The Mines of Moria

Released in 2012 as part of the inaugural wave of the Lego Lord of the Rings theme, The Mines of Moria (set 9473-1) was designed to capture the pivotal confrontation in Balin's Tomb. This set emerged as part of a highly anticipated partnership between The Lego Group and Middle-earth Enterprises, timed to coincide with the revitalization of interest in the franchise surrounding the production of The Hobbit films. The designers aimed to replicate the claustrophobic stone architecture of the dwarf stronghold, incorporating a variety of play features such as collapsing walls and a tomb that could be opened to reveal a skeleton.

The set was noted for its inclusion of nine minifigures, including the entire Fellowship of the Ring trio of Pippin, Boromir, and Gimli, alongside a large-scale Cave Troll figure that was praised for its unique molding and printing. While the architectural build was considered functional rather than expansive, the set was well-received by fans for its character selection and its ability to condense a complex cinematic sequence into a cohesive, displayable playset. It remains a sought-after piece for collectors of the theme, serving as a primary entry point for those looking to assemble the complete Fellowship.