Whether it is the Lord of the Rings books, or through the movies created by Peter Jackson, I find great joy in taking many journeys into Middle Earth as I wander through peril and adventure beside my favorite characters. As I built this incredible version of Rivendell I found myself continually in awe of the intricate details, the clear and subtle references to the story and movie scenes that I love so much, and the size and scope of this set. I would like to take a moment and express my great appreciation for the unparalleled work of LEGO art that the incredible team of designers created. I applaud them for their immense creativity and hard work.
LEGO #10316 Rivendell has a piece count of 6167 pieces. It is rated 18+, and this is a fair assessment. There are many teens that would be fully capable of tackling this build, but it is an advanced set and even a seasoned builder will be challenged by the intricate construction level. The set was released on March 8, 2023. Priced at $499.99 it is a set designed for the serious builder, but you will quickly see it is worth every penny you will spend. The piece count is ample for the price, but it is the artistry and beauty of the final product that will quickly make you forget the twinge you felt at the initial cost. It took me 14 1/2 hours to complete the build.
You need to look no farther than the inner flaps of the box to find your first surprise, for even the box honors the beauty of Middle Earth. There were 49 numbered bags included in this set. In addition there was a bag consisting of baseplates, and a smaller bag full of weapons. A large white envelope held the three instruction books, and also housed two small sticker sheets.
The books are beautiful starting with the cover pictures. A sketch of Rivendell is on the front of each book with the artwork highlighting the area that will be the focus of building within the book. I took my time enjoying the front pages of the books as it took me on a journey through meeting the design team, an overview of Lord of the Rings sets that came before, and details of what would be built within the pages and details on the main characters.
The first book creates the tower structure. Each and every piece had a purpose, even the support structures felt as if they had a part to play in the overall aesthetics of the piece. The interior of the tower section houses the library and Bilbo’s room. Perfectly homely rooms help us imagine why Bilbo came to rest in Elrond’s house. I loved building the bookcase in the library, and the furniture in Bilbo’s room, especially since each element was wrapped in the graceful and flowing design of the elves. My favorite parts are the writing desk which holds Bilbo’s cherished book, and the chest which cares for the Mithril shirt and his sword Sting. On the backside of the tower section an ornate frame holds the “Downfall of Sauron,” a beautiful sticker that is a fitting tribute to Alan Lee’s gorgeous mural.
Working around to the outside of the building the exterior architecture is even more stunning than the interior. The ground level entrance has three pointed arches above a stone staircase. I loved the techniques used to create and attach the arches. If there was one part of the build that I was nervous about it would have been the tiled roof. It was not as difficult as I thought it may be, but it took time and was tiring on my fingers. Instructions on how to use a long flat LEGO brick to help with aligning the tiles properly were included in the instruction book. I was very grateful they included this tip.
I found that simply running the long piece through the grooves did not straighten them quite enough though. In order to create near perfect placement I had to run the long piece back through and this time stop at intervals and gently pull the long piece forward putting pressure on the row of tiles. This slight pressure was all the tiles needed to straighten them almost perfectly.
Now we come to the stone tower. Allow me to express how impressed I am with the construction of this section. I am always searching for new methods and styles of constructing LEGO bricks so I can implement them into my own builds. I am familiar with many styles, but this tower is beyond the scope of anything I have seen. Many times as I built it layer by layer I sat back stunned at the techniques used. Once again the designers deserve another round of applause.
At the base of the tower is a special hiding hole for Sam to use during Elrond’s secret council meeting. He is surrounded by the new fern element that was introduced in this set, and I can’t tell you how excited I was to build with these. They have the ability to be stacked one on top of the other which allows for creating tall and lush ferns. They are a wonderful addition to the plant selection that LEGO has been building on. Five stone statues tucked into archways rest above our hidden hero and they create a stunning visual effect. I was puzzled for many steps as I worked on the lower levels of the tower because a number of the statues were free to slip around with nothing holding them in place. When the secret of how they were eventually secured into place was finally revealed I was greatly impressed with the method of securing them. As the tower continued upward the detailing was beautiful, the techniques used masterfully. The tower is definitely one of my favorite aspects of the set.
After starting Book 2 I quickly discovered that this build was going to continue to amaze with each page that was turned. This book created the far right side of the scene, and the area most dedicated to the outdoor beauty of Rivendell. In contrast to the highly detailed architectural structure that was built during the first book, I found myself slipping away into a rich and peaceful forest. Lush foliage abounds throughout the woodland scene with ferns tucked away in many crevices, and cute little shelf fungi climbing the trees. A personal favorite is the glow in the dark mushrooms that pop up in all the right places. The landscape was created by weaving gray, moss green and brown pieces together to create layers of natural ground and carved stone that look as if they were always meant to coexist together. I found that careful attention was needed as I built up the landscape, it was easy to misplace a piece if I was not paying enough attention.
I love creating water scenes and the flowing waterfall and river with its crashing layers of foam is simply beautiful. The stone bridge arches over the river, and leads up to either an elegant gazebo or slips down to an elven forge hidden beneath the towering trees.
Beneath the gazebo an elaborate entrance leads into an armory. Tucked away inside this room are two stands holding many weapons that may be used if needed to defend this graceful land. A grinding stone also takes up its residency, and a small table for inspecting weapons rests beside it. Outside once again beneath bright yellow leaves lies the forge. I have to be honest here, a shiver slipped through my spine as I placed the anvil into position. I could almost hear the sharp clang of the hammer as Narsil was reforged.
I especially enjoyed building the trees. They felt slightly delicate as I built them, but I found them to be secure when complete. They are graceful and even sway slightly when the build is moved around. The addition of golden leaves on the lower tree I found delightful and my mind slipped to another elven world beneath the majestic Mallorn trees.
The creation of the rounded stone floor for the gazebo was described by the designers as, “The most challenging geometric puzzles we faced while developing this model” per the instruction book page 145, and I can see why. I quickly found myself diving into what felt like a hybrid between classic and technic building styles. The combination created a strong base which can easily be lifted up to reveal the armory underneath.
It would be easy for our minifigs to slip away for a moment of quiet peace within the arches of the alabaster gazebo.
I had to take my time following the instructions for the rounded top. Many of the pieces are only connected at one point which allows for freedom of movement to position into the correct spot, but also allows them to move out of position if bumped. My word of advice, don’t worry about everything being perfectly in place until you attach all of the design pieces, then when the gazebo is in place, go back and arrange all the ornate details in their final positions. If Book 1 created an architectural masterpiece, then Book 2 wrapped us in the beauty and grace of nature.
I opened Book 3 with excited anticipation ready to explore the central heartbeat of the build. Architecture and natural beauty come together within this middle section. Layers of gracefully tiered ground and sculpted stone created the base for the building which began to grow. Within the building an elaborate tile floor was placed. I was relieved to find that all of the tiles had their design printed on them. Tables, stools, and candelabras were sprinkled throughout the lower level of the building. I loved the use of the many archways and detailed pillars that created quiet nooks to study or create maps. A dark gray arched doorway creates an avenue to the library when the tower section is connected upon completion of the build. Stairways lead our characters towards the council room, or out towards a portico that leads us on the path to the waterfall. An additional stairway leads us to a balcony that holds the Shards of Narsil resting within a stone sculpture. Artwork graces the walls above the balcony which were created by attaching stickers to square smooth baseplates.
The one and only part of this build that I found slightly disappointing was the railing on the upper staircase. The design and construction were fine, but the tubing that created the banister was a bit too long and therefore did not rest within the notches created for it.
The portico creates a lovely entrance to Elrond’s home, and resting within its center lies a table with Lembas lying in their leafy beads ready for our travelers if they wish to add some to their packs. The layers of round pillars were enjoyable to build, and set off the detailed roof perfectly. Behind the portico and nestled within trees rest a marble bench where I am sure Bilbo spends much of his time.
The roof for this portion of the build is quite the eye catcher and a lot of time was dedicated to creating it. The tile placement alone took thirty minutes. The one part I found most challenging was the placement of the green 2×2 square open O clip pieces that help create the ridge. All of the squares needed to be pushed towards the outer edges of both sides of the roof respectively. At first I centered them and could not get the roof to snap into its proper place. After adjusting the pieces as shown, it connected beautifully.
I would be foolish if I didn’t point out the many white pillars that weave around the curved opening within the roof line. Built with many unique elements, the use of cupcake pieces being one of my favorites, the pillars create one of the most stunning visual features of the entire build.
The stone floor of the council room, and the large tree that rises beside it were built as an independent layer. The techniques used created an incredibly secure and movable floor which allowed for beautifully rounded edges. If one was to peek underneath the stone floor they would find the Eye of Sauron resting directly underneath the stone table where the Ring of Power lies. Elrond’s chair holds the place of honor beneath the majestic trunk of the tree, and I loved the use of teal pieces that were incorporated within it. A surprising and enjoyable feature was the half moon of seats surrounding the outer edges. They were built as one piece that hinged and then attached to the floor. You have to wonder if the carpenters were hungry as they built these chairs, if you tilt your head just right popsicles and hot dogs may come to mind.
Rivendell would not be complete without the heroes that bring it to life and there is no disappointment here. As expected, the Fellowship of the Ring takes center stage. Alongside of them, in no lesser capacity, Arwen, Elrond, and Bilbo complete our beloved set of characters. Four additional figures fill the halls and gardens; three of the fair elven folk, and one elderly dwarf.
Gandolf comes equipped to either stand or sit with an additionally constructed lower half that can be interchanged as needed. Elrond also includes this feature which greatly helps both our characters since their “walking” robes are slightly over starched and prefer to stay in an upright position. Bilbo and Frodo can also reconstruct their lower halves with the clever use of a couple of well placed bricks which allow for a much more comfortable seating position.
With the exclusion of Gandalf, Gimli, and a white haired dwarf, all of the minifigures have two facial expressions to choose from. The most notable being Bilbo’s face of rage, Frodo’s as he slips towards the world of the wraiths, and Elrond’s fatherly scowl as he tries to be patient with those around him.
There are five hobbits included in this set; Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin. The hair pieces for the four younger hobbits appear to come from the same mold, but in four different color variations. Bilbo’s hair piece stands apart with its slightly receding hairline and stacked layers of curls in the back. All of the Hobbits sport the new mold for their legs which allows for split coloring bringing the prominence of their bare feet into focus. The only part missing here is the curly hair on the top of their feet. All of the minifigure’s torsos and faces have excellent print jobs on them. Each one was accurately placed and included elements from each character that are easily recognizable. Frodo’s look of despair, Merry’s smug grin, Pippin’s scarf and Sam’s simple gardener clothing stand out the most to me. Frodo’s green cloak is the most accurate depiction of the colors worn by the hobbits during their time spent in Rivendell. Sam, Merry and Pippin’s cloaks all slightly differ from their on screen colors which were; medium gray, light gray, and burgundy respectively. Each hobbit also holds one of their traveling accessories. Bilbo comes with a walking stick. Frodo carries the weight of the One Ring. Sam is ready to greet an orc with his frying pan. Merry comes with a carrot, which he seems to have broken, and Pippen is stocking up on Lembas for the long journey ahead.
Gandalf creates an imposing character with his large pointed hat, flowing gray robe and staff held ready for battle. The print job of his robe and face are flawless and well placed. It would seem that his robes have had a good washing since there are no mud splatters to be seen. His cloak is made of soft and pliable material, and his long gray beard highlights his age and wisdom. I am slightly disappointed that his staff is a basic LEGO bar with a stop ring. I had hoped that a more accurate version of his staff would have been created for this set.
The men of the west boldly take their place in our circle of friends. Aragorn and Borimer’s clothing and facial print jobs are very well done. The printing on both is highly accurate and their double sided heads allow us to see them both as men of peace and men of action. Aragorn’s clothing represents the comfortable style he wore while resting in the Grey Havens, but his sword is as always close by. Boromir has a slightly more detailed style of travel clothing complete with a brown cloak. He travels with his sword and shield, but the Horn of Gondor seems to be tucked away in his luggage and unfortunately we are unable to see it. Boromir’s sword is broader and slightly shorter than Aragorn’s long and slender one.
The beauty of true friendship creates hope and here our fierce competitors and best friends stand side by side. Gimli and Legolas both share beautiful artwork on their torso’s, detailed face prints, and stylish hair pieces. Gimli features the mid-sized legs that allows him to be shorter than a full size minifigure, but taller than the hobbits and grants him the ability to bend his legs. His beard has woven braids front and back, and his helmet is exquisitely wrapped in dwarfish designs. Gimli is given the option to remove his helmet, but I am sad to say that his hair piece does not seem to accurately fit the character as it has no braiding, and hangs a bit too straight and long for him. His perfectly sized and shaped axes help get Gimli back on track to being a perfectly designed figure. Legolas features the new elven hair piece mold that allows for different textures to be used on the hair and ears. His clothing clearly defines him as a woodland elf and his tall black boots are a great touch. He carries his longbow, but unfortunately due to long golden locks his quiver is missing.
Elrond and Arwen glide majestically into our scene and I must say the print jobs on these figures are beautifully designed. Their clothing gives off a metallic glimmer as the light hits them. They both share the same new hair design as Legolas and feature the ability to wear two facial expressions. Arwen wears the Evenstar around her neck at least for a short while until she entrusts it to the future king of her dreams.
Our cast is completed with three supporting characters. Two elves from the House of Elrond, and the aged dwarf that must have accompanied Gimli. All three characters have clean and simply designed prints, but each one is well crafted and perfectly placed. Again I would have liked to have seen a hair piece on the dwarf that was more fitting for a dwarf to wear such as many of the minifigures from the LEGO Hobbit sets wore. The elves also share the glimmering quality to their clothing as the masters of Rivendell.
LEGO Rivendell is by far the most amazing LEGO set that I have ever built. It feels like it is in a category all its own. The beauty and artistry create a model that honors the work of Tolkien, Peter Jackson, and Weta Workshop. The set does carry a hefty price tag, but it is well worth every penny spent.
