Leitmotifs in the Pilots

Ninjago Main Theme

The iconic main theme for the the show, the ninja team, their allies, and the land of Ninjago itself. It uses notes on a pentatonic scale (and often traditional East Asian instrumentation as well) to embody the Asian influences in Ninjago’s premise and setting. Some form of this theme is played in almost every episode.

Dragons

A majestic and energetic leitmotif usually played on horns in the key of C, used to represent the four dragons that guard the Golden Weapons. The piece is composed of a series of ascending intervals.

Spinjitzu

A series of several three-note ascending arpeggios played on the pipa. It is used throughout the show whenever Spinjitzu plays a significant role in the story, such as in the pilot episodes where the ninja learn it, with the forbidden scroll and Aspheera in the Fire Chapter, and with Arin in Dragons Rising.

Legend

This theme played on duduk represents the legends of early Ninjago, namely, the Golden Weapons.

Skulkin

An intimidating melody in the key of F-Sharp played with electric guitar and dilruba. The main part of the leitmotif is a set of two ascending three-note intervals, differentiated by the final notes. It is used to represent the Skeleton Army and the Underworld.

Kruncha and Nuckal

A comedic, percussive leitmotif in the key of F# that plays whenever Kruncha and Nuckal are up to their antics. Also known as “boneheads”.

Wu

A short leitmotif on (normally) the flute, composed of lethargic ascending notes that flow into a statement of the Ninjago Overture. It represents Wu and the mysticism that surrounds him. While introduced in the Pilots, its most noticeable appearances are in SoG and even more so Hunted, with different-sounding variations used for his different stages of aging.

Lord Garmadon

An imposing three-note melody (composed of D natural, F natural, and C sharp), played on various instruments depending on the situation (dilruba during his time as king of the underworld). It represents the evil, Devourer-corrupted side of Garmadon.