Holidays in Middle-earth are based on the turning of the seasons, as they are in our own world. Yule, as Tolkien named the winter celebration in his novels, is led off by the Winter Solstice. The history of Yule can be traced back thousands of years to the Norse peoples, whom we know J.R.R had an affinity for. During this holiday, the Yule log (an entire tree fed gradually into the fireplace), decorated trees, wassailing (caroling), and roasting of wild boar were the centerpieces, from which current traditions are derived.
As we relax beside the crackling fire,
And the wind tosses branches in the pine,
Into a snow globe of Middle-earth, let us peer
Upon the festive winter holidays in the Shire,
Icicles on the Golden Hall that sparkle and shine,
The sound of sleigh bells in Ithilien drawing near,
The frost-glint upon holly and fields of briar,
The sumptuous fare on which the Elven-folk dine.
'Tis a time of joy in Middle-earth, for Yuletide is here.
– Mithril
Continue reading “Yuletide Celebrations in Middle-earth”
Budk has some awesome new items coming to fans over the next few months.
The first amazing piece coming from them is The Horn of Gondor, that we saw Boromir carry and use during The Fellowship of the Ring. The size of the horn, overall is 19”, it is made of finely cast polyresin, with precisely-molded details for the look of real polished brass and steer horn. The horn comes with a 62” genuine leather shoulder strap and a polystone wall display, sculpted with the Tree of Gondor Motif. Fans will also get a certificate of authenticity with their replica. Collectors can place their pre-order right now for $169 with it expected to ship in February of next year.
Continue reading “Collecting The Precious – Budk’s The Horn of Gondor Replica”
Thanks to Ringer GJC15344 we have a look at what if Lego had gotten around to making a Minas Tirith set. Over a short period of time we got several very cool Middle-earth themed sets from Lego. Unfortunately we never got Minas Tirith. However, I know after seeing these maybe, just maybe, if we can get enough emails sent to them we could get this. This set looks like it would be incredible. I for sure would love to own it.
Continue reading “Collecting The Precious – What if a Lego Minas Tirith was made?”
Grond is one of the pieces on the list of never-been-made collectibles that our friends at Weta Workshop have now checked off for us. This amazing piece made its first appearance during NYCC a couple years ago, and was also at the last two San Diego Comic-Con’s. After years of waiting, fans were chomping at the bit to order Grond. Now after 15 years of waiting, we fans can have this in our respective collections, and Grond represents yet another home run by Weta Workshop. Limited to 500 pieces worldwide, and currently sitting at low stock, this isn’t gonna last long and as you can see by the pictures below and the review.
Continue reading “Collecting The Precious – Weta Workshop’s Grond Environment Review”
Helm Collectors rejoice! Our friends at Weta Workshop have two brand new items for you to add to your collection. The first helm covers the good guys, coming all the way from Gondor itself. This Gondor King’s Guard’s Helm captures the beauty of Gondor perfectly and is super-limited with only 750 copies world wide. The second helm makes its way to us all the way from pits beneath Orthanc and, like the King’s Guard Helm, perfectly captures the twisted evil nature of the Uruk-hai. The Uruk-hai Swordsman’s helm is also limited to 750 pieces, as well as coming in with a price tag of $79. Both helms are due to ship early next year but with edition sizes this low they won’t last that long so get your orders in now.
This was one of the surprise pieces at Comic-Con last year and I will say it was one heck of a surprise. A brand new Boromir statue capturing his last moments in battle trying to save Merry and Pippin is quite a powerful piece. I think many will agree this is Boromir’s most heroic moment. Not only does this piece have power and beauty, it is simply fantastic in terms of paint as well as detail. Fans who were at Comic-Con know that this statue doesn’t come alone; it’s meant to be paired with a Lurtz statue (he will be reviewed shortly). Both pieces come with a price tag of $299 and an edition size of 1000 pieces.
Continue reading “Collecting The Precious – Weta Workshop’s Boromir at Amon Hen Statue Review”
