Electronic cave trolls? Middle-earth marbles? Ringwraiths with slashing-sword action? Meddle not in the affairs of merchandisers, for they are unsubtle and quick to cash in!

‘Rings’ of Desire: The Toys Fans Will Yearn For
by Alissa MacMillan
New York Daily News

Here’s what to expect later this year on the Lord of the Rings toy shelf:

Action Figure Twin Pack Assortment — Boromir vs. Uruk-Hai, Galadriel and Frodo, and Merry and Pippin. Available in August, $12.99

Deluxe Horse Assortment — The Ring Wraiths comes with a horse and rider with slashing-sword abilities. The horse’s eyes light up when you pull on the reins. August, $19.99

Electronic Cave Troll — This 10-inch evil goblin swings a club, jabs a spear and snarls. December, $19.99

Collector Series Assortments — The 9-inch to 12-inch action figures of Gandalf, Frodo, Arwen, Aragorn, Gimli and Galadriel. August and October, $19.99

Bow and Arrow — Used by Uruk-Hai, it shoots foam arrows. August, $16.99

Electronic Middle Earth Sword — A 30-inch saber that makes clanging sounds. August, $14.99

Electronic Light and Sound Sting Sword — The magical sword of Frodo Baggins is 20 inches and shows the date and time. August, $12.99

Flip-Top Watch — Has both good and evil characters on the face. August, $12.99

Marble Pouches — Leather pouches with 10 marbles. August and October, $6.99

Intelli-Blox — Electronic building blocks, figures and scenes let children create their own adventure. Summer, $9.99-$27.99