Hastur was first named by Ambrose Bierce in Haita The Shepherd. The name appears to be entirely his invention and it has been suggested that it may have been inspired by the kingdom of Asturias in northern Spain (not too far from Carcassonne, a possible influence on the name Carcosa) or influenced by 'pasture', as Hastur was the God of Shepherds in the story, although evidence is lacking for either suggestion.