The term for a story that is passed down orally is "oral tradition." Oral tradition encompasses the practice of sharing stories, myths, legends, and historical accounts through spoken word rather than written texts. This form of storytelling has been a crucial method for preserving cultural heritage, history, and moral teachings in many societies, particularly among indigenous and nomadic peoples. Oral traditions can include various genres, such as folktales, epic poetry, and proverbs, and they often evolve over time as they are retold. Scholars study these stories to understand the values, beliefs, and histories of communities.