As the year winds to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on one of LEGO’s most cherished themes: medieval-inspired sets. 2024 has been an exciting year for fans of this genre, delivering several standout creations that continue to celebrate the art of storytelling through bricks. In this blog, we’ll explore four exceptional sets released this year: the Medieval Town Square, Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon’s Tale, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage, and The Lord of the Rings Barad-dûr. Each offers its unique take on medieval and fantasy themes, and today, we’ll analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and overall appeal.
Medieval Town Square (10332)
The Medieval Town Square is a vibrant addition to LEGO’s medieval lineup. Featuring two interconnected sets of buildings, a picturesque tree, a serene pond, and numerous accessories, this set brings a lively and bustling feel to any LEGO medieval display.
The first set of buildings comprises three structures connected by hinges and modular-style components. While this design allows for some dynamic posing, the connection mechanism feels cumbersome, and the interiors lack consistency in accessibility. Highlights include a charming tapestry house with a carding machine and hearth, a woodworking shop with a crank-operated wheel, and a shearsman’s cottage complete with a grazing goat and a cheese-laden kitchen. However, the simplicity of some elements, like the open sides and minimalist central sections, leaves room for improvement.
The second building set features a more cohesive design, including a fully openable structure and a town inn. The inn’s interior is a standout, with a well-executed kitchen, though the color scheme appears somewhat bland. The red-and-black building complements the Lion Knights’ Castle but lacks the charm and detail of its counterpart.
While the eight included minifigures add character to the set, the selection feels sparse compared to other large medieval sets. Additionally, the pond placement and limited integration with the Lion Knights’ Castle hinder the sense of a unified medieval landscape. Despite these drawbacks, the Medieval Town Square remains a delightful addition to LEGO’s medieval offerings, albeit with missed opportunities for greater cohesion and detail.
The Lord of the Rings Barad-dûr
The iconic fortress of Sauron makes its grand appearance in The Lord of the Rings Barad-dûr set. With an all-black exterior and imposing scale, this set commands attention. However, the proportions feel slightly off, with a shorter-than-expected tower and a bulky base that could have been sleeker. The transition from the fiery lava base to the upper structure also lacks cohesiveness.
Inside, the set spans five floors, each with unique features. Highlights include the armory, a lava forge, and a dramatic throne room with Sauron’s banners and a palantír play feature. The Eye of Sauron, complete with a glowing red light brick and dynamic movement, is a show-stopper. Yet, other interior elements, like the library and Mouth of Sauron’s study, feel out of place and overly reliant on stickers.
The set’s 10 minifigures include fan favorites like Sauron and the Mouth of Sauron, alongside Frodo, Sam, and a variety of orcs. While the character selection is impressive, the open-back design and inconsistent interior theming detract from its display value. For its premium price, the heavy use of stickers and missed design opportunities leave room for improvement, though fans of Middle-earth will still appreciate its standout moments.
Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon’s Tale (21348)
This set is a love letter to Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts, packed with intricate details and references to the franchise. The modular design divides the build into three sections: an inn, a meadow with a dungeon cave, and a tower with a basement.
The inn features vibrant purple and blue hues, a cozy upstairs bedroom, and charming decorations like paintings and a closed chest. The meadow includes a tree with secrets, a mushroom-covered bridge, and a hidden dungeon door leading to eerie chambers guarded by skeletons. The tower houses arcane tools, a dragon egg, and a perilous trap with a swinging axe blade.
The set’s standout feature is its roster of monsters, from the Gelatinous Cube to the formidable Red Dragon, Cinderhowl. While the dragon’s limited poseability and the open-back design are drawbacks, the immersive storytelling and creative build elements make this set a worthy addition to any LEGO collection.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage (43242)
Stepping into the realm of fairytales, this set captures the charm of the Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage. Surrounded by woodland creatures, trees, and mushrooms, the cottage’s rustic exterior is adorned with timber cladding and a stone chimney. While the vibrant roof color deviates from the movie’s depiction, the overall design exudes a whimsical allure.
Inside, the ground floor features a cozy fireplace, Grumpy’s organ, and a large table for gatherings. Upstairs, seven individualized beds showcase charming details, though the limited access to some areas can be frustrating. The set includes 10 minifigures, from Snow White and Prince Florian to the Evil Queen and the Seven Dwarfs, each with delightful accessories.
Despite its nostalgic appeal, the open-back design and sparse interior details make it less immersive than last year’s Disney Hocus Pocus set. Coupled with a high price point, these shortcomings may give collectors pause.
Conclusion
LEGO’s medieval and fantasy offerings in 2024 have showcased the brand’s creativity and storytelling prowess. From the bustling charm of the Medieval Town Square to the dark grandeur of Barad-dûr, the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons, and the nostalgic magic of Snow White’s Cottage, each set brings something unique to the table.
Which set stood out to you the most? Let us know in the comments! If you’re interested in adding any of these sets to your collection, consider using our affiliate links to support the channel at no extra cost. Thank you for joining us on this journey through LEGO’s medieval creations, and until next time, happy building!
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