LEGO’s huge new Rivendell set is out now… but it’s missing one killer feature

LEGO Icons 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell has a lot going for it, but the flagship Middle-earth set is missing one killer play feature.

Across 6,167 pieces, 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell beautifully recreates iconic elven architecture from Peter Jackson’s trilogy, packing in all kinds of complex building techniques, ingenious part usages and even brand new elements. But it’s also an 18+ display set, which means there isn’t a whole lot going on in the way of play features.

And as one Samus Crankpork pointed out on Twitter, that means 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell is technically missing an iconic play feature inextricably associated with the elven kingdom: the council ring floor popping up to launch Gimli through the air. We all remember that iconic moment in The Fellowship of the Ring, right?

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Before you bring out the Blu-rays to prove us wrong (even in the extended editions, alas), we’ll kindly direct you towards 79006 The Council of Elrond, the LEGO Group’s only other rendition of Rivendell. The 2013 set made up for the location’s lack of action – the most exciting thing to happen there is, erm, a conversation – by incorporating a play feature to toss Gimli out of the council ring. Poor Gimli.

Anyway, 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell includes no such play feature in its own council ring, which is an intricate puzzle of geometric angles that must have taken the designers some time to solve. The way it comes together – built mostly on its side – means there was unfortunately no opportunity to include a flinging dwarf feature, so you’ll just have to add that yourself once you’ve got your hands on the latest LEGO Icons set.

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Speaking of which: 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell is available from today for VIP members, and immediately qualifies for two free gifts in 40630 Frodo & Gollum and 40583 Houses of the World 1. The BrickHeadz set will only be included with orders through March 7, while the colourful house is back until March 12.

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