* Epic poems were often oral traditions first: They were passed down through generations, meaning the language would evolve and change to be more understandable to the people of each era. This means the language was likely more familiar to common people than the highly formal and complex languages of the elites.
* "Common uneducated people" weren't a monolithic group: Even in ancient societies, literacy existed among some people. In addition, oral traditions often had skilled storytellers who memorized and recited the epics, sometimes with embellishments and variations. These storytellers were often well-respected members of their communities.
* Epics often used poetic language and devices: This language was intentionally designed to be memorable and engaging, but it could also be more difficult to understand than everyday speech. Think of how Shakespeare's plays use rich language and imagery.
* Ancient languages were more flexible: Many ancient languages had more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary, which allowed for greater flexibility in expressing complex ideas. This meant that even with poetic language, epics could convey nuanced meanings that were accessible to a wider range of listeners.
* Epics had specific audiences: While they were meant to be entertaining and informative, epics often served specific purposes within their societies. They might have been used to:
* Preserve cultural history: They told stories of heroes, gods, and important events.
* Teach moral lessons: They illustrated values and behaviors that were important to the community.
* Propaganda: They could promote certain political or social agendas.
In short, while epics were generally accessible to a broad audience, they weren't necessarily written in the language of the most uneducated people. Their language was a mix of elements that aimed to be entertaining, informative, and impactful, reaching a broad range of listeners and readers.