Athena is a patron goddess.
Athena . In ancient Greek literature , Athena is portrayed as the astute companion of heroes and as the patron goddess of heroic endeavour . She is also the patroness of Athens . While the city of Athens and the goddess Athena essentially bear the same name ( Athena the goddess , Athenai the city ) , it is not known which of the two words is derived from the other . Minerva ( [ mɪˈnɝ.və ] [ mɪˈnɛr.wa ] ; Etruscan : Menrva ) was the Roman goddess of wisdom and sponsor of arts , trade , and strategy .