10 Real-Life Horror Stories That Will Probably Ruin Your Day

1. The German Cannibal Who Ate A Man's Penis And Then Read Star Trek

If that title doesn't ruin your day, nothing will. Although, that's just the tip of the iceberg where this real life horror story is concerned. In 2001, Armin Meiwes posted an advert online, looking for a "well-built 18 to 30-year-old to be slaughtered and then consumed". Not quite a Match.com profile guaranteed to get you a date - alas - one equally deranged fellow responded.

That man was Bernd Jürgen Armando Brande, who allowed Meiwes to cut off his penis; which he then cooked, seasoned and attempted to share with the now-bleeding-to-death Brande. Apparently raw penis was too "chewy", so they fried it with salt, pepper, wine, garlic, and some of Brandes' fat. The entire freakshow was filmed, and court officials who saw it say that Meiwes then read a Star Trek book for hours while Brandes lay bleeding in the bath.

He kissed Brandes before stabbing him to death in the throat, hanging the body on a meat hook and tearing chunks of flesh from it. He then consumed the body over the next 10 months, grinding bones to use as flour.

Apparently Meiwes is sorry for his crimes and has become a vegetarian in jail, but he does believe there are about 800 cannibals living in Germany. Remind us to re-think that forthcoming trip to Berlin.

So there you go: 10 absolutely horrifying TRUE tales you can tell around the campfire. Know any more scary stories that aren't just urban myths? Share them with us in the comments below!