The One Set to Rule Them All? LEGO Rivendell 10316 Review
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| The Last Homely House East of the Sea has finally arrived in brick form, and it is massive. |
Intro: Welcome to the Last Homely House
"Imladris" to the Elves, "Rivendell" to Men—whatever you call it, this location is the beating heart of Middle-earth. For over a decade, LEGO Lord of the Rings fans have been clamoring for a definitive version of Elrond’s sanctuary. The original 2013 set (79006) was a mere vignette compared to this titan.
The LEGO Icons Rivendell (10316) isn't just a playset; it is an architectural marvel that sits squarely in the "Adults Welcome" category. It promises the entire Fellowship, intricate building techniques that rival the Modular Buildings Collection, and a display presence that demands its own table. But with a price tag that could rival a bag of Smaug's gold, is it truly the one set to rule them all? Let’s find out.
Set Statistics
- Set Name: The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell
- Set Number: 10316
- Release Year: 2023
- Piece Count: 6,167
- Minifigures: 15 (Plus 6 statues)
- Dimensions: 15 in. (39 cm) high, 29.5 in. (75 cm) wide
- Price: (Check current price via button below)
The Build Experience: An Elven Masterclass
Because this falls under LEGO Icons, the build experience is paramount. This is not a simple brick-stacking affair; it is a masterclass in geometry and texture.
The most striking feature—and perhaps the most tedious part of the build—is the roof. The designers used a technique involving 1x1 tiles and plates angled at 45 degrees to replicate the intricate, multi-colored tiling seen in the Peter Jackson films. While repetitive, the result is a stunning mosaic of sand green, nougat, and tan that looks organic and ancient.
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| The set is designed in three modular sections, making it surprisingly easy to move or display in separate vignettes. |
Beyond the architecture, the landscaping borrows heavily from the Botanical Collection. You aren't just stacking green bricks; you are building custom trees using fern elements, upside-down flower stems, and new leaf molds. The "Nice Part Usage" (NPU) here is off the charts—keep an eye out for the white sausages used to create the ornate chairs in the Council Ring!
The Minifigures: The Fellowship Reunited
For many, this section is the dealbreaker. Fortunately, LEGO delivered. You get the entire Fellowship of the Ring in one box. This is rare; usually, LEGO spreads main characters across waves of sets to force you to buy them all.
The Hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) feature the new dual-molded short legs, finally representing bare Hobbit feet correctly. Legolas and Gimli have updated prints, and the Elves (Elrond, Arwen) feature incredible hair pieces. The inclusion of Gloin (Gimli's father) and un-named elves helps populate the scene, making it feel alive.
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| Finally, you don't need to hunt down five different sets to assemble the Fellowship. |
Interiors & Iconic Scenes
The set is packed with "Easter Eggs" and specific scenes.
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The Shards of Narsil: Included as a new mold, vital for the lore.
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Frodo’s Bedroom: Where he wakes up to see Gandalf. The bed scaling is perfect.
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The Council Ring: The centerpiece of the build. It accommodates the minifigures perfectly, allowing you to recreate the "You have my sword... and my bow... and my axe!" moment.
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| The Council Ring is brilliantly designed, using sausages and life preservers to create intricate Elven furniture. |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Source Fidelity: It captures the ethereal, Art Nouveau style of the movie Rivendell perfectly.
- Printed Tiles: The floor of the main hall is entirely printed tiles (geometric patterns)—a huge premium touch.
- Completeness: Getting the full Fellowship + Bilbo + Elrond + Arwen in one go is unprecedented.
- Display Value: It is gorgeous from every angle, including the back.
Cons:
- The Price: It is a serious premium investment.
- Footprint: It is incredibly wide (75cm). You need a dedicated sideboard or deep shelf; it likely won't fit on a standard bookshelf.
- Repetition: The roof tiling, while beautiful, might test your patience.
The Verdict
The LEGO Lord of the Rings Rivendell (10316) is a triumph. It balances the "Dollhouse" aspect (interiors/play) with "Model Making" (architecture/trees) perfectly.
If you are a casual fan, the price might be a hurdle. But if you are a devotee of Tolkien's world, this is the Holy Grail. It replaces the need for any other LOTR set. It is a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a build experience that transports you straight to Middle-earth.
Verdict: A Precious Masterpiece.
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| Be warned: You’re going to need a bigger table. |
