Hystaspes (Greek form of Old Persian 𐎻𐎡𐏁𐎫𐎠𐎿𐎱 Vishtaspa) can refer to two individuals:

1. A semi-legendary Vishtaspa (modern Persian گشتاسب Goshtâsb) or "ancient poet and leader" praised by Zoroaster as his protector and a true believer, the son of Aurvataspa (Persian Lohrasp). The later tradition and the Shahnama of Firdousi makes him (in the modern form of his name, Key Gushtasp) a "king of Iran". Since Zoroaster probably preached his religion in what is now eastern Iran, Vishtaspa must have been a dynast in Bactria or Sogdiana.

1. A Persian, son of Arsames, king of Persia, and father of Darius I, great king of Media and Persia. He was satrap of Parthia under the rule of Cambyses II, Smerdis and his own son. Darius himself mentions this in the Behistun inscription (2. 65).

1. A Persian prince, son of Xerxes I and brother of Artaxerxes I.

Ammianus Marcellinus (xxiii. 6. 32) and many modern authors have identified the father of Darius with the protector of Zoroaster. This identification is not universally accepted and whether it is deemed possible depends on the date one assigns to Zoroaster.

Zoroastrianism | Persian mythology

Hystaspés | گشتاسب‌شاه | Hystaspes (vader van Darius) | Hystaspes