It consists of variously colored interlocking plastic bricks accompanying an array of gears, figurines called minifigures, and various other parts. Lego® pieces can be assembled and connected in many ways to construct objects, including vehicles, buildings, and working robots. Anything constructed can be taken apart again, and the pieces can be reused to make new things.
The name "Lego" derives from the Danish phrase
leg godt [lɑjˀ ˈkʌt], which means "play well".
Lego®'s popularity is demonstrated by its wide representation and usage in many forms of cultural works, including books, films, and art work. It has even been used in the classroom as a teaching tool.
Since the 1950s, the Lego®
Group has released thousands of sets with a
variety of themes. Over the years, Lego®
has licensed themes from numerous cartoon and
film franchises and even some from
video games. These include Batman, Indiana Jones,
Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Minecraft.