Title of the work
Country of the First Edition
Country/countries of popularity
Original Language
First Edition Date
Official Website
lego.com (accessed: August 3, 2018)
Genre
Blocks*
Figurines*
Target Audience
Children
Cover
We are still trying to obtain permission for posting the original cover.
Author of the Entry:
Oliver Brookes, The Royal College of Nursing, orbrookes@gmail.com
Peer-reviewer of the Entry:
Susan Deacy, University of Roehampton, s.deacy@roehampton.ac.uk
Elzbieta Olechowska, University of Warsaw, elzbieta.olechowska@gmail.com
The LEGO Company (Company)
The LEGO Group (accessed: July 6, 2018) is a toy manufacturer founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, in Bilund, Denmark. Having no overt classical associations, they are most famous for their manufacture of the LEGO brick first released in 1958, and minifigures as of 1974. LEGO define themselves as providing "good quality play" through their products that enrich a child’s life, and lay the foundation for later adult development. All of their products are based on the underlying philosophy of ‘learning and development through play*.
The LEGO Brand identifies their core values as "imagination, creativity, fun, learning, caring, and quality'. Through this play, they believe they believe that we learn ‘by putting things together, taking them apart, thereby creating new things, and developing new ways of thinking about ourselves and the world (accessed: May 24, 2018). Aside from the physicality of construction that LEGO offers, there is also the way of learning and development through the use of minifigures. A standard LEGO minifigure, for instance those found in the City theme, may fulfil roles in the police, fire department, or airports. However, as LEGO has grown increasingly in popularity, so has its connection with popular culture. Some of its most popular sets are within the Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, and DC Comics franchises.
Prepared by Oliver Brookes, The Royal College of Nursing, orbrookes@gmail.com
Summary
This Lego minifigure depicts a hoplite equipped with a helmet, cloak, loincloth, sandals, chest armour, spear and shield. The name of Spartan Warrior points to the ancient city state which was renowned for its military prowess.
Analysis
The attributes of the Spartan Warrior form a hoplite’s panoply. The minifigure draws upon the popular elements of a hoplite’s armaments which, whilst not being historically accurate, convey a sense of "Greekness."
The Spartan Warrior wears a Corinthian Helmet. This style, which was the most popular in sculptural depictions, was often worn pushed to the back of the head. Atop the bronze helmet there is a red crest. This was typically used to signify a position of command. The Warrior’s face is bearded, signifying his age and status in Spartan society, whilst his aggressive facial expression suits his role in battle.
The Warrior wears ornate bronze armour on his torso. His pectoral and abdominal muscles are magnified through the contoured shapes on the armour, making the Warrior appear more muscular and to the idealised Greek athletic figure typically found in Classical male sculpture. Both hips are adorned with an olive branch, an item associated with athletic excellence. The hoplite wears a crimson cloak that matches his loincloth and sandals. The Warrior also comes equipped with a shield and spear. The grey shaft of the spear ends in a silver spear head. The shield is coloured as though to appear bronze, the material typically used to craft shields. Unlike the shield of Athena, the Warrior’s shield features no ornamentation or distinguishing features. Its austere might be intended to match the preconceived concept of Spartan lifestyle.
Further Reading
Farshtey, Greg and Daniel Lipkowitz, LEGO Minifigure: Year by Year A Visual History, London: Dorling Kindersley, 2013.
LEGO, LEGO Spartan Warrior biography (accessed: August 3, 2018).
LEGO Group, LEGO Group About us page (accessed: August 3, 2018).
LEGO Group, LEGO Group brand (accessed: August 3, 2018).
