The show is set in the fictional world of Ninjago, a place inspired by Chinese and Japanese myths and culture. The land is divided between Ninjago proper and the Dark Island, where the Overlord resides. After years of peace, Ninja masters Kai, Jay, Zane and Cole are forced to come out of retirement to take on Lloyd Garmadon, the son of their archenemy. When Garmadon releases an army of sinister snake people to help him conquer the land of Ninjago, his evil plan goes awry as he loses control. Soon, Garmadon is himself taken prisoner by the manipulative snakes.