In J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology, who destroyed Númenor?

Eru Ilúvatar destroyed Númenor in J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology.

Númenor was a powerful island kingdom of Men in the Second Age. Its rulers became increasingly jealous of the immortal Elves and fearful of death. Sauron exploited that fear, eventually persuading King Ar-Pharazôn to attack Valinor in an attempt to seize immortality.

In response to the invasion, Eru Ilúvatar changed the shape of the world and sank Númenor beneath the sea. The event is described in “Akallabêth,” one of the major narratives in The Silmarillion. Elendil and his sons survived because they had opposed the king and sailed away before the destruction.

Sauron caused the corruption that led to the disaster, but he did not destroy the island himself. Manwë was the chief of the Valar, yet the final act belonged to Eru, the creator of Tolkien’s universe.