What does patron mean in Greece?

In Greek mythology, a patron was a tutelary deity, hero, or goddess who was believed to watch over and protect a particular individual, group, or place. Patrons were often associated with specific qualities or attributes, and they were often invoked in prayers and offerings for protection, guidance, or success. For example, the goddess Athena was the patron of wisdom, war, and the city of Athens, while the god Apollo was the patron of music, poetry, healing, and the arts. Patrons were also believed to have a role in the afterlife, guiding and protecting the souls of the deceased in the underworld.