire reflects the unpretentious lifestyle of hobbits. However, its $270 price tag raises questions about value, especially when compared to the traditional pricing metric of 10 cents per brick. At 2,017 pieces, The Shire is priced 34% above this standard, which may feel steep for a set that, while charming, seems more suited to a $200 price point.

While LEGO Star Wars sets often carry a premium due to the "Disney tax," *The Shire*'s pricing stands out even among other licensed sets. Despite this, it remains the most affordable option for LOTR fans who found the larger sets out of their budget. Whether LEGO's pricing strategy will hold up with fans and the market remains to be seen, but the set's aesthetic appeal is undeniable.

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

LEGO *The Lord of the Rings: The Shire*, Set #10354, retails for $269.99 and consists of 2,017 pieces. It will be available at the LEGO Store starting April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public.