Update: Check out my full in-depth review of 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell!
This has been one of THE hardest secrets that I’ve had to keep, but last September during my visit to LEGO’s HQ in Billund, Denmark, we were given an exclusive early look at the newly revealed 10316 Rivendell set.
And now, I can bring to you, an exclusive early look at some of the details of 10316 Rivendell, to give you a clearer look at the minifigures, and sublime details of this 6,167-piece marvel!
10316 Rivendell will be released exclusively on LEGO.com and your local LEGO stores for LEGO VIPs from 5-7 March 2023, ahead of a general release from 8 March 2023 onwards.
- 10316 The Lord of the Rings:Rivendell [US] – US$499.99
- 10316 The Lord of the Rings:Rivendell [AUS] – AU$799.99
- 10316 The Lord of the Rings:Rivendell [UK] – £429.99
- 10316 The Lord of the Rings:Rivendell [EU] – €499.99
- 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell [CA] – CAD$669.99
If you’re planning on purchasing Rivendell, please consider using the affiliate links in this post. I may receive a small commission with each purchase which goes a long way in supporting the work I do on the blog!
Credits: Ashwin Visser, Senior Graphic Designer, Michael Psiaki, Design Master, Wes Talbott, Design Master, Chris Perron, Lead Designer, Djordje Djordjevic, Madison O’Neil, Senior Graphic Designers
Thanks to BlocksMag for some of the credits info!
It was honestly such a surreal opportunity, being invited into LEGO’s headquarters and have LEGO announce that not only was Lord of the Rings returning as a theme, but to get to see 10316 Rivendell in all its glory so early on with other LEGO Fan Media who were present.
Note: this is not my full review of the set – that will be coming a little later, so keep an eye out for my full-blown review and detailed look at the LEGO Rivendell set!
I also had the opportunity to sit down with Ashwin Visser, who led the graphic and minifigure design for this set, which I’ll be able to share after my review has been published.
ANYWAY.
Without further ado, here’s a closer look at some of the most interesting things about 10316 Rivendell!
First up, the minifigures! A whopping FIFTEEN minifigures are included in the set, in addition to six Elven statue minifigures.
From left to right, we have two Elven smiths, Arwen, Gloin, Pippin, Elrond, Legolas, Samwise Gamgee, Boromir, Aragorn, Bilbo, Gimli, Merry, Gandalf the Grey, and Frodo Baggins.
It’s incredible and such a great move for LEGO to include the entire Fellowship of the Ring, plus some extras like Gloin, and the Elven smiths that reforged Narsil are a nice touch. For a set this pricey, not including the Fellowship would be sacrilege.
Here’s a closer look at the Elven smiths, Arwen and Gloin (Gimli’s dad). Arwen is in a brand new white outfit, with the Evenstar on her neck.
It’s a little subtle, but I love how pronounced her lips are, matching Liv Tyler’s look in the movie.
Here’s a look at Pippin, who is holding some Lembas (the bread of the Elves), Lord Elrond in his red robes, Legolas, and Samwise Gamgee, Froddo’s gardener.
As you can see, LEGO have introduced brand new elf hairpieces, which have larger and more prominent Elf ears.
Sorry, that Boromir (and Aragorn’s face) got cut off, but here’s Aragorn, Bilbo, Gimli, Merry and Gandalf.
This is one of my FAVOURITE minifigures in the set, Bilbo with his scary face as an alternate face! Also love that this is an older version of Bilbo, with white hair and his tan outfit.
I will need to double check this, but I’m fairly certain that Gimli has a new and slightly different helmet mould, compared to the older version. There’s a new beard-element as well, and most excitingly – new axes!
AND MY AXE!
And last but not least, here’s a look at Frodo Baggins, the ring-bearer. I am fairly certain that his sword Sting is a new mould (with very subtle changes), but the noodle-y Hobbit hair is still the same.
Oh, and there are also six statues of unnamed Elven heroes on the base of the tower – these should absolutely count as minifigures as well, so in total, there are 21 minifigures, which is a really respectable amount for a set of this size and scale.
Do note that these Elven statue minifigures depicted in these photos are prototypes, which is why their faces and torsos have stickers on. The final model, will of course be printed.
But there’s no Gollum! Best to pick one up on Bricklink while he’s not too expensive, especially if you missed out on the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit sets.
Here’s a look at Rivendell, which is a massive, highly detailed and just downright gorgeous. The set measures over 15 in. (39 cm) high, 29.5 in. (75 cm) wide and 19.5 in. (50 cm) deep, and it can split into 3 main sections, allowing you to display it as a mega display model, or individually.
Here’s an angled look at the main structure and the large tree in the middle of the courtyard.
One of the most eye-catching parts of the design is this repetitive roof tiling technique using 1 x 1 tiles across the roof of the set. The colours are great, and they introduce a sense of texture and sophistication to the overall design.
Better get these straight to ensure your Rivendell looks good!
Here’s a closer look at the Council Ring, which features a semi-circular ring of chairs for the Council of Elrond, and a pedestal in the middle where the ring is placed, and the council argues over the best way to destroy it.
The tiling design in the middle is fantastic, and yes, those Nexo shields and 2×2 tiles are brand new printed elements.
Side note: I love the chair design, which not only uses sausages, but popsicle elements for the backrests!
There is a REALLY COOL EASTER EGG AND SECRET here, which I will not share in this post, but it’s seriously cool, and hey, I need to give you a reason to come back and read my full review to see for yourself.
Oh, and because it’s absolutely essential for the Fellowship to actually sit in their chairs at the Council of Elrond… LEGO have also included spare elements for minifigures with skirts to actually look like they’re sitting properly.
Hobbits can also sit down – I don’t have a photo that I can share, but looking at the official images you essentially use 2x LEGO headlight bricks, and a stud (for their feet) to make it look like their feet are up!
Keep it secret, keep it safe.
Other really cool models that really give off a Rivendell vibe is this white Gazebo, which has really ornate details on the roof. Very clever use of white life rings/toilet seats.
These would make @ranghaal very proud.
Oh, and for fans of LEGO plant elements, there this very cool fern element included in abundance in the set! It’s such an interesting design, and as you can see from other photos, can be placed either facing upwards or downwards for interesting foliage design.
Oh, and this is super cute, but there’s a little frog just chilling underneath the waterfall in a cave!
Here’s a look at the side, including these beautiful sharp archs, and Bilbo’s bedroom upstairs.
Here’s a look at the back, which is exposed and opens up like a dollhouse.
For Lord of the Rings fans, the interiors are chockful of Easter Eggs and references, and I was honestly impressed by how many nods to the movies and incredible set design the design team managed to squeeze in.
Oh, and from this view, you can see more of the lovely tiling on the ground floor, including a third new printed tile design.
Ashwin Visser, the Senior Graphic Designer who worked on the set, has some an exemplary job with the graphic design on the set. These are stickers, but you get some really gorgeous art, representing famous paintings and artworks depicting the history of Middle-Earth.
Here we have Celebrimbor forging the Rings of Power.
Here is an awesome painting of Isildur and Sauron, battling at the siege of Barad-Dur. If Sauron looks familiar, it’s because they adapted his look from LEGO Dimensions. This really makes me want a Sauron minifigure – something that has eluded LEGO Lord of the Rings fans for years!
There are also smaller portraits, and I especially like this one, which depicts Vingilot, Earendil the Mariner’s ship, which made the voyage to Valinor to plead for the help of the Ainur (Gods) on behalf of Elf and Men to topple Morgoth (Sauron’s boss). Earendil is a half-elf and was Elrond’s father.
There are also plenty of other stickered tiles with maps and diagrams of Middle Earth.
And last but not least, one of my favourite parts of Riveldell – the Shards of Narsil. And yes, that is a brand new broken sword mould specially created for this set!
Such incredible attention to detail and just one of many tiny touches that demonstrate how beloved the Lord of the Rings IP is by the LEGO Designers who worked on this incredible set.
I hope you enjoyed this extensive preview of the newly announced 10316 Rivendell set!
I will be sharing my full review of the set, to give you a closer look at all the intricate details, and closeups of the minifigures, their accessories, my thoughts on whether you should get it, and so much more, so keep an eye out on the blog for when my full review is published!
There’s one super-awesome Easter Egg that I’ve intentionally not included in this preview, so if you want to discover all the secrets of Rivendell, you’ll want to check back in again!
10316 Rivendell will be released exclusively on LEGO.com and your local LEGO stores for LEGO VIPs from 5-7 March 2023, ahead of a general release from 8 March 2023 onwards.
Special thanks to LEGO for the invitation to attend LEGO Fan Media Days in Billund, Denmark.
What do you think of Rivendell, its minifigures and details of the model? Will you be picking it up?
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Thank you for reviewing this beautiful set! I just found your blog and love it! I’ve been collecting Harry Potter
Sets. My first order they sent me a gift with purchase of the boys dorm. This is not available for purchase
it’s only as a gift. As I’m sure you know. Do you know the schedule for gifts with purchase for 2023? Do you know if the dorm will ever again be included as a gift with purchase? Is it just random what and when these gifts are mailed out? I can’t seem to find information concerning gift with purchase!
Thank you kindly
Dianne
Glad you enjoyed it! There’s no specific schedule but I think the Gryffindor Dorm was a one and done, so the only way to get these is on the aftermarket.
I do report on Gift with Purchase availability, so make sure you’re subscribed to get notified when new posts go up, or follow my social accounts!
so many little details, I love the Mithril armour! it’s so stunning! I can’t wait!
Make no mistake, this thing is an absolutely epic masterpiece and you’re damn right I will be buying it as soon as I possibly can. The return of Lego LotR is something I’ve been dreaming of for YEARS…
…which is why its so…bitterly disappointing that they’ve reused so many head pieces for figures that, by all rights, should be getting new, exclusive face prints. Now some of the face prints they’ve used here actually fit. Merry uses the head from one of the Weasley twins and that fits. Gandalf is also fitting since most of the face is covered by a beard.
But Lego really effed up with Legolas and Arwen. Who thought that the young Han Solo head was a good fit for Legolas. His eyebrows don’t even match his hair!! it looks nothing like Orlando Bloom. That’s not even mentioning Arwen. That stupid head that they keep reusing for any female character. It looks nothing like Liv Tyler and its incredibly distracting that Arwen has the same face as Monica Gellar and Betty Brant.
Then there’s the laziness of them using the same exact hair mold for all of the elves. Though this is a minor complaint, they could have mixed it up a little. We are also begging for a Helmet/hat + hair combo for Gimli and Gandalf. Fans have been able to 3d print pieces that would be perfect, I don’t know why Lego doesn’t do it. Especially for something that’s going to cost me a third of my monthly wages.
Again, this set is absolutely incredible and the fact we’re even getting at all is a miracle and i hope for more sets in the future, hopefully at smaller scale and price points, but Legos inherent laziness is creeping into these larger sets. if they’re going to ask so much money of us, they need to really buck up their ideas. They already gave us face prints for these characters, would it have been so hard to reuse those?
I have nothing but white envy when reviewing your photos :))))
I will definitely buy this chic LEGO set.
Thank you! It was so incredibly surreal seeing up close. You’ll get the same reaction when you see it in person and realise just how large and epic it is in scale.
Love the roof, reminds me of the Matthias Church in Budapest.
It’s such a simple but really stunning technique. Love the colours on it
LOTR is my favourite movie ever, so I’m definitely getting this set! One thing that is missing it’s a printed plaque at the bottom…
Also, Jay, could you answer pls – in all photos I see Legolas has an angry face… Is there a second one, more happier for him?
His face is basically a re-used Han Solo head, so yes, there is a happier side to him
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3626cpb2108&idColor=90#T=C&C=90
I was initially a no for this set until I had a real close look at your photos Jay. What an exciting secret to have to keep.
Anyway LEGO, Take my Money, Take my Money, Take my Money, Take my Money, Take my Money
You’ll have to see it in person to really appreciate the scale, and how incredibly balanced the design and colours are!
Oh LEGO. This is so beautiful and so out of reach! egads that price! I hope it is out for a long time. Let the saving begin or time to convince myself I don’t need this. Love that they have considered sitting for minifigs with skirts.
It’ll be out for a while – big sets like this usually hang on for a long time, especially if they sell well.
The minifigures sitting down with skirts, and even Hobbits are such a nice touch, and essential to re-create the Council of Elrond!
me thinks the super awesome surprise has something to do with the council circle ??
looks awesome, makes me want to get my old LoTR sets back out !!! and even get a few missing ones, guessing the prices will skyrocket on those 🙁
Maybe! You’ll have to see 😉
I did rebuild some of mine, and it’s been fantastic. This one completely dwarfs (pun intended) many of the LOTR sets, even Helms Deep!
Even Tower of Orthanc?
This looks like a fantastic set and I’ll be eagerly awaiting your full review. Given its size and number of pieces (and it being a licenced theme), its price is quite reasonable.
Yeah, plus so many minifigures. It’s expensive sure, but you’re getting a LOT of LEGO here.
LOVE the look of this set, the 21 minifigs (yes, statues are still minifigs!), and all the beautiful designs and NPU’s and Easter Eggs ….
The price, not so much! $800 here! 🙁
It’s pricey, but in my opinion, fairly priced for what you get. If this was Star Wars… it’d cost over AU$1000 easy
What is the point of giving you information about this if you are not supposed to talk about it for six months? Please give us insight!
Cheers.
It’s a benefit of being in the LEGO Ambassador Network, and it also helps us prepare and plan ahead for content to create. While we were there, we also interviewed the Graphic Designer on the set (Ashwin Visser), and learned a lot about how it came to be, the design process and all the interesting bits about it.
LEGO puts a lot of trust in us to handle information like this, and keep it confidential until the right moment. It’s just part of the “job”.
I’m getting it !…. Are you kidding me ?… This is gorgeous and a must have for LotR fans. Even more than the Orthanc tower (which I sold not too long ago)…
I always loved how they made the Elven world look in the movies, and there was never really anything in Lego showing that off in accurate style;… but now we do !!!
I’ll be getting it on opening day for VIP’s for sure. At least I know why I saved all my points all this time; it will be an honor to exchange some of the points to get this set for a lower price.
Thanks again Jay, and I can hardly wait to see the full review !… 👍🏻
Yeah, they really captured the colours and architecture of Rivendell so well. Wes Talbott is a serious master of using colour, and you can clearly see his fingerprints all over the set.
I hope you enjoy the build and I can’t wait to share my review!
“Lord of the Rings returning as a theme”
What this means?
There are a few BrickHeadz, and then this massive D2C set. I think that’s about it…
There is also a rumour of a 6k pieces Barad-dur in 1-2 years.
Ah, it was from the leaked survey. It might or might not occur.
Promobricks estimate it will be closer to 4K pieces, though… Still pretty sizeable…
Well, we have Brickheadz, and now this massive set.
There’s also a dedicated theme page for it on LEGO’s website: https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/lord-of-the-rings
I really hope the final minifigs for the Elven hero statues include the ears. I would be extremely disappointed if they left that out.
What final minifigs? This IS the final product, and no ears for the elven statues unfortunately.
Unfortunately, they don’t include the ears 🙁
As for the sitting hobbits, I’m a little surprised Lego didn’t use mid-size legs. Was it too complicated to combine the mid-size leg molds with dual molding?…
I think it’s because Hobbits need to be shorter than Dwarves when standing up, and the Dwarves have mid-size legs.
Mid-legs are used for the Dwarfs
I LOVE the circle of chairs made with popsicles and hotdogs!!!
Elves know how to live in luxury, and enjoy the finger things in life, clearly.