LEGO Crusaders
1987
The LEGO Crusaders was the fan name for one of the original, highly popular factions within the classic, discontinued LEGO Castle line, running from 1984 to 1992. The official LEGO name for the theme was simply "Castle," but fans used names like "Crusaders" or "Lion Knights" to differentiate the factions.
Theme Overview
The Crusaders faction was portrayed as the main, benevolent force of the kingdom. They were the "good guys" in the ongoing conflict with the Black Falcons, another popular faction of the era. The theme was known for its detailed castles, jousting tournaments, and focus on classic medieval life.
Aesthetic: Minifigures wore iconic red and yellow quartered tunics with a lion crest. They had a variety of weapons, flags, and shields with the same heraldry.
Characters: The theme included a king figure and a variety of knights and soldiers, some with feathered helmets and detailed armor.
Play Features: Sets included working drawbridges, catapults, and hidden treasure chests, encouraging imaginative play.
Notable Discontinued Sets These sets are iconic and highly sought-after collector's items. They are no longer available new from retailers but can only be found on the secondary market from re-sellers.
King's Castle (6080 - Note: set number conflict, also known as the Lion Knights' Castle): The flagship set and primary fortress, featuring a functional drawbridge, a dungeon, and several minifigures including a king.
Knight's Challenge (6023): A popular jousting set that allowed two knights to compete.
Guardians' Treasure (6035): A small, affordable set featuring a treasure chest and two minifigures for a simple guard scenario.
Crusader's Cart (6011): A very small promotional set.
Legacy and Modern Homages
The Crusaders are one of the most beloved and iconic LEGO Castle factions.
Lion Knights' Castle (10305): The modern adult collector's castle released in 2022 is a direct homage to this classic faction, featuring the same red and yellow color scheme, lion crest, and a queen minifigure.
Minifigure Collectible: The minifigure series frequently includes a classic "Castle Knight" (as seen in Series 25) with the iconic red and yellow uniform, a nod to the enduring popularity of the Crusaders.
BrickLink Designer Program: A fan-designed "Castle in the Forest" and "Castle of the Forest" were successfully crowdfunded and produced as limited-edition sets, incorporating elements from this classic era.
