Where was Gondor? Well, it’s finally here (after we speculated about it some years ago)!
Minas Tirth, LEGO’s epic addition to its Lord of the Rings line has been available for the past month, and the reviews have been as welcoming as ringing silver trumpets from the White Tower of Ecthelion as they call her denizens homeward. Even with a price point that leans more toward high-end collectors, this first Gondorian offering has received accolades for balancing a grand scale with memorable micro scenes; exclusive mini-figures like Faramir, Denethor, and Shadowfax; and for the mathematically minded, even a price per its 8,278 pieces that is remarkably good for a licensed set at this scale.
Plus some of us had to wait a month to receive this masterwork as our birthday present, my precious. No murder was involved. We also received the gift of some deeper insight into how the Tower of the Guard moved from concept to our ever more crowded shelves. Read on to find out more, in our interview with LEGO designer François Zapf.
The OneRing.net had the opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the White City in a conversation with its designer, François Zapf.
Decision making
TheOneRing: What were some of your more difficult creative choices that you had to make as you designed the Minas Tirith set? Were there things that you wished you could have incorporated, but that got left on the ‘cutting room floor’? Were there features that you fought for and were able to get included?
François Zapf: The hardest calls were always about scale versus story. Every interior location we included meant real estate that couldn’t go elsewhere, and Minas Tirith has so many spaces that matter to people. Our focus was on including the locations that best captured the story we wanted to tell within the model.
A key design priority for me was preserving the details of the upper city. There was a point where it would have been easier to simplify the microscale sections to keep the piece count manageable, but I felt strongly that if you’re going create the Minas Tirith, you have to do the silhouette justice. The layering of those walls, the way the city climbs the rock – that’s the whole point of it.
Preserving the silhouette
Working within LEGO constraints
OneRing: Given any LEGO design has to work within a set colour palette and collection of piece shapes, are there particularly creative ways that you were able to apply the standard LEGO collection to the Minas Tirith design? Are there any custom shapes or colours that you were able to integrate into this set? If so, what’s the process like to get approval for customised pieces and shapes?
FZ: Working within the existing palette is one of the most creatively stimulating constraints while designing at the LEGO Group. Minas Tirith is essentially white stone, but “white” in LEGO brick terms is more nuanced than it sounds. We used combinations of light grey, white, and tan LEGO bricks to suggest age, weathering and depth, giving the city that sense of having stood for thousands of years rather than looking freshly painted.
To achieve a structure as complex as Minas Tirith, we had to get creative with a wide variety of existing LEGO elements. One of my favourite techniques was using the D-SNOT [studs not on top] element to create the city’s arches and windows and repurposing a cockpit canopy piece to form part of the upper wall. Finding unexpected uses for familiar elements is one of the most enjoyable parts of the design process. Where new elements or colours are introduced, they’re carefully considered to ensure they meaningfully enhance the final model. We always look for opportunities to achieve the desired result with existing elements in creative ways, introducing new moulds or colours only where they add genuine value to the build experience or final model.
Capturing Minas Tirith’s upper wall
OneRing: The Minas Tirith set echoes the design approach we’ve seen in other LEGO sets like Barad-dûr and Orthanc — a smaller scale exterior and a larger scale interior on the opposite side of the model. What’s your approach for deciding what to include in that larger scale set of interior features? And were there particular figures that you left out, given those design choices?
FZ: The LEGO Icons line has refined this hybrid approach across several models, and Minas Tirith is one of the most ambitious examples we’ve created. The interior spaces were chosen based on a combination of their significance to the story and how well they translate into a three-dimensional LEGO build. The throne room was a natural choice, as it delivers both an iconic moment from the films and a rewarding building experience. When it came to the LEGO Minifigures, our goal was to include the characters that best complement the key locations and scenes represented in the model. As with any LEGO set, there are more characters and moments from the story than can fit into a single build, so we focused on creating a cohesive experience that balances display, storytelling and the building journey.
A maxi array of noble mini figures
Secrets to be found…
OneRing: To the extent you can tell us about them, are there any Easter eggs that you’ve hidden within this set that you think will bring particular joy to Middle-earth LEGO set collectors?
FZ: There are a few, and I’ll be deliberately vague because I want people to find them. What I’ll say is that we were very conscious of the broader Lord of the Rings fan community. Fans who know not just the films but the books, and who will appreciate references that go beyond what’s on screen. There’s at least one detail in the set that I expect to generate some great discussion online when someone spots it.
Is there an Easter egg in the library?
OneRing: To what degree did either Warner Bros./New Line or the Tolkien Estate have an influence on the design? Did you have to go through any particular hurdles or hoops to create what you sought to deliver in this Minas Tirith set?
FZ: The IP Partner relationship is genuinely collaborative rather than restrictive. The Warner Bros. Discovery team are deeply knowledgeable about this IP and they care about it. The review process was collaborative throughout. Both teams shared a commitment to faithfully capturing the look and feel of Minas Tirith, and those discussions helped refine the final model.
Collaborating in the throne room over chicken and tomatoes…
Part of the fandom
OneRing: What has been your own experience with the writings of JRR Tolkien and the world of Middle-earth? How did your familiarity with The Lord of the Rings books or films influence your design process and the ultimate Minas Tirith end product?
FZ: As a fan myself, I wanted the model to capture the same sense of awe I felt the first time I saw Minas Tirith on screen. Throughout the design process, our goal was to stay as faithful as possible to the film reference and recreate the iconic look of the city in LEGO form. For this set, our primary visual reference was the film trilogy, so the model reflects that interpretation of Minas Tirith. For example, that’s why the outer walls are light in colour instead of black. Ultimately, I hope the model gives fans the same feeling of wonder and excitement they experienced when they first saw Minas Tirith in The Lord of the Rings films.
Plenty of wonder and excitement…
OneRing: If budget and set size were not a constraint, what would you have created in comparison to the Minas Tirith set that is being released?
FZ: One of the fun things about questions like this is imagining what’s possible without real-world constraints. A full Siege of Minas Tirith diorama would certainly be an incredible display, but the released model captures the story and build experience we most wanted to bring to fans.
At least early orders got a Grond!
What might be next?
OneRing: We’ve seen a large number of Middle-earth LEGO creations over the years. Do you have a personal favourite (besides Minas Tirith, obviously)? Is there a new Middle-earth design still out there that you’d like to take on?
FZ: The LEGO Lord of the Rings: The Tower of Orthanc holds a special place for me. It was one of the sets that showed what was possible with LEGO bricks at that scale, and it’s aged remarkably well.
Middle-earth offers an incredible variety of locations and architectural styles, making it a particularly inspiring world to design within. As a fan, there are many memorable locations whose architecture is fascinating to imagine recreating in LEGO bricks.
Orthanc — a LEGO classic!
OneRing: What have been some of the other LEGO sets that you’ve designed that are your personal favourites? How long have you been designing such sets?
FZ: One of my personal favourite sets is the Modular Tudor Corner. It was the second set I worked on, and I have a lot of fond memories of that project. I particularly enjoyed translating the unique Tudor-style architecture into LEGO building techniques. I’ve been designing LEGO sets for more than three years now, and one thing that always surprises people is how long these projects take. Large display models like Minas Tirith can take many months to design, with a lot of iteration and fine-tuning to get both the look and the building experience just right.
Tudor Corner with LEGO designers Ashwin Visser and François Zapf.
OneRing: Given the growth of third-party lighting kits for LEGO models, do you end up including design features that will play to those possible lighting sets? Is that the case with this Minas Tirith set?
FZ: At the LEGO Group, we design first and foremost around the building experience – how the model comes together. How each section of the set reveals itself, how the finished structure feels in your hands whilst you’re building and how it looks on display. We wanted the spaces to feel rich and dimensional, not just visually from the outside, but as places you enjoy constructing and exploring throughout the build. While we don’t design around third-party products, those choices naturally create areas that builders may choose to personalise their own may. I’m excited to see how LEGO builders make it their own.
Excited about making it my own!
Many thanks to François Zapf for taking the time to field our questions – even enigmatically! We look forward to whatever you may be designing next.
We have one more trip around San Diego Comic-Con 2025 for you. In this episode of the Collecting The Precious Podcast Jim and I, along with very special guest Matt from Nerd of the Rings, talk about the fun that was SDCC 2025. We cover how cool it was, and that despite there wasn’t a film or show coming out this year, that there was awesome stuff to be seen from Weta Workshop, Vanderstelt Studio, Middle-earth Enterprises, and Cliff Cramp Illustrations. That’s not to mention how freaking awesome our booth was.
In this review/unboxing I try something different as we take a look at the very cool figures from Diamond Select Toys. These awesome figures come with 16 points of articulation and a price tag of $30. They do a great job of capturing some awesome details and likenesses of Frodo, Merry, and Pippin. I think if you’re a hardcore collector you will want some of these in your collection for sure, and if you collected the Toy Biz line they’re a must.
The highly anticipated animated movie The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim has its premiere in London tomorrow, December 3rd, ahead of release on December 13th. And the merchandise wagons are rolling!
There is MUCH coming your way! Clearly, the studio are planning for success – and a desire for collectibles. Here is what WB’s press release tells us:
Burbank, CA, December 2, 2024 — Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products invites fans to honor the legacy of the Rohirrim with new products inspired by the new original anime feature film “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” based on the characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Returning audiences to the epic world of “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, the new collection includes stunning theatrical premiums, apparel, books, accessories, drinkware and tech accessories from premiere licensees and The WB Shop. Distributed theatrically worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film will be released in theaters nationwide on December 13 and internationally beginning December 5.
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” continues the legendary “Lord of the Rings” film franchise that debuted 23 years ago. The most awarded series in cinematic history, the six films have earned $6 billion at the global box office and won 17 Academy Awards. Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, “The War of the Rohirrim” tells the saga of the legendary House of Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan. When a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord attacks seeking vengeance for the death of his father, Helm’s daughter Héra must summon the will to lead the resistance or face total destruction.
Stand with the Rohirrim and wield beautifully designed products that echo the spirit of bravery and resilience. Whether sipping from collectible drinkware or outfitting devices with themed accessories, fans can immerse themselves in Middle-earth with cross-category products from top global licensees and the WB Shop, including:
Toys, Games & Collectibles
McFarlane Toys, renowned for its detailed collectibles, has launched a new series of four-inch scale “Collect to Build” figures featuring Helm, Héra, Wulf and Shank. Collect all four to assemble the Snow Troll. A Gold Label 4-pack exclusive to Amazon is also available now. Visit McFarlane.com for more. Each McFarlane figure comes with a piece of Snow Troll — collect all four to build, available on Amazon.
The new Funko Pop! Collection, now found on the WB Shop, is a must-have, featuring characters inspired by Héra, Helm Hammerhand and Wulf brought to life in Funko’s signature fashion.
BANDAI SPIRITS’ latest S.H. Figuarts line introduces two exciting new action figures, Héra and Wulf, each equipped with interchangeable hands, facial expressions and props for dynamic posing and display, available at Amazon.
Step into Tolkien’s legendary world with Games Workshop’s The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim – Battle of Edoras starter set. This comprehensive boxed set, available at Warhammer stores, Warhammer.com, and independent retailers, brings the epic conflicts of Middle-earth to life on the tabletop, providing everything needed to play out battles in the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to tabletop gaming, experience the thrill of commanding armies in the heart of Rohan’s capital, Edoras.
For the Home
New blind bag foam bag clips and key chains bring fan-favorite characters like Héra, Wulf, and their animal companions to life in detailed designs by Monogram International. Bring Middle-earth into your home with the WB Shop’s “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” home goods collection featuring the “You Could Rule” can-shaped glass, a striking “Still Standing” two-tone mug and tote bag and a beautifully crafted Map of Rohan Flag.
Fashion and Retail
Dive into the WB Shop’s “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” apparel collection crafted for fans of Rohan’s heroic legacy. Show your allegiance with the “Shield Maiden” long sleeve shirt featuring a notable design that honors the valor of Helm’s daughter, Héra. The “Still Standing” oversized faded tee captures the courage of Helm Hammerhand and offers a relaxed fit with a vintage look. Channel your inner warrior with the collection’s “Wulf” hoodie providing warmth while standing strong against any challenge. WB Shop’s comfort colors tees—like the “You Could Rule” and “Héra” designs—offer a soft, durable feel in earthy tones, embracing the rugged spirit of Middle-earth.
Specialty retailer Hot Topic also offers an epic worthy collection of “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” fashions.
Tech
Enhance your workspace with “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” tech accessories featuring a detailed mouse pad, gaming mat and a sleek “Still Standing” laptop sleeve—all designed to bring the spirit of Rohan to your everyday space.
Publishing
From HarperCollins, begin a brand-new coloring adventure with The War of the Rohirrim Official Coloring Book, capturing the splendor of the Golden Hall atop Edoras, the breathtaking landscapes of Rohan and the ancient fortress of the Hornburg. The new The War of the Rohirrim Official Visual Companion is the ultimate introduction to every character, creature and location encountered in the new film. Both these titles are now available. In February 2025, HarperCollins will release The Art of The War of the Rohirrim, a comprehensive, large format hardcover offering unparalleled insight into the making of “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” and the complete creative journey from concept to finished film told by the artists and filmmakers themselves. With more than 1,000 never- before-seen sketches, drawings, character studies and environment designs, this beautiful full-color book takes readers through the development of ideas, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic development of the film, including finished designs and scenes that bring Rohan’s world to life.
Theatrical Concessions
In partnership with Snapco and Golden Link, exclusive “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”-inspired specialty cups and drink toppers — featuring characters Héra and Helm — bring an exciting new element to the theater experience. For extra comfort, the hooded blanket adds a cozy touch of Middle-earth garb to your movie viewing. Fans can also purchase additional collectible items such as a popcorn container shaped like a hammer and shield, plush figures and more, available at participating theaters starting this December.
About “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”
The original anime feature “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” returns audiences to the epic world brought to life in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, based on the revered books by J.R.R. Tolkien. Under the direction of award-winning filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama, the talented voice cast is led by Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand, the mighty King of Rohan; Gaia Wise as his daughter Héra; and Luke Pasqualino as Wulf. Miranda Otto, who delivered an unforgettable, award-winning performance in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, reprises her role as Éowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan, who serves as the tale’s narrator. The voice ensemble also includes Lorraine Ashbourne, Yazdan Qafouri, Benjamin Wainwright, Laurence Ubong Williams, Shaun Dooley, Michael Wildman, Jude Akuwudike, Bilal Hasna and Janine Duvitski.
The original feature is being produced by Oscar winner Philippa Boyens, from the screenwriting team behind “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” Trilogies, alongside Jason DeMarco and Joseph Chou. The executive producers are Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson, Sam Register, Ken Kamins, Carolyn Blackwood and Toby Emmerich. The screenplay is by Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews and Phoebe Gittins & Arty Papageorgiou, story by Addiss & Matthews and Boyens, based on characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien. The music is by Stephen Gallagher.
New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation Present, in Association with Wingnut Films, a Warner Bros. Animation and Sola Entertainment Production, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.” The film will be distributed theatrically worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, released in cinemas nationwide on December 13, 2024, and internationally beginning 5 December 2024.
Don’t forget – we have you covered for all kinds of Middle-earth related goodies (including some of these exciting War of the Rohirrim pieces) in our Holiday Gift Guide!
Father Christmasand North Polar Bear – J.R.R. Tolkien
It’s that most wonderful time of the year again! If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for your favourite Tolkien fan, you’ve come to the right place. The staff of TheOneRing.net have put together a list of our favourite items of the year, with price points for every budget.
From our Fellowship to yours, TheOneRing.net would like to wish you all a peaceful and happy holiday season.
Please note, unless otherwise indicated, all prices are in US Dollars.
Staffer Wee Tanya recommends McFarlane’s $19.99 War of the Rohirrim figurines, for the LOTR Collector in your life.
Helm HammerhandWulf
If you are also a collector of action figures based on the Peter Jackson LOTR franchise, I am happy to share that McFarlane Toys has a set of licensed figures for War of the Rohirrim, including Hera, Helm, and Wulf, and a few others. The figures are 4″ tall with six articulation points (neck, shoulders, hips, knees), and nicely detailed.
Kelvarhin recommends John Howe’s beautiful 2025 Tolkien Calendar, with images from The History of Middle-earth for $16.99.
If you’re a lover of Tolkien Calendars, like me, this is a must have for the coming year. Featuring images from the Three Ages of Middle-earth, it’s the perfect gift for all Tolkien fans.
Demothenes recommends The Art of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim by Daniel Falconer, $50.00 from Harper Collins.
A comprehensive, large-format hardcover offering unparalleled insight into the making of The War of the Rohirrim, and the complete creative journey from concept to finished film told by the artists and filmmakers themselves.
Written and compiled by Daniel Falconer, conceptual artist at the Academy Award-winning design studio, Weta Workshop, this indispensable book chronicles the stunning conception and design of the world of Middle-earth in Kenji Kaimyama’s The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
If it’s Middle-earth clothing you’re after, Garfeimao suggests you check out the range from Hot Topic and Her Universe.
Our wonderful greendragon has a dragon’s hoard of suggestions, with something special for every Tolkien fan!
If you’re looking to adorn your own cosy hobbit hole with some authentic stained glass, look no further! Ian Leino of Geek Orthodox is an incredible artist, and his stained glass pieces are amazing. Even better – he also makes very high quality window cling versions of his stained glass, for those whose budget doesn’t quite stretch to an actual glass piece. He has some stunning designs from multiple fandoms; but of course his Middle-earth piece are my favourites!
The holidays are traditionally a time to eat, drink and be like Merry… But even if you’re not a consumer of alcohol, the collectible spirits from the good folks at Syzyrgy Forge are worth having just for the beautiful bottle. Check out their Green Dragon whiskey. If you DO enjoy a tipple, you may need to buy two bottles – one to drink, and one to keep unopened. Look out for their Gandalf and the Balrog design coming next…
This one is really for folks who have an outdoor space to adorn – though as an apartment dweller in a city, I’m trying to work out how to display my ‘Green Dragon’ sign indoors. The folks at Metalbird create extraordinary silhouette signs, which can be attached to a fence post or tree trunk. Their original creations were – as you might expect – metal birds, but now they’ve ‘branched out’ (ha, see what I did there?) and collaborated with Weta to create Lord of the Rings pieces. Choose from Gwaihir (with a tiny Gandalf passenger), a Balrog, the Witch-king on his Fell Beast, or the Green Dragon pub sign. All beautiful; but of course I have a clear favourite…
Bring the atmosphere of Middle-earth into your home this festive season, with the incredible immersive soundscapes from Jordan Rannells. His latest creation is for The Hobbit: you can use it as an accompaniment for reading the book, or sync it with the official audiobook to get an amazing, immersive audio experience. Better yet, you can get a discount with a special code (TORN25) for TORn friends!
If you want something stunning to adorn your walls, look no further than Zewood’s wonderful clocks and maps. We’ve discovered this company recently, as they acquired a license to create Middle-earth pieces. They tell us:
The maps are available in three sizes, ranging from 10 to 29 inches in width, and three color schemes that can easily fit any interior. It can help you fully immerse yourself in the Middle-earth world: explore the routes of key characters, admire the sights, and stop at the places of decisive epic events.
The scent of wood and the depth of glass – all this makes the Zewood map a memorable gift for true Tolkien fans and everyone who appreciates the aesthetics of unique pieces of art. The map can also be engraved with a special phrase, favorite quote, or a name, making the gift even more personalized.
The good folks at Shire Post Mint have some beautiful pieces, including new ones released for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. If you’re looking for jewelry for someone, how about their brass Stallion necklace? Their treasures are all high quality, but priced very reasonably; and they have a sale going on this weekend only!
Of course our friends at Oscha have many gorgeous goodies, from throws and blankets, to clothing, drinkware, and even yoga mats! Beware, a visit to their website can be hard on the wallet, as you may find yourself saying, ‘We wantsss it all, precious…’ But the good news is, they have a special offer – THIS WEEKEND ONLY. They are calling it ‘Thank You Friday’ – to thank people for choosing to shop with a small, ethically conscious business. From 10am Thursday 28th Nov – to 10am (UK time) Tuesday 3rd Dec, at the Oscha Slings website, you can get:
£10 off if you spend £100 £20 off if you spend £150 £30 off if you spend £200
Here are a few of their own staffers’ personal favourites:
Realm of Middle Earth Indigo Mug:If you are looking for the perfect middle earth map coffee mug, this is for you. Crafted in bone china, these high quality mugs are made by a family business in Staffordshire, UK. It features beautiful touches on the handle and inside.
Misty Mountains Astralis Scarf Loop & cowl:The peaks of the Misty Mountains glow in gold against a fade of burgundy on this beautiful lightweight and shimmery scarf. Woven with luxurious Mercerised Egyptian Mako cotton and ethically made in the UK, it’ll make a truly special gift this season.
Doors of Durin Ithildin Yoga Mat: Whether you’re mastering your Warrior pose or simply meditating, this mat is the perfect blend of fandom and functionality—a thoughtful gift for Lord of the Rings fans. Crafted for eco-conscious adventurers, these mats are biodegradable, PVC-free, and non-toxic, offering a high performance experience.
Tree of Gondor Hoodie: A thoughtful gift for Tolkien enthusiasts. Featuring the iconic white tree emblem, this hoodie is a must-have for Lord of the Rings fans. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s soft and breathable, perfect for any adventure.
And finally – we’ve saved the best till last… ! There is just a HANDFUL of TORn’s 25th Anniversary mug available to order for the holidays! This is the absolute last chance to grab one of these beautiful mugs, as we come to the end of this anniversary year; so if you missed it when it was available earlier this year, (or if you want another in case you break the first one you ordered), you’ll definitely want to place your order! Order your mug here. It’s the perfect gift for any follower of TORn or lover of Tolkien. Happy Holidays!
