The Disguise of Charles II (1651)

After losing the Battle of Worcester, Charles II of England had to evade capture by the Parliamentarians. He hid in an oak tree (now known as the Royal Oak), disguised himself as a peasant, and even learned to speak with a regional accent. He eventually escaped to France. His survival enabled him to reclaim his throne nine years later on what he'd call "Royal Oak Day".

Lesson: Adaptability can be a key to survival.