LEGO LotR - general discussion

[Leo604]

If Minas Tirith version of Uruk hai army was made, I'd expect it to have:

Mordor orc(x4)

Gondor soldier(x1)

And Faramir.

Even though he didn't particapate in that battle, I expect TLG would throw him in a set that way, as they wouldn't have to make an Osgiliath then.

Only 1 Gondor soldier? I think they'd split it even between the two sides.

[Blakstone]

I believe Propicz's point was that TLG did not do an even split with Uruk Hai Army set so why would they for a Gondor centric set? I hope that there are new helmet molds for Gondor in the next wave. Their helmets are distinctive.

[MikroMan]

Well, I really wish for Gondorian helmets *drool*

[Lynx]

I certainly hope for a wave featuring some Gondor sets. In fact, Faramir is my most-wanted minifig, and a set of him (exactly as in the video game), one Ithilien Ranger, one Gondorian Soldier and three orcs in the ruins of Osgiliath would be a dream.

However, I am concerned that we might be disappointed since...

... every LEGO LotR set (with the exception of The Wizard Battle) was in the video game: The Council of Elrond 1:1, The Black Gate 1:1, The Corsair Ship 1:1 minus shield prints, Helm's Deep 1:1, the ballista in Uruk-hai army 1:1,.... you get the idea. There is absolutely nothing brick-build resembling Gondor aside from a microscale Minas Tirith.

... Gondorian architecture is beautiful but difficult to capture in a reasonably sized set. I won't even mention whole cities, but even sets within Minas Tirith will be difficult to design.

... Key scenes in Gondor lack LEGO- typical play features. The throne room? The courtyard with the White Tree? I'd love those (particularly the second one with a Beregond mini fig) but what play features could be included? Flick-fire missiles from the tree? A platform from where you can push Denethor to his death?

... other key scenes are yet to be released. I think we all expect a Balrog battle, Witch-King battle and possibly Treebeard. Assuming the 2014 wave will be the last (based on sales data for Star Wars that dropped significantly in non-movie years), there's not much space left to put Gondor on the shelf.

I hope to be wrong, and a LEGO designer is reading this, thinking "If this guy knew that I hold that Faramir minifig as I read his post....", but I don't want to keep my hopes up only to be disappointed.

[Alcarin]

I certainly hope for a wave featuring some Gondor sets. In fact, Faramir is my most-wanted minifig, and a set of him (exactly as in the video game), one Ithilien Ranger, one Gondorian Soldier and three orcs in the ruins of Osgiliath would be a dream.

However, I am concerned that we might be disappointed since...

... every LEGO LotR set (with the exception of The Wizard Battle) was in the video game: The Council of Elrond 1:1, The Black Gate 1:1, The Corsair Ship 1:1 minus shield prints, Helm's Deep 1:1, the ballista in Uruk-hai army 1:1,.... you get the idea. There is absolutely nothing brick-build resembling Gondor aside from a microscale Minas Tirith.

... Gondorian architecture is beautiful but difficult to capture in a reasonably sized set. I won't even mention whole cities, but even sets within Minas Tirith will be difficult to design.

... Key scenes in Gondor lack LEGO- typical play features. The throne room? The courtyard with the White Tree? I'd love those (particularly the second one with a Beregond mini fig) but what play features could be included? Flick-fire missiles from the tree? A platform from where you can push Denethor to his death?

... other key scenes are yet to be released. I think we all expect a Balrog battle, Witch-King battle and possibly Treebeard. Assuming the 2014 wave will be the last (based on sales data for Star Wars that dropped significantly in non-movie years), there's not much space left to put Gondor on the shelf.

I hope to be wrong, and a LEGO designer is reading this, thinking "If this guy knew that I hold that Faramir minifig as I read his post....", but I don't want to keep my hopes up only to be disappointed.

Exactly I'm worried for Gondor in LOTR line especially if the 3rd wave is supposed to be the last (as the rumor goes)

If thats the case we can expect about 4-6 additional sets.

To me it would be nothing worse if we get:

15$ = ???

30$ = Lothlorien (3 figures) (Galadriel + Frodo + Aragorn/Gimli?)

50$ = Treebeard encounter/Balrog set (5 figures) (old generic Orcs/Moria goblins + Gandalf/Boromir or Merry/Pippin depending on set)

80$ = Witch King attack set (6 figures) (only witch king helmet and Eowyn as new parts)

120$ = screwed up Minas Tirith with no molds for Gondor soldier helmets but Fantasy era neck protector helmets (silver) (8 figures)

And then Good bye to the LOTR line forever.

That would be my nightmare release and ending of wave 3

[Lynx]

15$ = Gondor Battle Pack (Faramir, Beregond, 2 Gondor Soldiers, 1 Ithilien Ranger)

30$ = Lothlorien (3 figures) (Galadriel + Frodo + Aragorn/Gimli?)

50$ = Treebeard encounter/Balrog set (5 figures) (old generic Orcs/Moria goblins + Gandalf/Boromir or Merry/Pippin depending on set)

80$ = Witch King attack set (6 figures) (only witch king helmet and Eowyn as new parts)

120$ = screwed up Minas Tirith with no molds for Gondor soldier helmets but Fantasy era neck protector helmets (silver) (8 figures)

I'd be happy with that. Seriously, though: I think Galadriel is essential, too, and so is Durin's Bane, the Witch-King and Eowyn and (although not to me) Treebeard. The only solution that would make all us fans happy would be to have a large (7-8 sets) wave in 2014 or another one in 2015. I doubt that's going to happen.

[wesker]

Well, I really wish for Gondorian helmets *drool*

Would be nice if they came with holes on the sides for adding accessories like the Clone Trooper helmets. That way we get the option of having Citadel Guards as well as the regular Gondor soldiers.

[Alcarin]

I'd be happy with that. Seriously, though: I think Galadriel is essential, too, and so is Durin's Bane, the Witch-King and Eowyn and (although not to me) Treebeard. The only solution that would make all us fans happy would be to have a large (7-8 sets) wave in 2014 or another one in 2015. I doubt that's going to happen.

Balrog only served as a gap to fill to make Gandalf go away from Fellowship. Balrog itself holds no meaning to movie viewers especially since noone, only watching movie knows that Balrogs were once numerous that had a captain Gothmog (which is then name of the Orc Commander infront of Minas Tirith) Not to mention a mare captain of Gondolin (however powerful was he) fought and slain (while dying) that Captain/commander of Balrogs.

Balrog is really only an object to remove Gandalf, and while important to us who read other work tied to LOTR it holds little meaning except for epicness of the scene to viewers. People who watched LOTR (casuals) dont even know about Durin all they should to udnerstand the full meaning of Durin's Bane.

Treebeard really brings nothing to the whole line except for a named Ent.

Witch king sure is important though so I'd support that one definetly.

As for Galadriel I'm on the fence. She sure is important in the books and history of Middle Earth as a whole, being the daughter to one of the most powerful Noldors at the time being. They played the importance of Lothlorien up with sending aid to helm's Deep which is not happening in the books (and which I disliked personally)

So while I think she is definetly important I personally think nothing more is needed from her than her being with Frodo at the Mirror, which might be the most powerful scene in Lothlorien and can be put in a 15$ set.

On the other hand I can't make Gondor armies without Mold of Gondor helm and their great looking shields. :P :P :P :P

[Ardelon]

The thing is, Alcarin, the designers will make scenes that reflect "the epicness of the scene" that ring a bell with the casual viewers for their iconic status and thus their ability to sell. That would suggest a Balrog set and a Treebeard set, even more so since these guys would be brick-built, which is what LEGO is about.

Id like to see some elements of Gondor, like a set in the style of Uruk-hai Army, the gate with grond, Pippin lighting the beacon (15 Dollar set right there), or a scaled down attack on Osgiliath. I dont see the point for making a whole Minas Tirith though. Its too big to be done whole, and unnecessary too. It would be like making the whole of Cloud City or Theed, whereas in all these locations, the action only took part in a select few places of these locations. Chances are we would end up with a three-tiered Minas Tirith somewhat larger than Helms Deep (not necessarily a bad thing, but would it sell?).

[The_Chosen_1]

15$ = ???

30$ = Lothlorien (3 figures) (Galadriel + Frodo + Aragorn/Gimli?)

50$ = Treebeard encounter/Balrog set (5 figures) (old generic Orcs/Moria goblins + Gandalf/Boromir or Merry/Pippin depending on set)

80$ = Witch King attack set (6 figures) (only witch king helmet and Eowyn as new parts)

120$ = screwed up Minas Tirith with no molds for Gondor soldier helmets but Fantasy era neck protector helmets (silver) (8 figures)

And then Good bye to the LOTR line forever.

That would be my nightmare release and ending of wave 3

That wave actually seems extremely likely, so if it's your "worst case scenario" you might be in for major disappointment come this time next year.

[Alcarin]

The thing is, Alcarin, the designers will make scenes that reflect "the epicness of the scene" that ring a bell with the casual viewers for their iconic status and thus their ability to sell. That would suggest a Balrog set and a Treebeard set, even more so since these guys would be brick-built, which is what LEGO is about.

Yeh but thats contradictory, because if they aim for epicness of the set we surely should not expect Lothlorien (or at most only mirror with frodo and Galadriel, since that was the only iconic part of whole Lothlorien :P

Chances are we would end up with a three-tiered Minas Tirith somewhat larger than Helms Deep (not necessarily a bad thing, but would it sell?).

Well I would already be happy with Grond+gates(+ a little wall) as a 80$ set and then a nice UCS. A 200$ (or maybe 250$) set with 2700 pieces of Courtyard and white tree and Hall of kings and White tower (tower going atleast 6/10 of Orthanc height)

That wave actually seems extremely likely, so if it's your "worst case scenario" you might be in for major disappointment come this time next year.

Yeah I did this wave likely and possible on purpose, its the least work for LEGO to do these sets and it would take the least new molds and extra work, but it would be one truly major disappointment indeed.

[Propicz89]

Am I the only one thinking next years £20/£30 could be a prolouge set?

[deskp]

Am I the only one thinking next years £20/£30 could be a prolouge set?

I think they would more likely be battle of the 5 armies' equalient of "uruk hai army"

Why make prologue orcs and dwarves when you can make bo5a orcs and dwarves! (and elves and men)

[Alcarin]

Am I the only one thinking next years £20/£30 could be a prolouge set?

I hope not lol

[Str0ngbad]

I think they would more likely be battle of the 5 armies' equalient of "uruk hai army"

Why make prologue orcs and dwarves when you can make bo5a orcs and dwarves! (and elves and men)

I believe he means the prologue to LOTR rather than the Hobbit. I really hope it is but there are a lot of things that could sit in that price range comfortably. In my opinion, the most incredible looking armies of both elves and men in the whole trilogy are found in the prologue. The only reason I expect a prologue set sometime is Sauron. They can't possibly end this line without making him.

We know. You wish the entire trilogy took place in Third Age Gondor.

I hope not lol

[Ardelon]

I believe he means the prologue to LOTR rather than the Hobbit. I really hope it is but there are a lot of things that could sit in that price range comfortably. In my opinion, the most incredible looking armies of both elves and men in the whole trilogy are found in the prologue. The only reason I expect a prologue set sometime is Sauron. They can't possibly end this line without making him.

I wouldnt count on a minifig Sauron. Apart from a minute in the prologue, he wasnt in the actual LotR story in his physical form. Since he was present as the Eye, and we already got that, Sauron could be seen as covered. But though I consider the Third age armies ars more awesome than the Second age ones, I wouldnt mind a prologue set at all!

[deskp]

If they were to do prologue in a set. I wouldnt be satisfed uintill we had both a soldier of elves and men, wich both requires new molds. Sauron would obviously also need a new helmet.

Isildur however take his off in the movie so no need for that exactly.

I think LEGO should cover the non-prologue factions first.

Lego should of put Sauron in the expensive orthanc set. As a great bonus and to cover for their extreme lack of minifigures (compared to star wars)

[thefyfe]

£20 set with sauron and a small pile of rocks with isildur and elrond would be awesome - like Shelob size from wave 1!

[wesker]

Am I the only one not all that excited for a Prologue set? Especially with the next LOTR wave potentially being the last, I prefer to have some real locations covered than just "a small pile of rocks".

[Flieger]

No, same here. The only selling point of a prologue set would be Sauron - and the major trick about the Ring and Sauron in LotR is to have a non-corporal evil and to describe the struggles against it. Sure I would not be sad to have a prologue Sauron, but I can think of a dozen characters more important, most of all the Witch-King. And the Witch-King and Sauron would be rather similar in Lego design.

[Darth Caedus]

Thoughts on what Alcarin and others have brought up: Galadriel is in The Hobbit, so she should appear in a Destruction of Dol Guldur set in the TABA wave.

No Gondorians would indeed be a *major* failure on Lego's part. But I'm sadly prepared for it at this point.

As for a Prologue set...that would be incredible. Sauron, Gil-galad, Elendil, Isildur, Noldor Elves, Numenorean Warriors...any Silmarillion content is extremely valuable since there will likely never be a Silmarillion film (at least for decades). But it's barely more than a pipe dream.

[Fives]

I really think people fearing no Gondorians is absurd. Gondor played such a major role in the films. There is no way that LEGO would just leave that goldmine of material untouched.

[legofreak86]

I certainly hope for a wave featuring some Gondor sets. In fact, Faramir is my most-wanted minifig, and a set of him (exactly as in the video game), one Ithilien Ranger, one Gondorian Soldier and three orcs in the ruins of Osgiliath would be a dream.

However, I am concerned that we might be disappointed since...

... every LEGO LotR set (with the exception of The Wizard Battle) was in the video game: The Council of Elrond 1:1, The Black Gate 1:1, The Corsair Ship 1:1 minus shield prints, Helm's Deep 1:1, the ballista in Uruk-hai army 1:1,.... you get the idea. There is absolutely nothing brick-build resembling Gondor aside from a microscale Minas Tirith.

... Gondorian architecture is beautiful but difficult to capture in a reasonably sized set. I won't even mention whole cities, but even sets within Minas Tirith will be difficult to design.

... Key scenes in Gondor lack LEGO- typical play features. The throne room? The courtyard with the White Tree? I'd love those (particularly the second one with a Beregond mini fig) but what play features could be included? Flick-fire missiles from the tree? A platform from where you can push Denethor to his death?

... other key scenes are yet to be released. I think we all expect a Balrog battle, Witch-King battle and possibly Treebeard. Assuming the 2014 wave will be the last (based on sales data for Star Wars that dropped significantly in non-movie years), there's not much space left to put Gondor on the shelf.

I hope to be wrong, and a LEGO designer is reading this, thinking "If this guy knew that I hold that Faramir minifig as I read his post....", but I don't want to keep my hopes up only to be disappointed.

Who wouldn't love a denethor death catapult!!! That would be the highlight of the set! he'd have to have Lego flames attached as well or it wouldn't be authentic!

[Brickadiergerard]

I really think people fearing no Gondorians is absurd. Gondor played such a major role in the films. There is no way that LEGO would just leave that goldmine of material untouched.

Correct. We'll surely see Gondor, the Witch King and Eowyn, and the Balrog. The sets practically design themselves. I'd always thought we'd get Treebeard too, but with the Orthanc Ent I'm not so sure. I hope we do. Then, will there be a prologue set or Galadriel? I'd love for there to be both, but would probably say the latter was more likely. It shouldn't be too long till we start to hear, and Orthanc then Rivendell will keep me going in this wave until we do. They're great sets, with lots about them to enjoy.

[Leo604]

Who wouldn't love a denethor death catapult!!! That would be the highlight of the set! he'd have to have Lego flames attached as well or it wouldn't be authentic!

Somehow I get the feeling that isn't a moment TLG would like to emphasize in a toy.