Back in January, I decided to finally start the LEGO Icons: The Lord of the Rings – Rivendell set—a stunning 6,167-piece love letter to Tolkien’s world. I had been eyeing it since its release, but once the holidays wound down and the cozy stillness of winter settled in, it felt like the perfect time to dive in.

What I didn’t expect was how much joy and relaxation it would bring me over the next couple of months.

I didn’t rush it. In fact, I intentionally took my time. Between the daily routines, creative projects, and those cold winter days, I let Rivendell become my happy place. To make it truly magical, I paired the build with the ultimate companion: The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Extended editions, of course. I figured if I was going to recreate the Elven haven brick by brick, I might as well be immersed in the full story that brought it to life.

Let me tell you: this was one of the most joyful, relaxing, and downright nerdy things I’ve done in a long time—and I loved every second of it.

Each weekend, I’d brew a cup of tea, press play on The Fellowship of the Ring, and open a new bag of bricks. As Frodo and the gang approached Rivendell on screen, I’d be building the very same arched bridges and leaf-adorned rooftops in front of me. It felt surreal, like I was syncing my own journey with theirs.

Some weekends I’d get a burst of energy and keep building while The Two Towers thundered on in the background. Other times I’d slow down, letting Return of the King play out while I meticulously placed tiles on Elrond’s study or built tiny trees beside the flowing river. The build took me from January through mid-March—perfectly timed with the slow crawl of winter into spring.

By the time I placed the final brick, I felt like I’d gone on a quest of my own. There was something deeply peaceful about spreading this project out over a few months—no rush, no pressure—just enjoying the process, the films, and the calm that comes from building something beautiful with your own hands.

Now that Rivendell is fully assembled, it holds a special place on display. It’s not just a LEGO set. It’s a memory—of movie marathons, quiet weekends, and a deep dive into the magic of Tolkien’s world.

If you’re ever in need of an escape… may I recommend a journey to Rivendell?

So how long did it actually take to build the set? Well let me lay it out in a measurable way.

• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Extended Edition
• The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Extended Edition
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Extended Edition
• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
• The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
• Rings of Power, Season 1, the First two episodes