Home News We Build LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire, the Beginning of an Epic Quest

We Build LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire, the Beginning of an Epic Quest

Author: Sophia May 04,2025

LEGO is set to enchant fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's world 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 Lord of the Rings set LEGO has launched in the last three years, following the 6,167-piece Rivendell in 2023 and the 5,471-piece Barad-dûr in 2024. The new set, numbered 10354, brings to life Bilbo Baggins' iconic hobbit-hole as depicted during his "eleventy-first" birthday celebration.

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 meticulously crafted to reflect the warmth and charm of the hobbits' world. Every wall is rounded or curved, adorned with an array of accessories that bring the scene to life. IGN was provided with a copy of The Shire for a hands-on build experience, which confirmed its enchanting appeal. However, its price point, at $269.99, seems disproportionately high for the piece count.

We Build LEGO LOTR Shire

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Set #10354 captures the essence of Bag End, 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, with a cutaway back that reveals three distinct rooms: the main foyer, a study, and a dining and sitting area. These rooms are assembled separately and connected with clamps, creating a seamless exterior and a cozy interior filled with hobbit-life details such as patterned rugs, letters, and an assortment of food.

The set includes artifacts from Bilbo's adventures, like the Mithril Coat in a chest by the door and a well-worn map on a table. A single mechanical feature, utilizing LEGO Technic, allows you to switch the fireplace display between a charred envelope and the One Ring, recreating a key moment from The Fellowship of the Ring.

The rooms' design, wider than tall, reflects the hobbit's preference for open spaces, while the exterior's curves require careful construction to maintain the set's natural look. Building The Shire evokes a tactile pleasure akin to running one's hand over a relief map, with the hillside's varied slopes and contours.

The set also includes several freestanding elements that enhance the storytelling, such as a birthday cake, a Party Tree with lanterns, a patterned tent, a red dragon firework, Gandalf's carriage, and a mechanism to make Bilbo "disappear" using interlocking gears.

Despite its simplicity, which aligns well with the hobbits' modest lifestyle, The Shire set's price seems steep when compared to other LEGO sets. Traditionally, LEGO sets are priced at around 10 cents per brick, making The Shire 34% above this metric. In contrast, the larger Rivendell and Barad-dûr sets are priced more favorably per piece.

While LEGO Star Wars sets often carry a higher price due to the "Disney tax," even these sets, like Jabba's Sail Barge, are not as disproportionately priced as The Shire. Yet, for Lord of the Rings fans unable to afford the larger sets, The Shire remains the most accessible option, despite its pricing.

The question remains whether LEGO's reputation and the enduring love for Tolkien's work will sustain such pricing. Nonetheless, the set's visual appeal is undeniable.

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 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.