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 . In her role as a protector of the city ( polis ) , many people throughout the Greek world worshipped Athena as Athena Polias ( Ἀθηνᾶ Πολιάς `` Athena of the city '' ) . Minerva ( [ mɪˈnɝ.və ] [ mɪˈnɛr.wa ] ; Etruscan : Menrva ) was the Roman goddess of wisdom and sponsor of arts , trade , and strategy .