LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Mines of Moria Review
LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Mines of Moria Review
The LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Mines of Moria Review takes us deep into Middle-earth with one of the most atmospheric LEGO playsets of 2012. Based on the iconic scene from The Fellowship of the Ring, this set brought the adventure of Gandalf, Frodo, Gimli, and the Fellowship to brick form. With over 700 pieces, detailed minifigures, and buildable monsters, the Mines of Moria earned its place on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2012 list and quickly became a favourite for both children and collectors.
In this review, we’ll explore the build, the minifigures, and why this epic set became one of the year’s must-have Christmas toys.
Design and Build
The Mines of Moria set (9473) was designed to recreate the tense battle between the Fellowship and the Goblins in Balin’s Tomb. The build included stone arches, crumbling walls, and trap doors to capture the dark, atmospheric feel of Moria. The main chamber featured collapsing pillars and an opening mechanism for action-packed play.
Accessories such as weapons, treasure, and the iconic tomb itself added authenticity. Children could relive the battle as the Goblins attacked from every angle, while collectors appreciated the attention to detail and faithfulness to the film’s design.
Minifigures and Characters
This set stood out thanks to its incredible line-up of minifigures. It included Frodo, Gimli, Legolas, Boromir, Pippin, two Goblins, and the massive Cave Troll. Each minifigure was highly detailed, with unique prints, weapons, and accessories. The Cave Troll figure, in particular, was a highlight, towering over the others and giving the set an impressive sense of scale.
For LEGO fans, the inclusion of so many Fellowship members in one set made it a must-buy, and for Tolkien fans, it was a dream collectible.
Play Value
The Mines of Moria offered plenty of play potential. Kids could stage battles, collapse walls, or use the trap door to surprise enemies. The movable elements kept the action dynamic, and the variety of minifigures encouraged roleplay beyond the specific film scene.
Parents noted that children often blended the set into their wider LEGO collections, pairing it with castles, dragons, and other fantasy builds to create sprawling adventures. This cross-theme compatibility was one of LEGO’s greatest strengths, and the Mines of Moria delivered perfectly on that front.
Why It Was a Christmas Favourite
The LEGO Mines of Moria set ticked all the boxes for a 2012 festive hit:
- Beloved Franchise – The Lord of the Rings had a loyal fanbase of children, teens, and adults.
- Epic Minifigures – Rare characters like Boromir and the Cave Troll boosted its desirability.
- Action Features – Collapsing walls and traps made it fun to play with, not just display.
- Large Build – With 776 pieces, it offered great value and challenge.
- Collector Crossover – Appealed equally to kids and adult collectors.
Collector’s Perspective
From day one, Mines of Moria was seen as a collector’s gem. It included unique minifigures not found elsewhere, making it a must-have for fans completing the Fellowship. Even years later, complete sets with the Cave Troll still command high prices on resale markets.
Collectors praised the atmospheric design, calling it one of the most cinematic LEGO sets of the time. Its role in launching the LEGO Lord of the Rings theme also ensures its long-term significance in LEGO history.
Consumer Feedback
Parents and fans alike left glowing reviews. One parent wrote, “My son spent the entire Christmas holiday staging battles in Moria. The detail is amazing, and he loved the Cave Troll.” Another commented, “As a long-time LOTR fan, this set blew me away. The minifigures alone are worth it.”
Some feedback mentioned the build was a little fragile in places — collapsing walls could sometimes collapse when you didn’t want them to — but overall, most agreed that added to the drama of play.
Buying Tips
Today, the Mines of Moria set is highly sought after by collectors. If you’re hunting for it, check specialist LEGO resellers or online marketplaces. For tips on sourcing LEGO sets safely, visit our best places to buy Christmas toys online guide.
If buying used, ensure the Cave Troll and all nine minifigures are included, as these are the most valuable components. Original boxes and instructions add significant resale value.
Verdict
The LEGO The Lord of the Rings: Mines of Moria was one of the standout sets of 2012. Its mix of cinematic design, epic minifigures, and interactive features made it a hit with both kids and collectors. Its place on the Top 10 Toys This Christmas list was well earned, and it remains one of the most memorable LEGO sets of the early 2010s.
For more festive LEGO favourites, check out our LEGO Christmas Toys brand page, or explore the full 2012 toy archive for every top pick from that year.
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Top 10 Christmas toys sell out very quickly, order now to avoid disappointment.