How did ivar the boneless die?

Answer 1

Most scholars agree that Ivar died in Ireland, about 873. In the Norse Sagas, it is suggested he died of old age. In the Irish / Christian sources, he died suddenly from a "horrible" disease.

Ivar's birthday is unknown, and speculation that he was born in the last decade of the 8th century may be off by half a century! That he led the Great Heathen Army of Danes against the English kingdoms in 865 argues for a younger man. Warfare and campaigning in the 9th century were not for elderly men; and a birth-date of 794 would mean he was 71 years old at the time of the Danish invasion. While not impossible, this is highly unlikely.

Thus a death by old age in 873 is equally unlikely. Disease in the 9th century was a common cause of death in people of all ages; and this seems likely for Ivar the Boneless.

Answer 2

The historical accounts of Ivar the Boneless's death are uncertain and often conflicting. Some sources suggest he died of natural causes, while others claim he was killed in battle or by other means. The exact circumstances of his death remain a subject of debate among historians.