LEGO Hobbit Battle of Five Armies: An Epic Brick-Built Adventure
The world of Middle-earth meets the magic of LEGO in the thrilling set inspired by The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Whether you’re a Tolkien fan, a LEGO enthusiast, or both, this set brings cinematic fantasy to life in miniature form.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the LEGO Hobbit Battle of Five Armies set—from its design and minifigures to playability and collectibility. Get ready to relive the battle that shaped the fate of Erebor, one brick at a time.
What Is the LEGO Hobbit Battle of Five Armies Set?
The LEGO Hobbit Battle of Five Armies set (Set #79017), released in 2014, is part of the LEGO The Hobbit theme, inspired by the climactic battle from The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies film.
This action-packed set allows builders to recreate the epic siege of Erebor, complete with:
- A detailed build of the ruined fortress gate
- Multiple platforms and catapults
- An eagle, weapons, and hidden features
It’s a mid-sized set with 472 pieces, ideal for ages 8 and up.
Key Features of the Set
🛡️ The Fortress Gate
The central piece of the set is the battle-damaged fortress. It features a modular design that includes:
- Opening doors
- Breakaway sections
- Hidden flick missiles
- Trapdoors for surprise attacks
This portion provides both a satisfying build and excellent play value.
🪖 Weapons and Defense Systems
The set is packed with defensive features and weapons to mimic the intensity of the film’s battle scene:
- Spinning ballista
- Flick-fire missiles
- Weapon racks with swords, spears, and bows
These interactive elements add excitement for kids and display appeal for collectors.
Iconic Minifigures Included
One of the highlights of LEGO fantasy sets is always the minifig lineup, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The set includes 7 minifigures:
- Thorin Oakenshield (exclusive armored version)
- Dáin Ironfoot (with a warhammer and boar-like helmet)
- Azog the Defiler (white Orc leader)
- 2 Gundabad Orcs
- 2 Elves with golden armor
These figures are highly detailed, featuring custom weapons and armor, making them standout additions to any LEGO Middle-earth collection.
Playability and Storytelling Potential
This set is more than just a collector’s item—it’s designed for immersive storytelling and interactive play.
Kids and fans can:
- Recreate scenes from the movie
- Launch surprise attacks using catapults
- Have Azog battle Thorin in a final face-off
- Use the eagle figure to swoop in and save the day
The dynamic layout and modular sections support hours of imaginative play.
Compatibility with Other LEGO Hobbit Sets
If you already own other LEGO Hobbit or Lord of the Rings sets, the Battle of Five Armies serves as a great expansion. Combine it with:
- Dol Guldur Battle (79014)
- Attack on Lake-town (79016)
- The Lonely Mountain (79018)
This allows you to build out your own Middle-earth battle scene across a wider LEGO landscape.
Collectibility and Display Value
While fun to play with, this set is also a favorite among collectors due to:
- Exclusive minifigures (like Thorin and Dáin)
- Scene accuracy from the movie
- Limited availability after retirement in 2015
Today, it’s a sought-after item on secondary markets like eBay and BrickLink. Mint condition or sealed boxes can fetch premium prices among LEGO fans and Tolkien collectors alike.
Pros and Cons of the LEGO Battle of Five Armies Set
✅ Pros:
- Highly detailed minifigures
- Play features encourage imaginative battles
- Good piece count for price
- Great for both play and display
❌ Cons:
- No Smaug figure included (requires separate set)
- Smaller than some fans expected for such a large-scale battle
- Now retired—more expensive on resale markets
Tips for Buying the Set Today
If you’re looking to add this epic battle to your collection:
- Check reputable resellers like BrickLink, Amazon, or eBay
- Be cautious of fake or incomplete listings
- Consider buying used if you’re not concerned about box condition
Pro tip: Check for all minifigures and weapons when buying secondhand!
Final Thoughts
The LEGO Hobbit Battle of Five Armies set is a brick-built tribute to one of Tolkien’s most dramatic showdowns. From its battle-ready fortress to its lineup of legendary characters, this set offers a rich blend of storytelling, playability, and display value.
Whether you’re a die-hard Middle-earth fan or a LEGO collector, this set captures the magic of the final Hobbit film in epic miniature form.