While Róak isn't a character in *The Hobbit*, he plays a significant role in Tolkien's *The Silmarillion*. He is the first dwarf ever created by Aulë (the Valar who created the dwarves).
Róak's importance to the dwarves stems from his lineage:
* He is the ancestor of all dwarves. Every dwarf can trace their ancestry back to Róak, making him a foundational figure in their history.
* He embodies the strength and tenacity of the dwarves. As the first, he represents the essential qualities that define dwarven culture: a love of craftsmanship, their connection to the earth, and their resilience in the face of adversity.
While not directly mentioned in *The Hobbit*, the dwarves' inherent connection to Róak and their history of being "Children of Aulë" is implied throughout the story.
Therefore, Róak is important to the dwarves because he is the patriarch of their race, symbolizing their origins, strengths, and cultural values.