For a high-profile franchise based on a legendary fantasy epic, The Lord of the Rings hasn’t drained the Moria-sized mine of LEGO bricks as you might expect.
When Peter Jackson’s trilogy was released to box office and critical success, LEGO licensed tie-ups had only just begun. LEGO Star Wars appeared in 1999 and LEGO Harry Potter in 2022. Sadly, LOTR wouldn’t make it into brick form until Jackson’s Hobbit movie trilogy opened over a decade later. Sets based around both trilogies appeared between 2012 and 2013 before they retreated into the shadows. True to Tolkien’s epic, nothing remains hidden forever.
In 2023, the franchise is set for the “Return of the LEGO,” and things are bigger than ever. The largest LEGO set devoted to LOTR set is scheduled to be released in March, and rumors suggest that sets based on some epic parts of the story are set for release soon. Completists will have to scour all Middle-earth to track down many of these sets since the 2012 and 2013 releases have been retired. If you want to prepare for the saga’s epic return to LEGO, here’s the complete history of The Lord of the Rings in bricks and minifigures.
Elrond (#5000202, 2012) — six pieces (one minifigure)
A promotional set that proves that many things begin and end with Elrond. The Elf-ruler is ready for action and, fittingly, bears a passing resemblance to the younger half-elf in The Rings of Power.
Uruk-Hai with ballista (#30211, 2012) — 21 pieces / one minifigure
Few things are cuter than LEGO Uruk-Hai. Here, one of Saruman’s armor-clad creations — an elite pikeman — is backed up with a torsion-powered weapon.
Promotional sword (2012) — 31 pieces
An oddity that’s very hard to track down. As a non-descript weapon, it’s a strange LEGO build.
Frodo with cooking corner (#30210, 2021) — 33 pieces / one minifigures
When you think about Frodo Baggins, you don’t necessarily think about the savior of Middle-earth cooking. It finds the Hobbit in happier times with a giant goblet.
Gandalf Arrives (#9469, 2012) — 83 pieces / two minifigures
It’s the moment that kicks off the epic cycle. Here is Gandalf the Grey atop his cart with Frodo sporting a brilliantly unaware expression. The fireworks in the back of the cart are a nice touch.
The Wizard Battle (#79005, 2013) — 113 pieces / two minifigures
A bit underwhelming for the pivotal and brutal scene in The Fellowship of the Ring when Gandalf learns of Saruman’s betrayal. The Palantíri is a bit weak, but there’s much to enjoy in the bearded standoff on either side.
Brickheadz Frodo™ & Gollum™ (#40630, 2023) — 184 pieces
A big hint that LOTR was returning to LEGO came with three Brickheadz sets released in 2023. This sub-brand of distinctive display pieces has always had its odd touches, but Gollum has got to be one of the strangest.
Shelob Attacks (#9470, 2012) — 227 pieces / three minifigures
So far, there’s been a lack of fantasy creatures to build in LEGO’s 20 LOTR sets. Shelob may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a creepy build, and the Gollum minifigure makes up for the BrickHeadz.
The Council of Elrond (#79006, 2013) — 243 pieces / four minifigures
Not a full Council, but the thought was there. It’s a nod to the pivotal, much-quoted scene that sends the Fellowship on their way. There’s a hint of leafy Rivendell, but we’d have to wait 10 years for the real deal to arrive.
Uruk-Hai Army (#9471, 2012) — 257 pieces / six minifigures
Sauron’s forces have had a good run in LEGO. Here’s a passable army of strong orcs that outnumber men two-to-one. From a LEGO perspective, The Two Towers was dominated by the forces of evil.
Brickheadz Aragorn™ & Arwen™ (#40632, 2023) — 261 pieces
If anyone asks if The Lord of the Rings has a happy ending, you just need to show them this couple.
Gandalf the Grey™ & Balrog™ (#40631, 2023) — 348 pieces
The most fetching of the Brickheadz range. After the sinister Gollum and Frodo set and the loving Aragorn and Arwen two-piece, these two are all set for a high-stakes magic battle to display on a very high shelf.
The Orc Forge (#9476, 2012) — 363 pieces / four minifigures
An interesting set highlighting industrious orcs. This concept is made for LEGO, and it would be great to see more of it.
Attack On Weathertop (#9472, 2012) — 430 pieces / five minifigures
Not the most prominent set, but it does an incredible job of capturing the crag. It’d be lovely to see a collection that retains this compact center-piece design but incorporates the whole skirmish between the Fellowship and Nazgûl.
Battle at the Black Gate (#79007, 2012) — 656 pieces / five minifigures
The highlight, as so often with these sets, is the bad guy. The Mouth of Sauron is an adorable nightmare. Almost as good is the chance for Gandalf the White to ride the great eagle, Gwaihir.
Pirate Ship Ambush (#79008, 2013) — 756 pieces / nine minifigures
It is an odd choice of set from the epic third act of The Return of the King, but it comes with nine minifigures, including Aragorn’s Army of the Dead.
The Mines of Moria (#9473, 2012) — 776 pieces / nine minifigures
This set doesn’t capture the claustrophobia of Moria, but critical parts are there. The cave troll is a bit of a disappointment — it would be great to have a buildable version to bolster this megafigure.
The Battle of Helm’s Deep (#9474, 2012) — 1368 pieces / eight minifigures
You’d hope this was near the top of the list, and it’s ideal for a quick slice of siege and attack. LEGO’s increasing love of bigger sets since this came out could mean Helm’s Deep gets another look in the future.
Tower of Orthanc (#10237, 2013) — 2359 pieces / five minifigures
This tower set makes up for the pared-down Wizard Battle set, and the Ent is a satisfying inclusion. While rumors persist of a vast Barad-dûr build in the pipeline, at least the trilogy’s other tower held the prize for having the most pieces for a decade.
Rivendell (#10317, 2023) — 6167 / 15 minifigures
It was worth waiting for Tolkien’s epic fantasy to return to LEGO. The stunning Rivendell set is stacked with minifigures and movie-accurate features. We can only hope the forces of evil will earn a matching sanctuary.