LEGO Castle, a story

Since the founding of the LEGO Group, there have been numerous set releases of different Lego sets worldwide. The massive success of the different set releases is due to the different fascinating themes each set builds around. Since its release in the late 1970s, LEGO Castle has remained one of the most notable sets.

The theme of the Lego Castle set features a blend of medieval as well as a fantasy environment, with the key pieces being knights and castle pieces. After its consecutive releases in 1978 and 1981, in Europe and North America, the Castle line was continually supported and dished out new sets until 1999. Lego Castle line had stopped production, only to have renewals in the years 2007 and 2013.

It is important to note that although there have been other medieval-themed set releases, they should not be confused with the original Castle line. Castle sets were sold using the LEGOLAND franchise name, which changed in 1992 when the LEGO group changed from LEGOLAND to Lego System. 

The Origin and Procession Of The Lego Castle Line

The Lego Castle line was birthed in 1978 and has seen the release of multiple sets using the LEGO Castle theme. There are notable variations in the releases under the LEGO Castle line, such as more realistic sets, the addition of unique pieces, and a wider selection of coloured pieces. This guide will take you through the different successions in the Castle line and the unique features of each.

The “Castle” Period Line (1978-1983)

The years 1978 up until 1983 marked the beginning of the Lego Castle sets. The Castle period is also known as the Classic Castle period. Within the six years this period lasted, six variations of the Castle were released, and one stood out. This special Castle set is the 375 Castle (also referred to as the Yellow Castle or the Original Castle), and it was the most popular set then.

The Black Falcon And Lion Knights Lines (1984 - 1994)

Both sets were released in the same year and lasted for different amounts. The Black Falcon and Lion Knights Castle sets released in 1984 featured more authentic castle structures and more coloured pieces. These were also the main features in all other Castle sets produced until 1999.

The Black Falcon Castle sets, released from 1984 to 1994, were characterized by the black with a white bird motif on them, and all the mini-figures for this had a specific aesthetic. The first release of the Black Falcon line is the 6073 Knight Castle. There have been 11 variations, and it is one of the longest sets sold, spanning a total of 10 years. The Black Falcon line was discontinued in 1994, but in 2002 the Black Falcon’s Fortress set was re-released in 2002 based on popular demand.

The Lion Knights or Crusaders, also released from 1984 to 1992, was characterized by what is popularly known as a “Crusader's Shield.” This shield and set would become the basis of the popular Lego line known as the “Crusaders.” The 6080 King’s Castle is the first of the Lion Knights line and has seen 16 other variations after it. After eight years, the Crusaders line quit the new set production in ‘92, but re-released the Guarded Inn set in 2001 as a part of Lego Legend.

The Forestmen Line (1987-1992)

This set was pioneered with the 6066 Camouflaged Outpost. The Forestman set featured forest men figures as well as other unique figures. There were eight sets from the Forestmen line. The last Forestmen set, 6071 Forestmens' Crossing, was released in 1990 and was discontinued in 1992.

The Black Knights Line (1988-1994)

The Black knight set wasn’t officially regarded as such until 1992. Before then, the first Black Knights-styled set was the 6085 Black Monarch’s Castle of 1988. The official launch in ‘92 saw a more specific aesthetic. The Black Knights line was discontinued in 1994, but re-released the 1917 King's Catapult in 1998.

The Wolfpack Renegades Line (1992-1993)

This only saw the production of three sets. 2 were released in 1992, and the last set, 1596 Ghost With Wolfpack Renegade, was released in 1993. The Wolfpack Renegades Line is the smallest Castle line.

The Dragon Masters Line (1993-1995)

This collection is the first Castle line with mythical figures. There was a total of 11 castle sets produced, 7 of them being the major releases, and the other 4 were “smaller castle sets.” The production of the Dragon Masters line ended in 1995.

The Royal Knights Line (1995-1996)

Skeletons were the unique feature of this line. The first set from the Royal Knights line was the 6036 Skeleton Surprise, with seven other sets after this.

The Dark Forest Line (1996)

Having a very similar aesthetic to the Forestmen line, the Dark Forest Line is usually seen as a reboot. It only ever released three sets, and was only released in North America.

The Fright Knights Line (1997-1998)

This line was first released from 1997 to ‘98 and saw 14 releases from this line. Its major aesthetic was a deeper delve into “Supernatural Fantasy.” 

Castle II Line (2007-2009)

The new Castle line introduced newer sets with pieces like trolls and orcs to add more depth to the medieval theme. The largest Lego set to come from this theme is the 10193 Medieval Market Village. 2009 marked the year of the last release and the end of the Castle II line.

Castle III Line (2013)

In the Autumn of 2013, another Castle theme was released, Castle III. This line came with wizards and a dragon. Five sets were released in 2013, followed by two battle packs released in 2014.

Other worthy mentions of Lego lines outside the Lego Castle lines but with the Lego Castle theme are Knights Kingdom I (2000), Knights’ Kingdom II (2004-2006), Kingdoms(2010-2012), and other standalone Castle sets.