Home News LEGO Lord of the Rings: Building The Shire's Epic Quest Start

LEGO Lord of the Rings: Building The Shire's Epic Quest Start

Author : Leo Update : May 16,2025

LEGO enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga 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 Lord of the Rings set in as many years, following the monumental 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the impressive 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

Comprising 2,017 pieces, "The Shire" set is a detailed replica of Bilbo Baggins' hobbit-hole, capturing the essence of his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration. The set's design includes rounded walls and surfaces adorned with various accessories, creating a charming and immersive experience. However, despite its appeal, the set is also disproportionately expensive given its piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 intricately recreates the iconic home of Bilbo Baggins, featuring nine minifigures including 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 and is cut away to reveal three distinct rooms: a main foyer, a study, and a dining and sitting area. These rooms are constructed separately and then joined using clamps, creating a seamless exterior and an inviting interior.

The set emphasizes the cozy atmosphere of Bilbo's home with detailed touches such as patterned rugs, letters from well-wishers, and food items scattered throughout. Notable artifacts from Bilbo's adventures, like the Mithril Coat and a well-worn map, add depth to the set. A unique LEGO Technic feature allows you to switch the fireplace display between a charred envelope and the One Ring, recreating a pivotal scene from "The Fellowship of the Ring."

The rooms are wider than they are tall, accurately reflecting the hobbit-hole's design and creating a sense of open space. While the interior construction is straightforward, the exterior requires careful attention to achieve the natural curves of the hillside. Building the set evokes a tactile pleasure similar to running a hand over a relief map, with the hillside's varied slopes and curves crafted from multiple curved green pieces.

The set also includes several standalone exterior elements that enhance its storytelling potential, such as a birthday cake, a Party Tree with lanterns, a patterned tent, a flying red dragon firework, and Gandalf's horse-drawn carriage. Additionally, a group of barrels with interlocking gears allows you to recreate Bilbo's dramatic disappearance at his party.

While "The Shire" is a simpler set compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, it embodies the simplicity 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 higher than even some LEGO Star Wars sets, which are known for their "Disney tax."

Ironically, "The Shire" remains the most affordable option for Lord of the Rings fans unable to justify the higher-priced Rivendell and Barad-dûr sets. The question remains whether LEGO's goodwill and the enduring popularity of Lord of the Rings can sustain this pricing model. Despite the cost, the set's aesthetic appeal and detailed design make it a lovely addition to any collection.

For those interested, a LEGO mini-movie showcasing the 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 is available at the LEGO Store starting April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public.