This is a script for an unmade YouTube video of mine. Probably not going to make the video. Enjoy. 1978 is arguably the best year to be a LEGO fan, as it marked significant innovation and expansion for the brand. During this time, LEGO introduced a new business model that would change LEGO forever: to differentiate their products and introduce play-based themes. This model was known as “System within the System” and was thought of by the mastermind Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen. As part of their play-centered vision, LEGO would launch the minifigure and several iconic themes. Among the launches of Classic Space and Town was LEGO Castle. LEGO Castle would first appear with the launch of the legendary 375 Castle, or, as we have come to call it, the Yellow Castle. As one of LEGO’s earliest sets with minifigures, it would include an alarming 14 of them. Each minifigure was special; they were charming, and call to a much simpler time. Today, their use of stickers and lack of detail may look bad, but for its time, the concept of the minifigure itself was revolutionary. The Castle was defended by an unnamed faction, who we’ve come to call the Yellow Castle Knights, or the Crown Knights. They were a faction shrouded in mystery, their lore crafted by the imaginations of those who played with them. Their colors were blue and pink, and their symbol featured a golden crown. The Basic Soldiers wore light gray nasal helmets, and wielded halberds, while the Knights wore light gray Classic Space Helmets with a Medieval visor and fought with a long sword. White, black, and red varieties were also included. Each pair appeared to be from different factions, although a name was not given. The Yellow Castle was every kid’s dream; it boasted fortified walls, multiple towers, a working drawbridge, and could be opened for endless hours of play. The cutting-edge of the set for its time and the visible attention to play were a testament to LEGO’s dedication to creating a comprehensive play experience, which would help make this set so treasured among LEGO fans today. But let's discuss the elephant in the room, the color. Say what you want about the Yellow color, but I think it adds a certain “LEGO” charm to the set. However, there are also several theories that would explain the color. Some like to believe the color resembles the yellow plaster found on some Castles, similar to Pena Palace in Portugal. Another theory is that the Castle was made from gold. Afterall, yellow was the color LEGO used to represent gold back in the day, and the gold shield and sword from the king from minifigure series 13 would suggest the kingdom’s riches. In the following year, LEGO would continue to expand upon Castle with the release of 383 Knight’s Tournament and 677 Knight’s Procession. 383 Knight’s Tournament featured a Joust. It was colorful, including a canopy and two horses with brick-built barding. However, where the set shines the most is the minifigures. The set would feature four knights of various kind. Two were meant to be the audience, and belonged to an unnamed faction. The other two were participating in the joust, and each belonged to different factions. Possibly they were enemies, or just fighting; we will never know. Interestingly, there were two other minifigures included. These are simple minifigures, and there really isn’t anything interesting about them. But I have a question…who are they? Brickset gives interesting names to them, “Prince”, and “Princess”. Aha, so is this the first instance of royalty in LEGO Castle? I guess it is.
But why does it matter when the true story is up to the builder, am I right. On that subject, the Princess wasn’t only one of the first instances of royalty in LEGO Castle, but also the first canonical female minifigure in LEGO Castle. You could argue that some of the knights included in the Yellow Castle were female since they all shared the same smiling face plate, but that is up for interpretation. 677 Knight’s Procession is the earliest example of a Battle Pack. For those unfamiliar, a Battle Pack is a $15-$30 set which you buy multiple of for the purpose of building an army. Normally, they include a couple of minifigures and a small side build to flesh out the price. In this case, Knight’s Procession included 6 Knights of unnamed faction and a cart. However, this set is hiding a dark secret. RetroBlasting made a YouTube video on why this is one of most disturbing LEGO sets ever produced, which I recommend you check out, but I have something completely different to say about this set. First, we need to look at the name. Knight’s Procession, but what does that even mean? To give you some context, a procession is, “a number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part of a ceremony or festival”. Thanks Google. That makes sense, thats exactly what we see in the set. But why? Well look into the contents of the wagon. We see some yellow, red, blue, and gray bricks. Okay, well what could that mean? Well look at this minifigure; yellow, red, blue, and gray colors. Now put the pieces together. Yikes, that is horrifying. It looks like the unnamed faction has lost one of its members. So is this a funeral service. Well that theory makes sense when you realize many cultures partake in ceremonies like this. Even if that’s not what the LEGO designers were thinking, this set certainly raises the question. In 1981, LEGO would release the previous three sets under different set numbers and branding. Famously, these releases are worth significantly less than the original trio despite minimal changes. LEGO would also release three minifigure packs: 0016 Castle Minifigures in 1979, 6002 Castle Figures in 1983, and 15 Castle Minifigures in 1984. Sets like these were great because they allowed fans to dabble the LEGO Castle universe without spending too much money. Although these sets were nothing special, they provided additional needed context and depth to the Lego theme and introduced new elements and scenarios for LEGO fans to incorporate into their narratives. Since none of the factions had developed lore like later Castle subthemes, LEGO’s commitment to letting the kid create their own story is evident. Sadly, the era of Classic Castle would end 30 years ago. However, LEGO wasn’t completely done with the property. Being such an iconic set for LEGO as a whole, the Yellow Castle would receive many references. In 2018, the Yellow Castle appeared in the 60 Years of the LEGO Brick set. In 2022, LEGO celebrated its 90th Anniversary, so the Yellow Castle was bound to make appearances. The LEGO set appeared as a Walmart exclusive in miniature form. In Minifigures Series 22, the Troubadour minifigure included golden coins that featured the Yellow Castle’s Crest. In the Lion Knight’s Castle, shields from the Yellow Castle and Knights Procession make an appearance. Additionally, a Yellow Castle is being built as a LEGO set. Wait, so LEGO exists in the LEGO Castle universe? The Yellow Castle would also appear in the 90 Years of Play from the Classic theme, and the Tribute to the LEGO House GWP. In 2023, the Yellow Castle would appear as a Model in an exhibit dedicated to LEGO in the Natural History Museum. Minifigures Series 23 featured a remake of a classic knight, the Knight of the Yellow Castle. That Christmas’ Employee Gift, a Gingerbread House, would feature a miniature Yellow Castle on Day 13. I think you get the point, LEGO loves the Yellow Castle. Since Classic Castle’s world and story was not fully fledged out by LEGO, finding its lore can be difficult. However, LEGO has given us some hints. But where do these hints lead us, we don’t know. But hey, that’s what made Classic Castle special. It was up to us who’s who in the world of good and evil, and LEGO wouldn’t limit our imagination run wild. Besides, the lack of lore will motivate fans to continue learning about Castle lore and forming their own theories. Will this LEGO Castle faction make a full comeback, I doubt it, but I’m sure LEGO fans will continue to expand upon its universe themselves. Sure, we may never see Classic Castle in its full glory again, but that doesn’t mean its lost to time.
