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LEGO Lord of the Rings: Shire - Epic Quest Begins

By Mia: Apr 20,2025

LEGO is set to enchant fans once again with the release of *The Lord of the Rings: The Shire* on April 2 for LEGO Insiders, and April 5 for the general public. This marks the third installment in the beloved LEGO LOTR series, following the intricate 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the imposing 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024. The new set, numbered #10354, offers a delightful 2,017-piece rendition of Bilbo Baggins' iconic hobbit-hole, capturing the essence of his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration.

Out April 5

LEGO LOTR: The Shire, the Beginning of an Epic Quest

3See it at LEGO Store

The Shire set is meticulously crafted with every wall rounded or curved, and surfaces adorned with accessories, creating a warm and detailed model. IGN had the privilege of testing this set, and while it beautifully embodies the charm of its subject, it comes with a price tag that seems disproportionately high for its piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 recreates Bilbo Baggins' home, featuring nine minifigures including Bilbo, Frodo, Mrs. Proudfoot, Farmer Proudfoot, Merry, Pippin, Rosie Cotton, Samwise Gamgee, and Gandalf the Grey. The model showcases the hobbit-hole built into a green-bricked hillside, with an open back that allows a view into three distinct rooms: the main foyer, a study, and a combined dining and sitting area. These rooms are constructed separately and connected using clamps, ensuring a seamless exterior while maintaining a cozy interior.

The designers have focused on creating an authentic hobbit-hole atmosphere, complete with varied rugs, letters from well-wishers, and food scattered throughout. Notable elements 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 near the teapot.

An engaging feature is the use of LEGO Technic to create a mechanical element that allows you to switch the fireplace display between a charred envelope and the One Ring, a subtle nod to a pivotal scene in *The Fellowship of the Ring*. The rooms are designed to be wider than they are tall, reflecting the canonical hobbit architecture and creating a sense of spaciousness. The exterior construction, with its flowing curves, demands careful attention to detail to achieve the desired natural look.

Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure reminiscent of running one's hand over a textured globe, as the set uses multiple curved green pieces to create an undulating hillside. This design choice emphasizes the harmonious relationship between hobbits and their environment, further highlighted by a tree crowning Bag End with its gnarled branches.

The set also includes various freestanding elements that enrich the storytelling potential, such as 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 to simulate Bilbo's disappearing act at his party.

Despite its simplicity compared to Rivendell and Barad-dûr, The Shire set maintains a charm fitting for the humble hobbits. However, its pricing raises questions. At $270 for 2,017 pieces, it is 34% above the traditional 10 cents per brick metric, making it feel more like a $200 set. This pricing disparity is significant, especially when compared to other LEGO sets like the 2024 Jabba's Sail Barge, which, despite being 3,943 pieces, only exceeds the metric by 27%.

Ironically, The Shire remains the most budget-friendly option for LOTR fans who found Rivendell and Barad-dûr too expensive. Yet, on a per-brick basis, those larger sets offer better value. While piece count alone may not fully justify pricing, LEGO's ability to sustain such pricing will depend on customer demand and the enduring appeal of the Lord of the Rings franchise.

In addition to the set itself, fans can enjoy a LEGO mini-movie featuring The Shire, enhancing the overall experience of this delightful set.

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.