Helmut Kirchmeier was a German tax inspector when he went to a circus and saw a sword-swallowing act. Twelve years, 200 tattoos, and the total elimination of his gag reflex later, he is Hannibal Hellmurto, professional sword swallower and hypnotist. While swallowing a neon lightbulb before a live audience last year, he tore a 4-inch hole in his esophagus — then recovered and returned to the stage.