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Explore the details of the LEGO “The Shire” set, inspired by the beloved franchise, featuring iconic elements and unique minifigures!
Celebrating Bilbo Baggins and “The Shire”
Hello, everyone! Today, we’re going to celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ birthday and take a peek into his hobbit hole in the famous Shire. This well-known scene, which kicks off the legendary movie trilogy, has been recreated using plastic LEGO bricks. But why has one of the most anticipated sets of 2025 elicited such mixed reactions among LEGO fans?
A Look at the Set’s Details
The designers at The LEGO Group seem to have taken a nostalgic turn, reminiscent of their 2017 Hobbit set, where Bilbo’s home was built with 2017 pieces. The towering structure of Barad-dûr No. 10333 contained 5471 pieces, while the elven Rivendell No. 10316 totaled 6167 pieces. Consequently, this new set represents the smallest model since the series was relaunched.
To give context, Rivendell costs approximately $540, Barad-dûr is priced at around $500, while the price for The Shire is set at about $290. For comparison, the Medieval Town Square set No. 10332 consists of 3304 pieces along with 8 minifigures (9 in The Shire) and retails for approximately $250. This makes The Shire a notably expensive set based on the price-to-parts ratio. Such is the price of brand recognition!
What’s Inside the Box?
So, what do we find in this set? Apart from the hobbit hole itself, which is lush with greenery, moss, and trees, there’s also a cart featuring the wizard Gandalf the Grey, one of the festive tents, a table with a cake, and a speech area for Bilbo next to a pine tree. You might also be excited to hear there’s a fire dragon crafted from fireworks!
The Unique Features
Next, a weak point of the set lies in its back view. Unfortunately, the designers chose not to create an expandable hobbit hole or removable “false panels.” Instead, they simply divided the structure in half. This decision hasn’t been received well by fans. It’s likely that the designers at TLG themselves are not thrilled with how it turned out, as there are no photos showcasing the back view of the set. It is exclusively presented from the front, with functions shown only in close-up.
As for the interiors, they are cozy yet packed with detail: a snug room where Bilbo penned his adventures, the famous hallway where Gandalf bumped his head (complete with a chest full of artifacts and a handy barrel), and a kitchen with a fireplace. The interiors feel notably “alive” and comfortable.
The Minifigures
Regarding the minifigures included in the set, there are no complaints. In addition to Gandalf the Grey and Bilbo Baggins, the set features four members of the Fellowship of the Ring: Frodo, Sam, Pippin, and Merry. The true exclusives among them are three figures never seen before in LEGO: Rosie Cotton (Sam’s future wife), Everard, and Aurora Proudfoot, minor but memorable characters.
These brave hobbits, while appearing in previous sets, are now dressed in their formal attire, which boasts unique elements at this moment. Almost every torso can be utilized in medieval and fantasy builds. The minifigures are undoubtedly a plus for this set!
Fun Features and Mechanisms
Interestingly, the set includes two playable mechanisms that are quite similar. The first is the “disappearing scene.” As you turn the dial, Bilbo “vanishes” and reappears behind some barrels.
Additionally, there’s a scene with a letter burning and the inscription of the black speech appearing on the ring. Similarly, you rotate the dial to switch the letter for the ring. Overall, it’s a delightful addition!
Unique Elements and Accessories
Merry and Pippin come with additional hairstyles and faces to act out the firework scene, for which there’s also the fiery dragon. It’s essential to mention that the “Happy Birthday Bilbo Baggins” banner and the tent roof are unique fabric elements.
This set includes stickers; however, many pieces come with unique prints. Finally, you can hang a top-tier carpet on the wall of your own builds! As for new elements, there are plenty: printed quarter-circle pieces with bricks, brand-new round window frames, and more.
Final Thoughts on the Set
This set creates a deceptively poor first impression, primarily due to the number of pieces. After the massive Rivendell and Barad-dûr, this kit may seem modest. Yet, this might actually be its advantage: it results in a charming, not-so-small set that reflects yet another iconic location in Middle-earth. We will enhance our collection with a substantial number of unique figures and useful accessories.
There are certainly “Easter eggs” in the set that will only reveal themselves during assembly. The more I look at this set, the more I like it. Perhaps the only downside is its price, which significantly differs from previous sets.
Engage with the LEGO Community
It’s apparent that this set may not be the “best set of 2025,” yet it remains a wonderful addition to the collection of The Lord of the Rings sets. Therefore, I recommend not to overlook it, as in five years, you may regret missing out when it skyrockets in value. Rumor has it there’s another set in this series coming out this year, which will feature the “You Shall Not Pass” diorama. So, let’s stay tuned for the bridge in the Mines of Moria and the fearsome buildable Balrog. For now, let’s prepare our wallets for The Shire!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is included in The Shire set? The set includes the hobbit hole, a cart with Gandalf, a festive tent, a table with a cake, and various minifigures.
- How many minifigures are there in the set? There are nine minifigures included, featuring characters like Bilbo, Gandalf, Frodo, Sam, Pippin, and Merry.
- Is The Shire set expensive compared to other LEGO sets? Yes, The Shire set has a higher price per piece compared to similar sets, making it one of the more expensive options.
- When will The Shire set be released? The set will be available for Insiders on April 2, 2024, and for the general public on April 5, 2024.
- Are there any unique elements in the set? Yes, the set contains unique printed pieces, a fabric banner, and special accessories not found in other kits.
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