Question

who is the central character introduced in the beginning of the myth?
the father of the maasai
what major conflict is introduced in the beginning?
a volcano erupts, sending the cows flying into the sky.
how is the major conflict developed in the middle?
the three sons must figure out how to control the weather.
the cows are starving, so they must be returned to the earth.
children become stuck after climbing a tree to see the cows.

Explanation:

This refers to the Maasai creation myth. After cows are sent to the sky by a volcanic eruption, the middle of the myth focuses on the need to return the cows, as they (and the Maasai who rely on them) are starving, which develops the initial conflict.

Answer:

The cows are starving, so they must be returned to the earth.