The importance of this speech is that Wiglaf, a young outsider, is trying to convince Beowulf's inner circle of loyal warriors to aid him because Beowulf is "the people's protector" and he has "managed the most glory,/daring deeds." Clearly, Wiglaf is appealing to the retainers' sense of loyalty not merely to their king but also to a man who has amassed a history of "daring deeds.