Erling Persson (21 January 1917 – 28 October 2002) was the visionary founder of H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), a global fashion retail giant. Inspired by the efficient, high-volume stores he encountered during a post-World War II trip to the United States, Persson established the company in Västerås, Sweden, in 1947, initially focusing on women's clothing under the name Hennes, which means "hers" in Swedish. In a strategic move in 1968, he acquired the premises and inventory of a Stockholm hunting equipment store named Mauritz Widforss, leading to the birth of the iconic H&M brand. As the company expanded, his son, Stefan Persson, took over as the managing director in 1982 and now serves as the chairman of the board. With the Persson family retaining about 47% ownership and 74% voting rights, H&M continues to thrive as a leader in the global fashion industry, reflecting Erling Persson's enduring legacy of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Erling Blöndal Bengtsson (8 March 1932 – 6 June 2013) was a renowned Danish cellist known for his exceptional talent and contributions to the world of classical music. Born in Copenhagen, Bengtsson displayed his musical prowess from a young age, delivering his first public performance at just four years old. His dedication to the art led him to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied under the guidance of the legendary Gregor Piatigorsky and later became a respected educator himself. Bengtsson's illustrious career saw him teaching at esteemed institutions such as the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen and the Hochschule für Musik Köln in Germany. He also graced the University of Michigan School of Music with his expertise until his retirement in 2006. Throughout his life, Bengtsson's musical legacy was immortalized through numerous phonograph and CD recordings, capturing his masterful interpretations of classical compositions. His profound impact on the world of music was further commemorated with a sculpture titled "The Musician" by Icelandic artist Ólöf Pálsdóttir, which now stands as a tribute to his artistry. Erling Blöndal Bengtsson's timeless contributions continue to inspire and resonate with music enthusiasts worldwide.

Erling Mortensen, born on April 5, 1955, is a prominent Danish chess International Master (IM) and a four-time Danish Chess Championship winner. He was a leading figure in Danish chess from the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s. Mortensen's remarkable career includes numerous accolades in international chess tournaments, such as securing first place in Winterthur (1976), Reykjavik Open (1990), and Politiken Cup (Copenhagen, 1997), among others. Additionally, he represented Denmark in multiple Chess Olympiads and European Team Chess Championships, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. In 1980, Mortensen was honored with the FIDE International Master (IM) title, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the global chess community. His contributions and achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of chess, earning him a well-deserved place in its history.

Erling Christie (19 May 1928 — 3 September 1996) was a renowned Norwegian author known for his contributions to modernism in Norway as a poet and critic. Throughout his life, Christie published five poetry collections, which were later compiled in the posthumous collection "Samlede dikt" (Aschehoug 1998). Notably, his literary works played a significant role in introducing numerous English language authors to the Norwegian public, and his own poetry was influenced by prominent English speaking writers such as T. S. Eliot. In 1959, Christie experienced a life-changing accident that resulted in the loss of his sight and subsequent unemployment. Despite this adversity, he channeled his experiences into his writing, producing "Tegnene slukner," a work that was published the year following the accident. Christie's notable bibliography includes "Drøm om havet" (Aschehoug 1954), "Serenade for blå gitar" (Aschehoug 1956), "Minus. Satiriske dikt" (Aschehoug 1959), "Tegnene slukner" (Aschehoug 1960), and "Samlede dikt" (Aschehoug 1998). His literary legacy continues to resonate within the Norwegian literary landscape.