The term for a story passed down orally through generations is "folklore" or sometimes "oral tradition." These narratives often comprise myths, legends, fairy tales, and fables that typically reflect the cultural values and beliefs of a community. Driven by the need to educate, entertain, or preserve history, oral traditions are an essential part of many cultures around the world. They can vary in content and form, and while they evolve over time, their core messages and lessons often remain relevant across generations.