What describes stories that have been passed down orally before being written?

The term that best describes stories that have been passed down orally before being written is folklore. Folklore encompasses the traditions, customs, tales, and beliefs of a particular culture or group that are communicated through oral storytelling. This includes myths, legends, fables, and other narratives that reflect the cultural values and social norms of a community.

While legends, epics, and fables are all forms of storytelling that may also be passed down orally, folklore serves as the broader category that includes these specific narratives. Legends often have a historical basis, epics are lengthy narratives that usually focus on heroic deeds, and fables typically convey moral lessons with anthropomorphized animals. Thus, folklore is the most accurate descriptor for stories that originate from oral traditions prior to being documented in writing.