In reply to Marek:
> Or for that matter - the summit of the Grande Jorasses "mythical"? I'm sure I've seen it. I'd swear it's real.
The word "myth" doesn't necessarily mean "untrue", it means something that is an important part of our story about our past (whether true or untrue).
From m-w.com: for "Myth"
1
a : a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon b : parable, allegory
2
a : a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone; especially : one embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of society <seduced by the American myth of individualism — Orde Coombs>