Return to Middle-Earth:  LEGO®  Rivendell™ (10316) review

Return to Middle-Earth: LEGO® Rivendell™ (10316) review

Embark on a journey into the heart of Middle-earth™ with our newest rental set:  the LEGO® The Lord of the Rings™ Rivendell™ collectible set (10316). Immerse yourself in the magical world created by JRR Tolkien and recreate iconic scenes with this impressive 6,167-piece masterpiece designed for adults who appreciate stunning design and intricate details. 

The first Lord of the Rings themed set to be released after a 10 year break is a stunning creation. The set brings to life the serene and lush Rivendell™ forest, adorned with multi-coloured foliage that will transport you deep into the enchanting valley. Explore the various locations within Rivendell™, including the elven forge, Elrond's study, and even the Shards of Narsil™, adorned with paintings and statues from the rich history of Middle-earth™. This set is a treasure trove of film magic, bursting with references to The Lord of the Rings™ film trilogy that fans will instantly recognize.

Measuring over 39 cm high, 72 cm wide, and 50 cm) deep, this meticulously crafted set is split into three sections: the tower, the council ring, and the gazebo with the river and bridge, all ready to be displayed together or separately.

The minifigures included in the LEGO® The Lord of the Rings™ Rivendell™ set offer an exceptional level of detail and diversity, making it a true delight for fans and collectors. The set includes an astounding 15 minifigures from the Lord of the Rings lore, in addition to the 6 statue minifigures that adorn Rivendell.

The Fellow-ship of the Ring

The Fellowship of the Ring, the group of brave adventurers chosen to carry the One Ring to Mount Doom, stands at the heart of the set. All 9 members of the fellowship are included in the set: Gandalf the Grey™, the powerful wizard guiding the group; Aragorn™, the human ranger destined to be the king; Legolas, the elven archer; and Gimli™, the fierce dwarf warrior, as well as the hobbits Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin. Each member is depicted in great detail and equipped with their distinctive weapons.

In addition to the Fellowship, the council of Elrond™ is brought to life with the presence of Elrond himself, the noble elven lord of Rivendell. Gloin, the stout-hearted dwarf from the line of Durin, Arwen daughter of Elrond,  and Bilbo Baggins™ the keeper of the One Ring before passing it to Frodo are also present.

 

The council of Elrond

The minifigures are designed in three different sizes to accurately represent the unique statures of hobbits, dwarfs, and humans or elves. Moreover, alternative leg parts are included to allow non-standard figures to sit down, offering versatility in posing and storytelling. To further enhance the authenticity, a new mould is introduced to give the minifigures elven ears, capturing the distinctive appearance of the elven race. 

This remarkable attention to detail extends to the weaponry provided for the minifigures. New and specially designed minifigure weapons are included to bestow figures with elven swords or dwarven axes; the revered blade Narsil, the shattered sword of Isildur; and Bilbo's treasured sword, Sting are also included.

 

Shards of Narsil

 

The build experience of the LEGO® The Lord of the Rings™ Rivendell™ set is a very enjoyable experience. It is divided into three parts, the set takes you on a journey through Rivendell's world, starting with Frodo's bedroom in the tower, leading to the elegant elven gazebo with the bridge of Rivendell , and culminating in the majestic main hall with the council ring. 

Octagonal tower construction

The construction process is a fun adventure, as interesting building techniques are employed to recreate the iconic Rivendell look from the beloved movies. While the set provides an engaging experience, it is thoughtfully designed to strike a balance, ensuring it is not overly challenging, making it accessible to both skilled builders and those seeking a leisurely building journey. The use of LEGO Technic parts is kept to a minimum, allowing for a smooth and straightforward building process.

Upon completion, the Rivendell™ set stands out as one of the most stunning LEGO creations released in recent years, boasting a truly unique and captivating appearance. Its colour scheme showcases an array of different colour shades, with an abundance of parts in rarer colours, such as sand green, nougat, and sand blue, perfectly representing the ethereal essence of Rivendell.

Gazebo

Throughout the model, the clever use of diverse LEGO parts brings the elegant elven architecture to life, with the gazebo being a prime example of this exquisite design.

The patterned roof is also a unique highlight of the set, with its hundreds of 1x1 tiles meticulously placed to create a mesmerizing effect. Rest assured, though, the building process never becomes tedious, thanks to the user-friendly building instructions that show you how to easily align the tiles.

 

Aligning roof tiles

Attention to detail extends to every aspect of the set, including the floor of Rivendell, adorned with patterned printed tiles. This abundance of printed tiles sets a new standard, adding another touch of elegance to the ensemble.

Patterned floor

Nature surrounding Rivendell is carefully integrated into the elvish architecture, and this is clearly showcased through the inclusion of different trees, each with distinct constructions and shades of foliage. The addition of a new fern mould further enhances the inclusion of nature's beauty in the set.

LEGO ferns

Movie enthusiasts will be delighted by the many recognizable details from the films and books. From the painting of the fall of Sauron to the maps of Middle-earth and Mordor, as well as Bilbo's book and a depiction of Earendil the Mariner, the set is adorned with elements that evoke fond memories. While most of these decorations unfortunately come in the form of stickers, they contribute to the set's authenticity while keeping it accessible at an affordable price.

StingMap of Middle-EarthThe Fall of Sauron

In conclusion, the LEGO® The Lord of the Rings™ Rivendell™ set delivers a truly enchanting and satisfying build experience, appealing to both LEGO enthusiasts and devoted fans of the epic fantasy saga. The unique design, attention to detail, and celebration of Rivendell's serene beauty make this set a true masterpiece, leaving builders with a breath-taking creation.

This set is in shops now or available for rent right here at Lend-a-Brick.

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